Qaataq
Polypodium glycyrrhiza D. C. Eaton= Polypodium vulgare L. subsp. occidentale (Hook.) Hultén
Plant
Licorice fern, characterized by widely spaced fronds or “leaves” that are green throughout the year, grows on tree trunks and rocks in the Kodiak Archipelago. It is often found on rocky sea cliffs, where it is accessible during the winter as well as the summer.
Gathering: This plant remains green in winter and is most frequently used during that season.
Medicine: Alutiiq people use licorice fern fronds to relieve severe arthritis and to treat broken bones and sprains. Some people soak the leaves in hot water in the steam bath and place them on the afflicted area, either directly or in a cloth. Other people dice the leaves, simmer them in a small amount of water, and then mix the water and leaves with rubbing alcohol. In earlier days, human urine took the place of rubbing alcohol. An alternative to simmering the leaves is to place them raw in the liquid. After the mixture soaks for a while, it is ready to be rubbed on the ailing person.
