Ceterach: use, properties, and tradition

The Ceterach officinarum, belonging to the Aspleniaceae family, also known as Cedracca, Stonebreaker Herb, or Rust Herb; comes from the Latin ceterum = the rest, the remaining; that is, everything that the body cannot expel, primarily residing in the kidneys and bladder as stones, sand, etc. The term stonebreaker is derived from the remedy’s ability to dissolve or at least reduce kidney stones.

 

The popular name Rust Herb comes from its appearance and color at full maturity.

 

Ceterach is a small fern native to Central Europe capable of growing in rock crevices and gradually breaking them apart; hence it is called stonebreaker, not only for breaking kidney and bladder stones but also for fracturing rocks.

 

The leaf blade, about ten centimeters long, is divided into zigzag incised pinnae almost to the rachis, quite spaced apart, carrying dark green and smooth lobes on the upper side. The stalk and the lower side of the lobes are covered with dense short, gray-reddish scales. During the summer, as moisture diminishes, the stonebreaker clumps wither, and the leaves dry up, only to reappear in the rainy season.

 

The rhizome and fronds of this plant are used.

 

Main constituents: tannins, mucilages, bitter substances, gallic acid, and minerals.

 

Properties: diuretic and disinfectant. It is recommended for individuals with dysuria due to the presence of oxalic acid or oxalates in urine and those suffering from sand in the kidneys. It is vermifuge at the intestinal level, and the rhizome is attributed with expectorant properties.

 

Hippocrates and Dioscorides recommended its use to treat spleen ailments. Galen also speaks of Ceterach, describing its ability to “break stones.”

 

Regular intake of this remedy at small intervals, as a decoction or extract, prevents lithiasis and keeps the urine of patients prone to gout clear and free from flocculation.

 

Herbal tea based on CETERACH/STONEBREAKER:

 

CETERACH (or STONEBREAKER), ONONIDE, CORN, BUTCHER’S BROOM in equal parts.

 

“It is undoubtedly one of the major remedies because, thanks to CETERACH, it acts on the spleen and, thanks to other diuretic plants, dissolves the Mucous-Phlegmatic part; also, thanks to CORN (refreshing) and TURMERIC, when added, and to BUTCHER’S BROOM, it expels the hepatic heat that stagnates in the renal area.”

 

Mediterranean Traditional Medicine, Luigi Giannelli, Ed. Tecniche Nuove, August 2006 

 

Antilithiatic and preventive infusion for calculi

 

Butcher’s Broom Root 40 grams

Ceterach Fronds 40 grams

Anise Fruit 20 grams

 

Add 60 grams of the mixture in a liter of water. Boil gently for 2-3 minutes. Infuse for about 25 minutes. Filter and drink during the day in 3-4 doses.

 

Decotti e tisane, Costanza Giunti, Ed. Tecniche Nuove – February 2007

 

 

GIULIA CALDARELLI