Calaguala, scientific name polypodium lepidopteris, is a plant that belongs to the family of polypodiaceae , which is also popularly known as guaçu fern, male fetus, huayhuashi-shupa, among others. It is an ornamental and herbaceous plant whose root is a tortuous and fleshy rhizome that remains half-buried and covered with dark brown remaining petioles, producing long root fibers.Its foliage is crown-shaped, reaching between 60 centimeters and 1.5 meters in length. Each of the leaves is bipinnate, alternate, sessile, subdivided into segments and oblong-lanceolate. When they are about to be born, the leaves appear curled and spiraled, in addition to being covered with a very fine down. They open up during their growth and are covered with two lines of reddish brown sporangia.

Native to Europe, Asia, North America and South America in its temperate areas, the plant has spread around the world and has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes.

Benefits and Properties of Calaguala

The plant can be used as a form of treatment for intestinal parasites, recurrent nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding, wounds, veterinary vermifuge, psoriasis, vitiligo, dermatitis, multiple sclerosis, asthma, rheumatic pain, bronchitis with thick discharge. It has expectorant, liver, hypotensive, pectoral, sweating, tonic, anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, among others.

Care and contraindications

Although there are no reports on the use case in pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid consumption. The plant should be avoided by patients with clotting disorders, evidence of bleeding, chronic diarrhea, fern allergy, diabetics and cardiac patients.

The plant, being rich in salicylates, should not be consumed together with anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin, as it can enhance the effects. When used at recommended doses, it has no toxicology.

Side effects

Among the side effects, we cite possible photosensitivity reactions, diarrhea, nausea, headaches, dyspnea, nausea, diarrhea, vertigo, tremors, convulsions, and cardiac and respiratory failure. When in overdose, seek medical attention immediately so that measures for poisoning can be taken.

how to consume

In capsule formula, three should be consumed a day, two of which should be taken together, about half an hour before breakfast, and the other should be consumed half an hour before dinner.

The treatment can take between three and six months, and it can take between one and two months to notice the changes.

How to prepare tea?

To prepare, you should use two grams (one tablespoon of the herb) for every cup of hot water.