What is polypody? And what are the uses of it?
Polypody is the name used to describe the standard form of the fern Polypodium vulgare, an evergreen fern native to temperate zones of Europe, Africa, and Eastern Asia.
The rhizomes in the fern have been utilized since early times in traditional systems of medicine throughout Europe, America, and Asia to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory and liver conditions. However, there is no evidence-based research to support any of the uses. Polypody is promoted as a herbal supplement available over the counter (OTC). Polypody can also be used to sweeten food items.
The polypody rhizome is bitter and sweet taste with a bitter aftertaste. The polypody rhizome has been believed to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, expectorant diuretic, antispasmodic digestive, and analgesic laxative properties. Studies suggest that the medicinal properties of polypody might be due to the bioactive substances it possesses, which are composed of organic acids, tannins, volatile oils, fatty acids, sugars, polypodins, and saponins like osladin.
The possible uses for polypody could be:
- Cough
- Cold
- Bronchitis
- The lungs are surrounded by fluid (pleurisy)
- Liver ailments
- Liver inflammation (hepatitis)
- Digestive aid
- Appetite stimulant
- Laxative
- Diuretic
- Worms
- High blood pressure
- Pain relief
- Wound healing
- Fever
- Anticonvulsant
- Tuberculosis
- Gonorrhea
What are the adverse consequences of polypody?
Warnings
- Avoid taking polypody if you have hypersensitivity to any element of the product.
- Contact with leaves of polypody can cause an itch.
Polypody is not known to cause any significant unwanted side negative effects. Some of the rare side effects are:
- Laxative effect with mild laxative effects
- Rash when you touch leaves
Consult your physician right away If you notice some of the signs or adverse effects from this medication:
- The most serious heart-related symptoms are fast or beating heartbeats, fluttering around your chest and breathlessness and dizziness that is sudden;
- A severe headache, confusion, speech that is slurred, extreme weakness vomiting, loss control, feeling unstable;
- Nervous system reaction is severe with extremely stiff muscles and anxiety, excessive sweating rapid or irregular heartbeats, tremors and feeling as if you're going to pass out or
- Eye problems that can be serious may include blurred or distorted vision, pain in the eye, swelling or spotting halos around light sources.
This is not a comprehensive listing of all adverse reaction or negative effects which might be caused by using this medication. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice regarding severe side effects or negative reactions. You can also report any side reactions or health concerns to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What are the doses of polypody?
There's no scientifically sound information about what is the appropriate dosage of polypody. Make sure to read the product's label.
Suggested dosing:
- Rhizome powder: 6-10 g
- Rhizome decoction: 10-15 g
Not recommended for children under 12 years old.
Overdose
- There is no information available for polypody overdose.
- A high dose of polypody may cause nausea, and long-term use can affect kidneys and the liver.
- Treatment for overdoses can be symptomatic or supportive.
What medications interact with polypody?
Inform your doctor about any medications you're currently taking. They will be able to help you identify any possible interactions between drugs. Never abruptly begin, stop or alter the dose for any drug without a doctor's advice.
- Polypody is not known to cause serious, severe, moderate or minor interactions with other medications.
The above drug interactions are not the only possible interactions and adverse effects. For more information about drug interactions, check out this site: RxList Drug Interaction Checker.
It is essential to inform your pharmacist, doctor or healthcare professional about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines you take along with the dosages for each and make a note of all information. Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional if you have any concerns regarding the medication.
Breastfeeding and pregnancy
- There isn't any information available about the safety of using polypody during nursing or pregnancies. Do not use polypody if nursing or pregnant.
- Avoid taking any herb supplements like polypody in case you are nursing or pregnant.
What else do I need to be aware of about polypody?
- Polypody could be appropriate for adults for a short time.
- Follow the exact instructions for taking polypody according to instructions on the label. Natural products aren't always 100% safe, and following the suggested dosage is crucial.
- Consult your physician prior to taking any dietary supplement, such as polypody, especially in the event that you suffer from any health issues or are on regular medication.
- Herbal products usually contain numerous ingredients. Be sure to read the labels to find out what ingredients are that are in the product you select.
- Polypody is advertised as a herbal supplement and is not controlled through the FDA. The formulations of the products may vary and strength, and the labels might not always be accurate to the content; therefore, be careful when selecting the right product.
- Place polypody in a safe place away from the reach of children.
- If you suspect that you have taken a poisoning, get medical attention or call Poison Control.