Icelandic moss (Cetraria islandica) is a lichen whose growth gives it something of the appearance of a moss, which is probably where the misleading name comes from. It is traditionally used to soothe inflamed mucous membranes.
Occurrence and cultivation of Icelandic moss.
Icelandic moss is found in the tundra, but also in wooded locations and rock crevices, in the blazing sun or on poor soils. Icelandic moss is a very slow growing lichen with varying color from grayish white to brownish green and a growth height of 4 to up to 12 cm. The flat shoots are branched like antlers and roll up slightly at the edges. The tough and elastic lichen grows in abundance in the mountainous regions as well as low mountain ranges of Central and Northern Europe and is especially characteristic of the Icelandic plains. Icelandic moss is found in the tundra, but also in wooded sites and rock crevices, in the blazing sun or on poor soils. It comes almost entirely from wild collection. For optimal growth, clean air is required above all, which is why cultivation is very difficult, in addition to the low growth rate. Due to strong radiation exposure as a result of the Chernobyl nuclear accident, experts advise buying tested products from drugstores or pharmacies.
Application and use
Icelandic moss contains up to 70% lichen starch (water-soluble polysaccharides) from isolichenan and lichenan, which is nutritious and easily digestible. In addition, the plant contains weak antibiotic lichen acids such as fumaric acid or usnic acid sodium (usnic acid), which have antibiotic and tubercolostatic effects. Commercially produced disinfectants therefore often contain Iceland moss as an ingredient. Also proven active ingredients are iodine, enzymes, vitamin A, thiamine and coenzyme B12. Due to its high carbohydrate content, Icelandic moss has at times served as a food rather than a remedy in regions of colder latitudes. As a dietary food, the lichen’s mild bitter compounds make it suitable as a mild tonic to activate digestion, stimulate appetite, and as a food supplement. By the Nordic people, the cooked lichen was flavored with a little wine or sugar to lift the taste. In powdered form, Icelandic moss also served as a thickener in soups or as a general flour additive. The whole lichen is used, which can be collected throughout the year, optimally during dry weather between May and September. For later processing, the dirt is removed and the Icelandic moss is dried in the shade to protect the valuable ingredients. Predominantly, the dried plant is offered for preparation as a tea, as an additive to tea blends or in pastille form. Homeophatic Cetraria is prepared from air-dried ingredients and 60% alcohol.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention
Traditionally, Icelandic moss is considered a powerful antibiotic and was mainly recommended for chronic lung and stomach diseases, especially tuberculosis, dyspepsia and chronic diarrhea. It has been especially effective in treating elderly and debilitated patients. The combination of active ingredients is highly effective to:
- Soothe inflamed mucous membranes in the mouth and throat.
- Treat chronic lung diseases
- Counteract catarrh
- Soothe dry and paroxysmal coughs
- Loosen viscous mucus.
Especially when other herbal treatments have failed, Icelandic moss often finds effective use. In particular, for chronic bronchitis, pneumoconiosis or emphysema, a tea mixture of equal parts of Icelandic moss and coltsfoot] or equal parts of Icelandic moss and thyme is recommended for whooping cough. The mucilages of Icelandic moss exert a soothing effect on diseases such as gastritis, gastric ulcers, hiatal hernia or reflux esophagitis, which has now been proven by clinical studies. It is used as a remedy for alleviating the effects of excess gastric acid secretion and to compensate for malnutrition. The herbal remedy has also been effectively and gently used for chronic worm infestation.In external use as a rinse or tincture, boils, impetigo or vaginal discharge, but also stubborn acne can be treated with Iceland moss. As a gargle, the lichen relieves inflammation of the tonsils and gums. Although the active ingredients rule out undesirable side effects, it is still believed that Icelandic moss in high doses or with prolonged use can cause nausea, tenderness, stomach upset or liver problems.
