A plant record

Maidenhair fern (kapilè)

Adiantum capillus-veneris

EnglishMaidenhair fern

Kreyòlkapilè

FrançaisCapillaire

BotanicalAdiantum capillus-veneris

Maidenhair fern (kapilè) — Adiantum capillus-veneris, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

Respiratory, cough, hair loss, skin conditions, wounds, inflammation

Prepared as

Frond tea: boil handful of fronds in 2 cups water 10 minutes, drink 1 cup twice daily for cough, bronchitis, and hair loss. Fresh frond poultice applied to inflamed skin and wounds. Cold infusion: soak fronds in cold water overnight, drink for urinary complaints and kidney support. Frond decoction used as hair rinse to strengthen follicles and reduce shedding.

In three languages

Kreyòl — Pou pwoblèm respiratwa, tous, chèv k ap tonbe, maladi po, blesi, ak enflamasyon

Français — Pour les voies respiratoires, la toux, la perte de cheveux, les affections cutanées, les plaies et l'inflammation

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Kept alongside

LicoricePineapplePeacock flowerCalotropePapayaRingworm senna

More on Haitian plant medicine