Common Centipede: properties, applications and benefits
Common millipede (Polypodiaceae), also known as oak fern, ground fern, or adder's grass, belongs to the millipede family. This medicinal plant is widespread in lowland and mountainous areas, on poor soils but rich in humus, on rocks, in crevices, and also on mossy tree trunks.
The Common Centipede forms a creeping rhizome up to 1 cm thick just below the soil surface or in moss, which has a sweet taste. From it emerge single pinnate leaves with a midrib protruding from below. Next to it are two chains of sori, initially orange and later becoming brown. Spores ripen from June to August.
Like many other medicinal plants, Centipede vulgare has many beneficial properties and uses. The centipede rhizome, known as Polypodii rhi/oma (formerly: Rhizoma Polypodii), is used medicinally. The rhizomes are collected in the fall, washed from adhering soil and quickly dried until completely dry.
Common Centipede contains a small amount of essential oil, tannins and bitterness, as well as saponins, which cause a sweet taste. Occasionally, centipede is included in bronchial tea, since its mucus-thinning effect is not particularly pronounced. In so-called blood purifying teas, in choleretic and liver teas, this medicinal plant is also not often found, although its use here due to its choleretic effect and easy elimination is quite legitimate.
Common Centipede is used in folk medicine in the form of tea for asthma, runny nose, hoarseness, chronic cough and fever, as well as loss of appetite, constipation, jaundice, rheumatism and gout. Sometimes the powdered rhizome is mixed with honey or jam and taken 2-3 times a day, 2 g.
No side effects were observed when using the Common Centipede. However, as with any other medicinal herb, it is recommended that you consult your doctor or pharmacist before use.
In conclusion, Common Centipede is a valuable medicinal plant that has many beneficial properties and uses. It is used in medicine and folk medicine to treat various diseases and conditions such as asthma, runny nose, hoarseness, chronic cough, jaundice, rheumatism and gout. Due to its choleretic properties and easy excretion, Centipede vulgare is also found in blood purifying teas and choleretic and liver teas.
The rhizomes of the common centipede are collected in the fall, and then the rhizomes are quickly dried to a completely dry state. When using Common Centipede as a medicine, you must follow the dosage and consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Overall, Centipede vulgare is a useful and effective medicinal plant that can be used to treat a variety of diseases and conditions. It can also be used as a preventative to strengthen the immune system and maintain health.