What is sweetfern?

Originating from the boreal forest, sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina) is a plant that was and still is used in medicine by several Indigenous communities in North America.

They primarily use this plant as a poultice to treat a variety of ailments. However, sweetfern is still used for most of the same purposes in modern herbalism.

How to use it?

The dried leaves of sweetfern (or Comptonia peregrina) are often used in infusions for their soothing and purifying properties.

Here are some ideas on how to use them:

1. Infusion:
   To benefit from the properties of dried leaves, you can prepare an infusion. Take about 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves for one cup of hot water. Let steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain. This gentle and slightly fragrant infusion is ideal for soothing stomach aches, promoting digestion, or simply for relaxation.

2. Steam bath:
   You can also use them in steam inhalation for their purifying and calming properties. Heat water in a bowl, add a few sweetfern leaves, then inhale the steam for a few minutes to clear the respiratory passages.

3. Soothing compress:
   Prepare a decoction by boiling the leaves in water for about 15 minutes. Use this decoction as a compress to soothe skin inflammations or localized pain.
   
   

Learn more

A cold water infusion of the leaves was used externally to counteract the effect of poison ivy. It is also used to wash stings, minor hemorrhages, etc. In the past, Indigenous people used sweetfern to treat flu-related symptoms, and they also attributed anti-inflammatory and stimulating properties to it.