Do you have lung problems and don’t know what to do? Here we explain about the benefits and contraindications of Icelandic lichen and how it can help you in this type of ailment.
Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica) is a circumpolar lichen abundant in arctic and mountainous regions of northern countries.
It is found in the mountains of North Wales, Northern England, Scotland and South West Ireland.
In North America, its range extends through the arctic regions, from Alaska to Newfoundland, and south into the Rocky Mountains to Colorado, and as far as the Appalachian Mountains of New England.
Icelandic moss is also found in wet or dry tundra among mosses or in the open and can be found in wooded sites and rock crevices. It grows best in direct sun and can grow in shallow, barren soil.
It is well adapted to strong winds and hostile environments, and likes open, sandy soils at high altitudes.
Plant description: Cetraria islandica is not a moss, but a lichen, a symbiotic association between algae and fungi.
Although not a vascular plant, the structure of Icelandic moss can be mistaken for stems and leaves, making it look like a moss; the appearance may have been the reason for its name.
Cetraria islandica is a bushy fruiting, or shrubby, lichen that grows freely in the soil to a height of 3-4 inches.
The thallus (the body of fungi and lichens, which has no vascular tissue and is not differentiated into root, stem, and leaves) is canalized or rolled into thin, branched tubes, ending in flattened lobes lined with minute papillae, rarely more than 5 mm wide.
all the iceland lichen it is very resistant and elastic. Varies considerably from pale brown to greyish white; upper surface darker, lower surface lighter to whitish.
There are white spots that have a calcareous or floury appearance, and that are lodged in small depressions in the thallus.
Parts of the plant used: the whole lichen. It can be collected throughout the year; during the dry weather between May and September it is best. It can be dried for later use by removing loose debris and drying in sun or shade.
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Health benefits of Icelandic moss or lichen
Traditionally, Icelandic moss was considered a galactagogue and had strong antibiotic, antiemetic, strongly demulcent, and nutritive properties.
Icelandic moss has been recommended mainly in lung conditions such as bronchitis and chronic digestive disorders, particularly consumption (a degenerative disease also known as pulmonary tuberculosis), dyspepsia, and chronic diarrhea.
Cetraria islandica is understood to have a bitter tonic action and a demulcent effect on the intestine, a combination almost unique among medicinal herbs.
Lichen has an important place in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
The medicinal properties may have first been known to the natives of Iceland; According to Borrichius, Danish apothecaries knew of the medicinal applications of Icelandic moss in 1673.
In ancient times, the herb was a traditional herbal cough remedy, and had been used in European folk medicine as a cancer treatment.
Iceland moss is up to 70 percent starch and has historically been used as emergency food in desolate places. Historically it was widely used in bread, baby food, and soups.
Traditionally in Northern Europe, powdered lichen was used as a thickener in soups.
It is highly prized by the contemporary herbalist as a useful antibiotic and demulcent. Traditionally it was used to soothe the mucous membranes of the thorax, to treat chronic lung problems, to counteract catarrh and to soothe dry and paroxysmal coughs and as a relief for advanced tuberculosis.
The mucilage properties of this herb provide a natural treatment for the oral and pharyngeal membranes. Its bitter organic tonic action can stimulate appetite and promote gastric secretion.
Iceland moss is rich in mucilages and its calming action is useful for conditions such as gastritisgastric ulcer, hiatal hernia and reflux esophagitis.
It is believed to be a useful herbal treatment when used internally in the treatment of dysenterychronic digestive disorders (including irritable bowel syndrome and food poisoning).
Cetraria islandica was traditionally used to relieve vomiting resulting from irritation and inflammation of the stomach. It can be a useful herbal remedy for low-grade stomach infections seen when there is low production of stomach acid.
It is used as a remedy for the effects of excess stomach acid secretion and is believed to be a natural treatment for conditions such as malnutrition, weakness, and anorexy.
Iceland moss has traditionally been used in cases requiring nutritious, easily digestible nutrition that will not upset your stomach. Ordinary doses improve appetite, digestion and general nutrition.
The herb is used as a surface application to treat boilsvaginal discharges and impetigo.
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Dosage and administration
Tea: Simmer 1.5 to 3g of the dried plant in 5oz of boiling water, then strain.
Extract: 4-6 g every day.
Decoction: 1-2 g in decoction (3 times a day)
Tincture: 1:5 in 40% alcohol, 1-1.5ml. (3 times a day)
Bitter tonic: 2-4 grains (0.1 to 0.25 grams) as a bitter tonic and aperitif (mild laxative).
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Iceland lichen contraindications
It is always advisable to consult a health professional when Icelandic moss is intended to be an herbal medicine.
Herbal medicines can interact with synthetic medications and with each other.
In excessive doses or with prolonged use, Icelandic moss can cause nausea, loosening of the intestines, gastric irritation, or liver problems.
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Also know
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