The fronds are astringent, deobstruent, emmenagogue, expectorant and ophthalmic[4, 7, 240]. A distilled water made from the fronds has proved of benefit in the treatment of many eye complaints[7]. The plant is also considered to be useful in the treatment of coughs and ruptures in children[4]. It was at one time used as a herbal remedy for rickets[219] and its tannin content renders it suitable for stopping bleeding from small wounds[7]. The fronds are harvested in late spring and dried for later use[7].