Latin name: Cetraria islandica Genus: Lichens Folk names: Hemorrhagic lung moss, fever moss, deer horn lichen, rasp
Plant description
Botanically speaking, Icelandic moss is a lichen, lichens are communities between fungi and algae. The ground lichen grows 4 to 12 cm high and grows forked, antler-like branched. On the upper side the plant is olive green to brown, on the underside often white spotted. Occurrence: Mountainous areas as well as in the lowlands, one of the most common soil lichens of heaths and forests. Here in the low mountain ranges but also in Switzerland, Scandinavia, Spain and France.
Medicinally used plant parts
The whole dried plant, harvested in late summer or autumn and air dried.
Ingredients
Over 50 % plant mucilage, bitter substances, iodine, enzymes, vitamins, volatile fragrances.
Curative effects and application
The plant has a stimulating effect on the immune system and the bitter substances it contains have an antibacterial effect. The plant mucilages have a soothing effect on inflamed mucous membranes in the mouth and throat and have a balancing effect on irritated coughs. The bitter substances contained have a strengthening and stimulating effect on the stomach and intestines in cases of loss of appetite and digestive disorders.
Preparation
Icelandic moss tea: Pour 1⁄4 l cold water over 2 heaped teaspoons of the drug, heat slowly until boiling and drain immediately. One drinks up to 3 cups of tea daily, sweetened with honey when coughing.
Combination with other medicinal plants
Iceland Moss can be mixed well with other herbal cough remedies. For example, mixed in equal parts with coltsfoot (preparation as described above) or mixed in equal parts with thyme. Pour boiling water over two teaspoons of this mixture, leave to stand for 5 minutes and then pour off. Drink one cup up to 3 times a day.
Application in homeopathy
Cetraria is only marginally mentioned in homeopathy today and is hardly ever used. In the mother tincture it is effective for coughing, whooping cough and chronic complaints in the gastrointestinal tract.
