ASPIDIUM—MALE FERN
Derivation.—The rhizome of Aspidium Filix-mas. Collected late in the autumn, divested of its roots, leaves and dead portions, and carefully dried. Male fern should not be kept more than a year.
Habitat.—The male fern grows wild throughout most temperate regions, on the sides of roads and in open woods, especially where the soil is light.
Properties.—Its root stock is perennial, about a foot long and two inches thick; is scaly, tufted, greenish-brown, and firmly fixed in the ground by numerous black root fibers. The dried root has a disagreeable odor, and a sweet, astringent, nauseous taste. Powdered male fern should be freshly prepared and have a bright green color.
Dose.—The powdered male fern is given to horses and cattle in doses of 4 to 6 ozs.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 4 ozs.; dogs and cats, 1⁄2 to 2 ozs. The powder is bulky, and less certain than the oleoresin of aspidium.