Opposite-leaved ear fern, a name in traditional Chinese medicine. It refers to the whole plant of Polystichum deltodon (Bak.) Diels, a member of the Polypodiaceae family. It is distributed in Southwest China, as well as in Anhui, Taiwan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, and Guangxi. It has the effects of promoting blood circulation, relieving pain, reducing swelling, promoting urination, and preventing colds. It is commonly used to treat contusions and sprains, as well as snake bites.
Opposite-leaved Ear Fern
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All references in this article to TCM syndrome differentiation, herbal medicines, teas, and decoctions are intended to promote TCM culture and are provided solely for educational and reference purposes.
Opposite-leaved ear fern, a name in traditional Chinese medicine. It refers to the whole plant of Polystichum deltodon (Bak.) Diels, a member of the Polypodiaceae family. It is distributed in Southwest China, as well as in Anhui, Taiwan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, and Guangxi. It has the effects of promoting blood circulation, relieving pain, reducing swelling, promoting urination, and preventing colds. It is commonly used to treat contusions and sprains, as well as snake bites.
Chinese Name : 对生耳蕨
Aliases : Centipede Grass, Ash-colored Polygonatum
Nature, Flavor & Meridian Tropism : Taste: sour and astringent; nature: slightly cold. Enters the Liver and Kidney meridians
Benefits & Efficacy
Benefits
Promotes blood circulation, relieves pain, reduces swelling, promotes urination, and helps prevent colds.
Indications
For external use to treat contusions and bruises, as well as snake bites.
Usage and Dosage
15–30 g. External use: Apply an appropriate amount, either pounded into a paste or ground into a powder and sprinkled on the affected area.
Applications
Related Compatibility
1. For contusions and bruises: Pound Opposite-leaved Fern and Verbena together and apply the paste to the affected area. (*Hunan Materia Medica*)
2. For snake bites: First, suck out the contaminated blood from the affected area, then apply a paste made from crushed Pteridium heterophyllum leaves to the affected area. If the wound has become ulcerated, grind the leaves into a powder and apply it to the affected area. If swelling is rising upward, prepare a decoction with 30 g of the whole Pteridium heterophyllum plant, 3 g of garlic, and a small amount of realgar, and take it orally. (*Hunan Materia Medica*)
Processing & Preparation
Harvesting & Processing
It can be harvested year-round. After digging it up, wash it thoroughly and use it fresh or dry it in the sun.
Botanical Information
Botanical Classification
A plant of the family Polypodiaceae, specifically the Opposite-leaved Ear Fern.
Morphological Characteristics
A perennial herb, 20–90 cm tall. The rhizome is erect and densely covered with lanceolate scales extending to the base of the petioles.Leaves are clustered; petioles are 5–10 cm long, straw-colored above the base, and sparsely covered with scales; leaf blades are lanceolate, papery, 15–25 cm long, 2.5–3.5 cm wide at the middle, narrowing almost uniformly toward the base, nearly smooth, and once-pinnate;the middle pinnae are 1.2–1.8 cm long (the basal pair is slightly shorter), 6–8 mm wide at the base, oblong or rhomboid-triangular, with an acute apex and a prominent tip; the upper side of the base is wider, with a triangular protrusion, while the lower side is cut off flat; the margins bear triangular-acute teeth; the veins are pinnately forked.Spore sacs are clustered at the tips of minor veins, usually arranged in a single row on the upper side of the midrib (sometimes with 1–3 on the upper part of the lower side); indusia are round-shield-shaped, more or less serrate.
Distribution Area
Distributed in Southwest China, as well as Anhui, Taiwan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, and Guangxi.
Copyright: Excerpt from Internet, Copyright belongs to the Original Author and all original sources, This article was shared by DeDe on August 2, 2026, Please credit the source and include a link to the original article when reposting.
Terminology Proofreading: [Cheng Bo] | August 2, 2026 Reviewed by: [Wang Zhongxiang, Associate Chief TCM Physician (China)] | August 2, 2026
Correct Content Errors: Errors may occur during the writing, editing, translation, and publication of website content. If you find any errors or inaccurate information in this article, please feel free to Contact Us to report them, and we will correct them promptly.
FDA Disclaimer: The descriptions of the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicines, herbal teas, decoctions, and formulas, as well as the content on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostic theory and traditional TCM therapies contained on this site, are intended solely for the purpose of popularizing TCM culture and serving as an educational reference; they do not constitute medical diagnosis or treatment advice. Please do not attempt to use these products on your own without proper guidance. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are experiencing any physical discomfort, please consult a licensed healthcare professional and seek treatment at a reputable medical institution. This platform assumes no responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of herbs or formulas by any individual based on the information provided on this site. Please read Medical Disclaimer.
