Overview
Polypody root refers to the rhizome (root-like underground stem) of the polypody fern, specifically Polypodium vulgare. This fern species is native to Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Like many other ferns, polypody has been used in traditional herbal medicine for various purposes. In traditional herbalism, polypody root has been used as a digestive aid. It was believed to have properties that could help soothe digestive discomforts such as indigestion, bloating, and gas.Polypody root has also been used as an expectorant, which means it was believed to help promote the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract. This property made it useful in traditional remedies for coughs, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.