Bracken is one of the most impressive native ferns with its striking size and impressive fronds. Despite its toxic ingredients, it was often used as a medicine in the past. In some countries it is still used in the kitchen today.
Is bracken edible?
Eating bracken is dangerous because all parts of the plant contain toxic substances such as hydrogen cyanide glycoside and the cancer-causing enzyme thiaminase. Cooking and drying do not break down these toxins, so dishes and teas made from bracken are not edible.
How does bracken affect people?
All plant components of the bracken ferncontain toxins Young leaves produce hydrogen cyanide glycoside, from which toxic hydrogen cyanide is formed when consumed. As bracken ferns age, they produce a higher spectrum of toxins. These substances do not decompose through cooking or drying. Therefore, dishes and teas made from the fern are not edible.
What other effects does bracken have on he alth?
Bracken is also suspected ofcausing cancer The highly toxic enzyme thiaminase is contained in older fronds and partly in the spores of the bracken. This substance is said to attack the bone marrow. In countries where bracken is still eaten today, the high incidence of stomach and intestinal cancer is attributed to the consumption of bracken.
What effect does bracken have on animals?
For most petsBracken is also poisonous Thiamirase acts on the nerves of pigs, horses and goats, causing nerve damage. In cattle, the mucous membranes are attacked. The result is often bleeding and bloody urine. Bracken has been shown to cause bladder and colon cancer in cattle.
Tip
bracken in the garden
Bracken fern is not only poisonous, but it spreads quickly. In autumn, the harmful spores fly around the garden. That's why you should avoid bracken in the garden and fight it there.
