Dryopteris cristata
For tape worms (male fern); in the treatment of internal haemorrhage, uterine bleeding, mumps, feverish illnesses, abscesses, boils, carbuncles and sores (root)
Dryopteris filix-mas
Destroying intestinal worms and as a fungicide (on the skin). The male fern is one of the most popular and effective treatments for tape worms. The root contains an oleoresin that paralyses tapeworms and other internal parasites and has been used as a worm expellent. The root is also taken internally in the treatment of internal haemorrhage, uterine bleeding, mumps and feverish illnesses. Externally, the root is used as a poultice in the treatment of abscesses, boils, carbuncles and sores