Botanical Overview
Fortune’s Fern (Drynaria fortunei) is a flowering plant in the Polypodiaceae family. Traditional medicine systems have documented several valuable applications for this species, supported by its observed therapeutic effects. This species belongs to the Polypodiaceae family, a group of flowering plants.
General Description
The plant is native to Eastern Asia, including eastern China.
Family Context
The Polypodiaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Common Polypody — 20 documented uses
- Calaguala — 8 documented uses
Traditional Uses
Fortune’s Fern has been traditionally used for digestive health, urinary tract health, and pain and inflammation.
Digestive health.
- Carminative
For digestive complaints, the herb is typically prepared as a tea or decoction taken before meals. The bitter compounds stimulate digestive secretions and improve nutrient absorption. Some traditions use the powdered root or leaves in small doses as a stomachic tonic.
Urinary tract health.
- Kidney
Urinary tract applications typically involve drinking the herb as a mild tea, which increases urine production and helps flush the urinary system. It may be combined with other demulcent herbs to soothe irritated tissues.
Pain and inflammation.
- Rheumatism
- Anodyne
- Arthritis
- Lumbago
For pain and inflammation, preparations are applied both topically as compresses and taken internally. A warm poultice draws blood to the area and promotes healing, while internal preparations address systemic inflammation.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 13 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).