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What is the sweet fern?
Originating from the boreal forest, the sweet fern, also known as Comptonia peregrina, is a plant that was and is still used in medicine by several Indigenous communities in North America.
They primarily use this plant as a poultice to treat a variety of ailments. However, sweet fern is still used for most of the same purposes in modern herbalism.
How to use it?
The dried leaves of the sweet fern (or Comptonia peregrina) are often used in infusions for their soothing and purifying properties.
Here are some ideas on how to use them:
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Infusion:
To enjoy the benefits of the dried leaves, you can prepare an infusion. Take about 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves for a cup of hot water. Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain. This infusion, mild and slightly fragrant, is ideal for soothing stomach aches, promoting digestion, or simply for relaxation. -
Steam inhalation:
You can also use them in steam inhalation for their purifying and calming properties. Heat water in a bowl, add a few leaves of sweet fern, then inhale the steam for a few minutes to clear the airways. -
Soothing compress:
Prepare a decoction by boiling the leaves in water for about 15 minutes. Use this decoction as a compress to soothe skin inflammations or localized pain.
Learn more
A cold infusion of the leaves has been used externally to counteract the effects of poison ivy. It is also used to wash bites, minor bleeding, etc. In the past, Indigenous peoples used sweet fern to treat symptoms related to the flu and attributed anti-inflammatory and stimulating properties to it.
