Comptonia peregrina or sweetfern is the only kind of compronia that survived. Other kinds went extinct. It grows in the eastern part of the USA and Canada. 

Not a fern

It is not related to ferns, however the leaves look similar, hence the name. If you walk in the woods on a sunny hot day, you can scent the sweetfern aroma in the air. It contains clove essential oil. That is why is can be used for insect bites, and as an insect repellent. Leaves can be rubbed on the skin or thrown into the camp fire for smoke. 

Another name of sweetfern is spleenwort

Sweetfern was one of the important herbal tonics of the woodland First Nations. It is warming, astringent and sweet. It supports digestion-absorbtion-immune development. So if there is poor digestion ( gas, bloating, food allergies, etc), hence poor absorption (poor bone development, stunted body growth in children, hair, teeth, etc), and then lower immunity follows as a result (chronic colds, black under the eyes, bronchitis). 

So warm and aromatic sweetfern allows those broken links between digestion, absorption and immunity to be restored. 
Sweetfern supports the spleen, which is the largest organ of lymphatic system. The spleen filters the blood, stores extras of it, and produces white blood cells. So this organ contributes to antibacterial and anti fungal functions of the body, which this herb supports. Making it a great de -wormer as well. 

Poison ivy antidote

It is a perfect tea during diarrhea. The herb oils are very nutritious. Especially if the tongue is pale. Also if you got into poison ivy, sweetfern actually is a perfect quick helper! 

Health aside, if you just want warming, delicious, sweet and fragrant cup of sweetfern tea this winter, you can order it here. We have limited supply of it this year. If there is a lot of interest, we can collect more next summer! Just keep us posted on what you think of it, if you decide to give it a try.