Adiantum capillus-veneris L.
Common names: Maidenhair fern, common maidenhair
Texas location: C, SW, W, N, & E TX; common in Travis Co.
Medicine
Fronds – a decoction of this and Pelazoneuron kunthii was drunk before breakfast for four consecutive days after intercourse as a contraceptive by the Mexican Kickapoo (Latorre and Latorre 1977:348). The root of camphor daisy (Heterotheca subaxillaris) was added to this decoction as a treatment for excessive menstrual flow, or loss of blood after miscarriage or abortion (Latorre and Latorre 1977:348).
Material
Notes – certain references record the use by some Indians of a decoction of the plant to wash the hair in order to make it dark and glossy. However, the stems of maidenhair fern are a beautiful glossy black and very smooth. So this use is surely a “doctrine of signatures” use, with no actual chemical benefit to hair.
The Karok used the stems of a congener (Adiantum pedatum) for basketry because it was an excellent material for glossy black designs (Schenck and Gifford 1952:377). Adiantum capillus-veneris can surely be used the same.
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