The effectiveness of using Icelandic moss. Icelandic moss: benefits and harm, recipes

Not every medicinal plant can boast the same powerful healing potential as Cetraria Icelandica, popularly known as “Icelandic moss”.

Knowing and skillfully using the medicinal properties and contraindications of Icelandic moss, you can almost completely restore the functionality of the respiratory system - in any form of damage.

The unique capabilities of Icelandic moss do not end there - there are many more ways to use its healing properties if you need to restore human health.

Features of lichen

Icelandic Cetraria is not considered a moss in the generally accepted sense of the word, since it is a symbiosis of two plant forms - a fungus and an algae.

The properties of each form are completely opposite. We can say that their community is built on the mutual complementation of each other with the qualities necessary for development. Algae have the ability to synthesize organic substances that the fungus needs for nutrition. In turn, the fungus supplies the algae with valuable microelements.

Each new true lichen is formed only after the cells of a certain type of algae have combined with cetraria spores.

Despite the geographical reference indicated in the name of the plant, Icelandic moss can be found not only in Iceland. Its habitat is tundra, forest-tundra and swamps, pine forests and heathland.

Therefore, Icelandic Cetraria is considered “their” plant not only by residents of Europe, but also of Asia, Australia and even Africa. However, the first to identify the medicinal properties of lichen were the Icelanders, who used the plant as a dietary supplement.

Official medicine became interested in the medicinal effects of cetraria only in the 18th century.

When using Icelandic moss for medicinal purposes, there is no doubt about its environmental friendliness. The main condition without which plant growth is impossible is clean air, unpolluted by industrial waste.

The healing properties of Icelandic moss

The healing power of Icelandic moss is due to its composition, which, without exaggeration, can be called unique:

lichenin and isolichenin - polysaccharides, the main carbohydrate component, which determines the high nutritional value of the plant and its gelling properties;
lichen acids are the main “secret” ingredient of a plant, produced by its mycobiont. Usnic acid is a specific substance, a product of lichen metabolism. Provides antibiotic, analgesic, antiviral, antituberculosis and insecticidal effects;
trace elements - zinc, tin, lead, cadmium and silicon, iodine, iron, copper, manganese and titanium;
glucose and galactose;
organic substances, lipids - proteins, fats, wax, gum;
vitamins A, C and B12.

Substances contained in lichen have a powerful healing effect for burns, ulcers and rashes, chronic runny nose, excess weight, chest tightness, impotence, anorexia and dystrophy, dental problems, insomnia, constipation and diarrhea.

Usnic acid in Icelandic moss can not only suppress, but also destroy the main causative agent of tuberculosis - Koch's bacillus.

Indications for use

The immunomodulatory, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, choleretic and absorbent qualities of Icelandic moss are used in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory and digestive systems, as well as to eliminate dermatological problems.

Products from cetraria help cleanse the blood and lymph, and are recommended for use as an antidiabetic and oncoprotective medicine.

The use of moss can successfully fight staphylococci and streptococci, eliminate cough and hoarse throat, prevent the development of infections and protect the intestinal mucous membranes from damage by pathogenic microorganisms.

In addition, Icelandic moss has the ability to accumulate iodine, receiving it from the environment, so the use of the plant is effective in the treatment of diseases of the endocrine system.

Against cough

Due to its unique healing properties and antibiotic activity, Icelandic moss for coughs is in greatest demand. The mucus, which is formed when brewing lichen from polysaccharides, provides an enveloping effect on inflamed areas and effectively protects the lining of the respiratory tract from irritation.

Cetrarovic acid has a powerful antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effect. And usnic acid kills gram-positive bacteria.

Decoctions of Icelandic moss relieve inflammation, heal damage to the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and provide a calming, softening and expectorant effect.

The main indications for the use of cetraria in pathologies of the respiratory system:

bronchitis;
whooping cough;
asthma;
tuberculosis;
pneumonia.

Icelandic moss is no less effective in treating diseases associated with damage to the ENT organs - viral infections, tonsillitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis and common colds.

The optimal therapeutic result in the fight against cough is achieved by ingesting lichen syrup. To prepare it, a tablespoon of finely chopped lichen is steamed with boiling water and infused. Drink, adding milk, sugar or honey to taste, several large sips three times a day.

Unique substances in the composition of lichen have an antibiotic power that exceeds the capabilities of pharmaceutical drugs.

For allergies

The use of Icelandic Cetraria allows you to get rid of attacks of seasonal allergies in a few days. The therapeutic effect is achieved not only by ingesting a decoction of the plant, but also by using medicinal baths with the addition of cetraria extract.

For constipation

Normalization of stool is one of the expected effects provided by Icelandic moss. An infusion from the plant is used to relieve constipation. To do this, pour a glass of finely chopped lichen with two liters of boiled water and leave for 24 hours. Take a glass of infusion three times a day.

For weight loss

Thanks to the ability of Icelandic moss to influence metabolic processes, it can be used to regulate weight even if you are obese. The recipe for using the plant is simple - just replace one of your meals with lichen jelly.

To do this, one part of the lichen is mixed with three parts of water and boiled for three hours until the plant is completely boiled. Then the broth is filtered and cooled. The resulting jelly can be mixed with berries or added to dishes - soups, dough, meat or fish.

In its natural form, the plant has a pronounced bitter taste. To get rid of bitterness, lichen is soaked for 12 hours in water with the addition of soda. For 10 liters of water take 7 tablespoons of soda.

Use of Icelandic moss for medicinal purposes

To treat various diseases, different forms of remedies prepared from cetraria are used - decoctions, syrups, jelly, teas, extracts and mixtures. The most common method of treatment is with a decoction. If you brew Icelandic moss correctly, its valuable properties will be transferred into the decoction.

How to brew Icelandic moss correctly?

The standard proportion for preparing a decoction of cetraria is a spoonful of moss per half liter of boiling water. The product is boiled in a water bath for five minutes, then left alone for half an hour. After the specified time has passed, the broth is filtered.

For oral administration, you can take milk instead of water. To treat external surfaces, it is more convenient to use a water decoction.

Traditional medicine recipes

Traditional medicine recipes have a wide range of methods for using moss.

Due to the high concentration of healing components, the extract from the plant is particularly effective.

To obtain an extract from cetraria, add a liter of cold water to 100 g of the plant and leave for 24 hours. Then cook in a water bath until half of the original volume remains. Use as needed - adding to drinks or food, or as a bath additive.

You can also make tea from Icelandic moss. The proportions, method of preparation and administration do not differ from those used when brewing regular tea.

Pharmacy drugs

Icelandic moss is a plant officially recognized as traditional medicine.

Several types of cough medicines have been created on its basis:

Pectolvan Phyto- liquid alcoholic extract of cetraria. Has an expectorant, thinning and antispasmodic effect;
Isla moos- lozenges. Indicated for use for diseases of the throat and upper respiratory tract;
Gerbion- Icelandic moss syrup. Provides antitussive, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects for respiratory lesions;
Isla mint- gel lozenges with the addition of mint oil. Indicated for throat infections.

Contraindications for use

The healing power of Icelandic moss is enormous. And its use has neither contraindications nor age restrictions. Lichen has been successfully used to treat pregnant women, young children and the elderly.

The unique Icelandic moss deserves to be in every home medicine cabinet - after all, one plant can replace dozens of pharmaceutical medicines.

One of the herbal remedies for treating various diseases is Icelandic moss. Its medicinal properties make it possible to strengthen the immune system, treat female and male diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, skin damage, and the minimum of contraindications allows it to be used by almost all patients.

Chemical composition

The carbohydrate composition of moss contains 40% lichenin, which, when it gets into hot water, turns into glucose, and it is thanks to it that the lichen acquires its nutritional value.

Icelandic moss also contains:

4% cetrarin and acids:
- usninova;
- protolihesteripnova;
- lichesterol;
- fumarprotocentral;

3% copper pigments,
1% fat,
1% wax,
0.5-3% - protein,
iodine,
glucose and galactose,
vitamin B12.

It is thanks to its chemical composition that Icelandic moss is highly valued in medicine.

Medicinal properties

Icelandic moss (medicinal properties and contraindications below) is considered by herbalists to be a natural antibiotic that has a therapeutic effect for many diseases.

Lichen is used to create biologically active additives (BAS). Icelandic and Danish healers have used moss since ancient times as an indispensable remedy for coughs and diarrhea.

Icelandic Cetraria has many medicinal properties:

antiseptic,
softening,
antibacterial,
antimicrobial,
tonic,
enveloping,
mucolytic,
choleretic,
wound healing,
immunostimulating.

Icelandic moss has a strong therapeutic effect, so it is not recommended to use it simultaneously with other medicinal plants. Exceptions are flax, marshmallow, thyme.

Indications for use

pyelonephritis,
tuberculosis,
whooping cough,
gastritis,
bronchitis,
pneumonia,
sinusitis,
cystitis,
urethritis,
bronchial asthma,
intestinal atony,
constipation,
diarrhea,
gastritis,
stomach ulcer.

Lichen has found its application in complex therapy of long-term non-healing wounds on the skin Moreover, taking moss helps improve immunity and keep the body in good shape.

The medicinal properties of Icelandic moss are still being studied, despite a number of contraindications, for its possible use in the treatment of AIDS and malignant neoplasms.

Against cough

Icelandic moss, which has unique medicinal properties and virtually no contraindications, copes with almost any cough.

The therapeutic effect of cetraria is achieved due, first of all, to secretolytic and bronchodilator effects - the tone of the bronchodilator muscles decreases, the thick secretion liquefies and lags well behind the walls of the respiratory tract and is excreted from the body.

Besides, moss stimulates expectoration and actively fights pathogenic microflora, leading to her death. It is able to suppress attacks of coughing attacks and stop the urge to vomit, which is very important for whooping cough and pleurisy. Its effectiveness has been proven for chronic, acute and obstructive bronchitis, pneumonia, and ARVI.

It is used in various forms - in the form of infusions, decoctions, jelly. If desired, you can add honey. For pneumonia, a decoction is prepared with milk, using it instead of water.

For allergies

Icelandic moss is also effective for seasonal allergic reactions. Patients experience swelling, lacrimation, redness of the eyes and skin surfaces, and shortness of breath.

To achieve the desired effect, you should use a decoction of moss. It is prepared like this: 1 tbsp. moss pour 0.5 tbsp. water, after swelling, after 1.5-2 hours, pour in 500 ml of boiling water and boil for 25 minutes. The resulting decoction must be drunk throughout the day.

For gastrointestinal diseases

Icelandic moss, medicinal properties and contraindications, which has not been fully studied at the moment, is indispensable in the treatment of gastrointestinal pathologies. It is an effective remedy for flatulence, frequent diarrhea and constipation.

The mucous substances included in its composition, due to their enveloping properties, normalize intestinal function and have a therapeutic effect on gastritis and ulcers, in addition, it also has a choleretic effect. Moss is indicated for a variety of liver diseases, as it has an anti-inflammatory effect and promotes its natural regeneration.

For skin damage

Cetraria has found its use in dermatology, as it promotes natural skin regeneration.

She copes with such ailments as:

purulent wounds,
trophic ulcers,
pustular rash,
boils,
burns,
acne.

Externally, moss is used in the form of powder, alcohol or oil tincture, infusion lotions, and homemade ointments.

For women

Cetraria can also become an assistant in “women’s” problems. Mammologists recommend its use for mastopathy, since its medicinal properties contribute to the resorption of compactions in the mammary glands.

In addition, it is widely used in the treatment of uterine fibroids, providing analgesic, hemostatic and anti-inflammatory effects. Thanks to usnic acid, oncological processes of the genital organs are prevented.

Icelandic moss can also be used during pregnancy, however, this can only be done under the supervision of a gynecologist. Cetraria has a noticeable antitoxic effect in the first trimester. You need to use a decoction: 1 tsp. moss pour 1 tbsp. boiling water and boil for 5 minutes, you should drink no more than 100 ml of broth during the day.

For men

Icelandic moss can also become an assistant for the treatment of “male” ailments, for example, prostatitis. Thanks to its components, bleeding is prevented, blood vessels are strengthened, and moss copes well with formed seals. To do this, you need to take a healing decoction of 1 tablespoon three times a day. moss and 500 ml of water.

Thanks to its general strengthening and tonic properties, moss helps improve erectile function, improves potency and normalizes a man’s sex life.

For children

The medicinal properties and the absence of contraindications for use in pediatrics make it possible to use Icelandic moss for children. Moss can be used internally from 12 months.

It can be used to treat coughs of various origins and gastrointestinal disorders. However, such treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a pediatrician. Infusions and decoctions for children are best made with milk, which improves the taste of the drink.

Externally, Cetraria is used in pediatrics for the treatment of diaper rash. There are no age restrictions, the only prohibition is a possible allergic reaction, so during the first use, a decoction or oil from moss should be applied to a small area of skin - no more than 1 cm.

To strengthen the immune system

Thanks to its chemical composition, Cetraria improves body tone and strengthens the immune system.

This is due to the fact that its chemical composition contains many microelements:

iron,
manganese,
copper,
titanium.

In addition to them, moss is rich in many polysaccharides and amino acids. Moss must be applied in a course of at least 14 days every six months. To achieve the best effect, you should prepare moss jelly by first soaking it for at least 10 hours in water and soda. The soaked moss is boiled over low heat until the liquid thickens, then sugar and fruit are added to taste.

For weight loss

A healing drink made from Icelandic moss helps in the fight against excess weight. But it is impossible to lose weight with its help alone; it only removes toxins and water from the body.

To do this, the infusion should be drunk before each meal and before bed. Thanks to it, metabolism is accelerated, and the laxative properties of the plant stimulate the removal of food debris from the body. You can arrange fasting days on moss jelly, drinking at least a liter of jelly and 1.5 liters of any other liquid per day.

How to properly prepare a decoction

To achieve the desired treatment effect, it is important to properly prepare the medicinal decoction.

Recipe No. 1

1 tbsp. dry moss should be poured into 100 ml of water, wait 5-10 minutes, boil and simmer for at least 60 minutes over low heat. When the broth thickens, it is ready. It must be cooled for 10 minutes, strained and consumed as directed.

Recipe No. 2

2 tsp dried moss should be poured into 1 tbsp. milk and simmer over low heat for half an hour. This infusion is best given to children, as milk improves its taste.

How to prepare the extract

For the treatment of chronic constipation, taking cetraria extract is effective.

To prepare it, crushed raw materials are poured with cold water and infused for 24 hours, then filtered and evaporated in a water bath to half the volume. The effect of taking it is not achieved immediately; long-term treatment is necessary.

Infusion

An infusion of Icelandic moss is prepared as follows: 2 tsp. moss, pour 250 ml of boiling water and infuse for at least 25 minutes.

Tincture

To prepare an alcohol tincture, you need pharmaceutical alcohol - 60%, pour it into the growing parts of the lichen - 40 g. They should be infused for 7 days in a dark place. The use of the tincture should be carried out in strictly limited doses.

To prepare Icelandic moss tincture you need ethyl alcohol

The water tincture is prepared as follows: 4 tsp. moss, pour 400 ml of cold water, bring to a boil over low water and immediately filter.

Syrup

You can also make cough syrup from Icelandic moss at home. To do this, you need to take 150 g of cetraria powder and add 200 ml of water, boil for 7 minutes in an enamel bowl, cool and strain, then add a little citric acid and 4 tbsp. sugar, boil again for 35 minutes. After cooling, pour into a glass container. Can be used to treat children.

Tea

To prepare moss tea, use 1 tsp. lichen pour 1 tbsp. boiling water and leave for 5-7 minutes. You can then add honey to the drink to taste.

Ointment

It is an effective treatment for wounds: 1 tbsp. moss powder must be mixed with 0.5 tbsp. Vaseline oil, soak for 5 hours in a water bath, then strain.

In the pharmacy you can find a cream made from Icelandic moss, which helps with dislocations, bruises and joint pain.

Application in cosmetology

Cetraria is used in the cosmetology industry both as part of medicinal cosmetics and in hair care, skin care products, toothpastes and antiperspirants. The maximum permissible concentration of Icelandic moss in cosmetic products is 5%, the minimum is 1%.

Beauty salons make a variety of wraps, masks and scrubs based on moss, however, you can prepare them yourself.

To combat acne and acne, the following recipe is suitable. 1 tbsp. Cetraria is poured into 100 ml of boiling water and boiled for 10 minutes, left for half an hour and taken orally in an amount of 100 ml.

To improve skin condition, you can prepare soap for daily use:

Grate baby soap and melt it in a water bath.
Take a decoction of Icelandic moss prepared from milk and add it to the soap mass.
Remove from heat, pour into mold, add essential oils and glycerin if desired.
Sprinkle the top layer with alcohol and leave to harden for 72 hours.

You can rinse your hair with a decoction of cetraria: 1 tbsp. moss should be boiled in a glass of water for 5 minutes, cooled, diluted with water to a volume of 1 liter and rinsed after shampooing.

Traditional medicine recipes

To achieve the desired effect in treatment with Icelandic moss, you must strictly adhere to the recipe for preparing the medicine depending on the disease.

For the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and liver, you can use the following recipe - 2 tbsp. Cetraria powder add 2 tbsp. honey (if you have allergies, you can replace it with syrup) and 300 g of kefir, beat with a blender and take instead of dinner or breakfast.

Cetraria even helps in the treatment of tuberculosis, since its concentrated decoctions can kill tuberculosis bacteria. The infusion is prepared as follows: 1 tbsp. of raw materials, pour 200 ml of boiling water, leave for half an hour and drink a glass 6 times a day. The course lasts 10 days, in total you must complete at least 3 courses.

To treat obstructive bronchitis or pneumonia, it is necessary to prepare a decoction with milk: 1 tsp. Cetraria add a glass of milk, cover the container with a lid and boil in a water bath for 25 minutes. Drink the decoction at night.

To treat ulcers and gastritis, you should use moss jelly– 2 tbsp. moss is poured into 500 ml of water, boiled for half an hour, consumed 100 ml before the main meal - 3 times a day.

Icelandic moss (which has wide medicinal properties and contraindications) is used for the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism, using external and internal homemade remedies.

Milk infusion is consumed internally: 6 tsp. dry lichen should be soaked in 1 liter of water and 1 tsp. soda After an hour, the water should be drained and the moss should be washed. Next, you need to put it in a saucepan, add 1 liter of milk and boil for 2 hours in a water bath. Should be consumed for 14 days up to 6 times a day.

An alcohol solution should be used to wipe sore joints. at night and wrap it up. Recipe: 150 g of dry moss, pour 0.5 liters of vodka and leave for 21 days. The tincture should be shaken daily.

Icelandic moss - medicinal properties and contraindications allow it to be used to treat colds and rhinitis

To treat colds and rhinitis, you need 1 tbsp. raw materials pour 1 tbsp. water, boil until boiling, remove and leave covered for 10 minutes. Next, you need to open the pan and breathe in the steam. It is necessary to carry out inhalations three times a day for 2-3 days.

To restore skin after burns, apply the following ointment:

1 tbsp. cetraria;
100 g of lard;
1 tsp St. John's wort oil;
a few drops of eucalyptus and lavender oil;
100 ml water.

The lichen must be boiled for 30 minutes, strain, put in a water bath and add lard, remove from heat, stir, add oil. The prepared ointment should be stored in the refrigerator, applied to wounds 2-3 times a day, and a gauze bandage applied on top.

Medicinal preparations based on Icelandic moss

Icelandic moss, whose medicinal properties and contraindications allow it to be used quite widely, is used by modern pharmaceutical companies in the creation of various preparations for colds and coughs of various etiologies.

Name	pharmachologic effect	Release form and price
Isla Moos	Lozenges for cough therapy for bronchitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchial asthma, occupational stress on the vocal cords	30 pcs. about 360 rub.
Pectolvan phyto	Extract. An expectorant for colds and bronchitis, in which the discharge of sputum is complicated or painful. It also contains thyme, oman root, milkweed, and hysop.	Available in bottles of 25 and 50 ml, about 205 rubles.
Isla mint	Lozenges for the treatment of throat diseases, containing peppermint. Used to ease breathing with laryngitis and tracheitis.	30 pcs. from 320 rub.
Herbion Icelandic moss syrup	The syrup, which suppresses the cough reflex, has an immunostimulating, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Used for dry cough, hoarseness, severe strain on the vocal cords.	About 320 rub.
Sore throat With Icelandic moss	Spray also contains chamomile, St. John's wort, and eucalyptus. It is used for the treatment of diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, inflammation of the gums, sore throat, pharyngitis, bronchitis, stomatitis, gingivitis.	About 300 rub. for 30 gr.
Bronchial plus for children with Icelandic moss and chamomile and vitamin C	Syrup for the treatment of inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, accompanied by cough, chronic bronchitis, and influenza.	130, 320 g, from 300 rub.
Bronchial plus with vitamin C for children	In addition to Icelandic moss, the composition contains coltsfoot, plantain, marshmallow root, and chamomile. Soothes irritating coughs, accelerates coughing and phlegm removal.	130, 320 g, from 300 rub.
Cetrasept with Icelandic moss	Lozenges. In addition to antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects, they have an analgesic effect and are used for ARVI and throat diseases.	16 tab. from 300 rub.

Contraindications

Cetraria has virtually no contraindications for use; it is allowed even for children over 1 year old and pregnant women.

The only restrictions are the following chronic diseases:

gastroduodenitis;
cholecystitis and pancreatitis in the acute stage;
bronchial asthma in the acute stage;
fungal infections of internal organs, including candidiasis.

How to properly collect and store the product

You can prepare moss yourself.

The basic requirements are as follows:

Raw materials should be collected in summer.
The moss layer should be carefully removed from the substrate.
At home, moss should be cleared of debris.
You can dry it either outdoors or in a dryer at a temperature of 40 o.
Dried moss should be stored in glass containers or paper.
The shelf life is not 3-4 years.

If all the conditions for collecting Icelandic moss are met, then its medicinal properties can provide the necessary therapeutic effect, quickly eliminating the symptoms of the disease. The main thing is to remember the presence of contraindications and begin therapy only after medical consultation.

Article format: Natalie Podolskaya

Video about Icelandic moss

Video about Icelandic moss, its medicinal properties and contraindications:

Video about proper cleaning and grinding of Icelandic moss:

The medicinal properties of Icelandic moss, recipes, and reviews of use were first described in folk herbalists of Sweden, Norway, and Iceland. The Scandinavian peoples used cetraria for colds, indigestion, and to strengthen the body after exhaustion. The skin was also treated with infusions for burns, cracks, and wounds. In the twentieth century, the antibacterial properties and anti-tuberculosis effect of lichen were discovered. It is included in the pharmacopoeia of many countries, including Russia. Syrup, lozenges, creams and balms for external use are prepared from it.

Features of Icelandic moss

What is Icelandic lichen? How to prepare it correctly and where to collect it? What are the beneficial substances and pharmacological properties of this plant? Does it have any contraindications?

Botanical characteristics

Cetraria Icelandica. Botanical illustration from the book “Köhler’s Medizinal-Pflanzen”, 1887.

From a botanical point of view, the correct name for this plant would be lichen, not moss. In fact, it is a living organism that consists of green algae and mushroom threads. It is a small bush no more than 15 cm high - forked, with a leaf thallus, curved, grooved blades reminiscent of deer antlers. The color of the thallus can be different: olive green, brown, greenish-gray, brown, light brown, with white splashes. It depends on weather conditions and area. Thallus are attached to tree trunks, old stumps or the ground with special hairs (rhizoids). It is a polymorphic species, that is, its color and blade sizes depend on light and humidity.

Cetraria moss grows slowly and only in an ecologically clean area. Lichen reacts to contaminated soil, water, and air. This is a kind of indicator of environmental cleanliness. If the natural ecosystem is disturbed, Icelandic moss does not grow and gradually dies out.

Area

What is the distribution range of reindeer moss? Loves alpine tundra, forest-tundra, peat bogs, swamps, coniferous forests with open sunny areas. It takes root on rocky soil. In addition to the Eurasian continent, it is found in Africa, Australia and North America. Where does it grow in Russia? Most often it can be seen in the forest-tundra zone of Siberia, in the tundra of the Far North, in the Far East, in the highlands of Altai and Sayan. In the European part, lichen can be found in the Leningrad, Arkhangelsk, Kostroma and Bryansk regions (Russian Polesie), in the forests of Karelia.

Blank

Icelandic Cetraria forms thickets and often grows with other lichens. Due to the fact that this valuable species grows slowly and dies out due to unfavorable ecology, gentle collection is recommended. How to carry it out?

Time. It is better to collect in summer or autumn. It is important that the weather is dry. Wet lichen is extremely difficult to dry. Some healers believe that the plant can be collected all year round.
Way. You need to choose dense thickets (layers) of lichen, but you should not remove everything completely. The moss is plucked by hand, it breaks off quite easily from the soil or stump, then it is well cleaned of sand and soil. Do not wash before drying!
Drying. Dry boron moss needs to be dried quickly in order to preserve the beneficial substances in it as much as possible. Healers advise drying the lichen in the wind and open space. However, excess sunlight negatively affects the healing properties of the plant. In humid weather, you can dry it on verandas and attics.

The raw materials are placed in linen bags, protected from sunlight and dampness, and stored for 2 years.

pharmachologic effect

Medicinal properties of Icelandic moss:

antibacterial;
enveloping;
expectorant;
soothing;
emollient;
choleretic;
restorative;
tonic;
appetizing;
wound healing;
immunostimulating;
cleansing.

Useful material:

carbohydrates;
mineral salts and trace elements;
mucus (lichenin, isolichenin);
bitterness;
fats;
wax;
volatiles;
organic acids.

The nutritional properties of lichen are explained by the high content of glucose and galactose. This is not only medicine, but also energy-rich food that can save you from starvation in the tundra. In addition, the plant is famous for its high content of enzymes, vitamins B and A, and iodine. Usnic organic acid in its composition is a natural antibiotic.

Indications

When will Iceland moss treatment be most effective? For what diseases is it most often prescribed?

Icelandic moss for coughs. This is the main use of lichen, recognized not only in folk but also in scientific medicine. Usnic lichenic acid prevents the growth of tubercle bacilli, making it the most effective herbal remedy for tuberculosis. It can also be taken for chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, whooping cough. Cetraria softens obsessive cough and relieves attacks. In addition, it can suppress staphylococcal and streptococcal activity, and helps with viral and bacterial runny noses.
For digestive disorders. Icelandic cetraria contains a lot of mucus, which gives an enveloping, soothing effect. Therefore, it is useful to drink it for inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and indigestion. An effective remedy for stomach ulcers and infectious diarrhea. Acts as a choleretic agent, improves digestion due to the high content of enzymes and bitterness, increases appetite, and stimulates intestinal motility.
External use of Icelandic lichen. For inflammation of the throat (sore throat, pharyngitis, laryngitis) and oral mucosa (stomatitis, gingivitis), rinsing procedures are prescribed. Also, decoctions and infusions are used to treat purulent wounds, burns, cracks, cuts, boils, and skin rashes due to allergies.
Benefits for men. In folk medicine, lichen is drunk to increase potency. It is also used to treat bacterial prostatitis and other bacterial infections of the genitourinary tract.
For women. The folk remedy has not found wide use in gynecology, however, for bacterial colpitis it can be included in complex therapy. The drug is also taken for mastopathy.
For children. It is useful to drink for bronchitis, whooping cough, to relieve severe coughing attacks. However, consultation with a doctor is required before use. It can also be used for local treatment - skin treatment for atopic dermatitis, wounds, burns.
General strengthening agent. Laboratory studies have shown that usnic acid also has immunostimulating properties. The product strengthens the immune system; it is prescribed after operations and serious illnesses to restore the body and rapid tissue regeneration.

What are the contraindications for Icelandic moss? These include autoimmune diseases and individual intolerance. Although childhood, pregnancy and lactation are not included in the list of contraindications, mandatory medical consultation is required before use. It is also important to remember that usnic acid is a toxic substance. In case of an overdose or a long course, digestive disorders and pain in the liver area are possible.

Preparation of home medicines and pharmaceutical preparations

What are the uses of Cetraria Icelandica at home? What medications can you buy at the pharmacy? What dosage forms can you prepare yourself?

Pharmacy drugs

Iceland moss syrup. There are various commercial names for this drug, the most famous among them are “Gerbion” and “Pectolvan”. In addition to Icelandic Cetraria, Pectolvan includes hyssop, thyme, elecampane, and soapwort. Syrup with Icelandic moss is prescribed for dry, persistent cough. The medicine gives an enveloping, softening, soothing, expectorant effect. Helps with bacterial infections of the lower respiratory tract. "Gerbion" can be given to children after one year, but "Pectolvan" is allowed only from 12 years of age. This drug also has a number of other contraindications - inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, postoperative period on the gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, kidney and heart diseases. The course of treatment and dosage for adults and children is prescribed by a doctor.
Pills. The commercial name of the drug is “Isla-moos”. These are lozenges for resorption for inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, hoarseness and strain on the vocal cords, dry cough, and sore throat. The drug increases local immunity, relieves inflammation and dry mouth. Allowed for use in children over 4 years of age.
Cream. The product contains bear fat, honey, beeswax, St. John's wort, calendula, essential oils of lavender, bergamot, eucalyptus, and Icelandic moss. The instructions indicate indications for use: skin lesions, bruises, dislocations, wounds, colds, cough, joint pain. Icelandic moss provides a tonic, antimicrobial, soothing, and wound-healing effect. The cream is applied to wounds and cracks, rubbed on the chest when coughing, rubbed into sore joints and the spine.
"Sodium usinate." It is a crystalline powder that is obtained from Cetraria and other types of lichen. It can be purchased at the pharmacy in different dosage forms - dry powder, oil, alcohol solution, with glycerin or as part of fir balsam with anesthesin. The drug was discovered in the mid-twentieth century in the USSR. Today it is an effective antimicrobial agent intended for the treatment of burns, wounds, and cracks.

Decoction

Use internally and externally. Drink for all of the above diseases. More concentrated decoctions are acceptable for external use.

Preparation

Take 1 tbsp. l. dry raw materials.
Pour 2 cups boiling water.
Boil for 5 minutes.
Strain.

Take warm in the form of 1 tbsp. spoon 3 to 5 times a day. The decoction is also taken for weight loss.

How to brew Icelandic moss for coughs

Take 2 tsp. raw materials.
Pour a glass of cold water.
Bring to a boil over low heat.
Strain.

You can drink 1 glass 2-3 times a day. It is useful to take this tea with honey or prepare it with milk instead of water. Also, when coughing, it is recommended to drink mixtures of herbs in equal parts: Icelandic moss and coltsfoot. It is especially useful to drink in the morning: it relieves coughing attacks and promotes the removal of stagnant mucus. For whooping cough, it is recommended to prepare tea from cetraria and thyme (1:1); for stomach ulcers - with flax seeds (1:1); for impotence - with lemon balm, orchis, flaxseed; for joint diseases - with sweet clover, linden, birch, lemon balm in equal proportions.

Infusion

How to prepare Icelandic moss for coughs without brewing it? To do this, the raw materials are poured with cold water and just brought to a boil. Infusions are recommended to be taken for diseases of the respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract. They are also drunk as a tonic, restorative and sedative.

Infusion recipe

Take 4 tbsp. l. raw materials.
Pour in ½ liter of water.
Bring to a boil.
Leave for 10 minutes.
Strain.

You can take 1 tbsp. l. 3–5 times a day. When cooled, the infusions and decoctions turn into a jelly-like mass (jelly).

Tincture

Can be used internally for diarrhea, gastrointestinal diseases, severe coughing attacks, to strengthen the immune system and normalize appetite. Externally used as an antiseptic for the mouth and skin.

Preparation

Take 50 g of dry crushed raw materials.
Pour a glass of alcohol 60 or 70%.
Leave in a dark place for 7 days.
Strain.

You can take 15 drops 3 times a day. Alcohol tincture is contraindicated for children.

Cosmetology

What are the uses of Icelandic moss in cosmetology? This remedy is prescribed orally in the form of decoctions or infusions for problematic facial skin: acne, pimples, boils. Cetraria is valued for its antiseptic, tonic, softening and antibacterial properties. Water infusions can be used as a lotion for problem skin. Lichen contains a huge supply of vitamins and minerals - vitamins B, A, iron, nickel, manganese, zinc, boron, molybdenum, copper. Therefore, it is useful to drink cetraria decoctions to strengthen hair.

Cetraria (Icelandic moss) is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic. It is most often prescribed for respiratory diseases - bronchitis, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, whooping cough. In addition, the product helps with inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, quickly restores strength after a serious illness, and strengthens the immune system.

Many interesting plants are used in herbal medicine and pharmacology. One of them is Icelandic moss. It contains a lot of useful substances, which allows the plant to be used in the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Icelandic moss, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which have been carefully studied, is officially recognized as a pharmacological raw material. It is also successfully used for the manufacture of some pharmaceutical drugs.

Characteristic signs

Cetraria Icelandica is the correct botanical name for Icelandic moss. Contrary to popular belief, Cetraria is not a moss, but a lichen from the Parmeliaceae family. It is a low-growing shrub, greenish-brown in color. Depending on the growing conditions, it can have either a straight or creeping, branched stem. The lichen does not have leaves; they are replaced by narrow leathery lobes framed by cilia. On the reverse side, each blade is covered with white spots, through which the cetraria absorbs air. At the base the blades are matte, bright red. A fully formed lichen is called a thallus. Its appearance is shown in the photo.

Biologically, Icelandic moss is not really a plant. It is a symbiont of microscopic fungi and algae. Cetraria is an epiphyte, that is, it does not have a pronounced root system. The plant is capable of changing the color and shape of the thallus. With a lack of moisture or light, the lichen takes on a dark brown hue, the blades stretch out and become narrower.

IMPORTANT! There is a common mistake in the title. Icelandic moss is often called Spanish moss, which is not true.

Habitat and characteristics of growth

The plant is distributed throughout the world, but is more common in the northern regions. Grows in all climatic zones, except arid areas. Cetraria also grows in Russia, over fairly large areas. You can meet it both in the central region and in Siberia, the Far East and the Caucasus. In Ukraine, Icelandic moss is found on the left bank of the country.

The lichen prefers sandy soils, on which it forms entire thickets. Prefers well-drained soil and light and does not tolerate drought. It is located on the borders of forests, in open tundra areas and on peat bogs. He especially likes to settle in pine forests.

Icelandic moss, like any other lichen, is a kind of indicator of the environmental situation. It grows only in areas where there is no water or soil pollution, and harmful emissions into the atmosphere are minimal. If pollution increases, the lichen quickly dies out.

Blank

Self-harvesting Icelandic moss does not require special skills, but must meet certain requirements:

It is recommended to collect the plant at the end of summer and until mid-autumn, during the dry period.
You need to choose large, fully formed thalli. Pluck plants by hand, breaking off only part of the thallus without damaging the main stem and root system. The collection is carried out selectively so that there are no bald spots left in the array.
Moss should be dried in a shaded, well-ventilated place. During the drying process, it must be protected from water. For quick results, you can use a special thermal dryer. The oven is also suitable for drying, where the raw materials should dry at low temperatures. The moss is not washed, only shaken off from dust and large debris. It is better to do this with a brush.
It is recommended to store dried moss in linen bags in a dark, cool place. Dry herb can be stored for no more than 2 years, after which it loses most of its medicinal qualities.

ATTENTION! Since Icelandic moss grows very slowly, harvesting must be careful and gentle.

Chemical composition

Icelandic moss grows for a very long time, so the biological elements in it are gradually concentrated. During growth, the following substances accumulate:

Carbohydrates (mucus), about 80%. These are polysaccharides (lichenin, isolichenin), as well as sugars (glucose, galactose).
Vitamins C, B 12.
Microelements (lead, zinc, silicon, cadmium, tin).
Organic lichen acids (bitterness). These are lichesteric, usnic, proto- and paralychesteric, cetraric, proto- and fumaroprotocetraric acids. They have antibacterial and antiseptic properties, help improve immunity and stimulate the gastrointestinal tract.
Chitin. Helps normalize peristalsis in the gastrointestinal tract and is a biological sorbent.
Gum.
Wax.
Protein.
Fats.
Pigments.

INTERESTING! Icelandic moss can be eaten as it contains a large amount of easily digestible carbohydrates. In 1918, in Moscow, cetraria was included in rye bread.

Therapeutic effect and methods of treatment

How is Liisland moss useful and has medicinal properties? The recipes that you have heard about are effective for various diseases and pathologies. In folk medicine it is used as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent; recipes come in the form of tea, decoctions and tinctures. Icelandic moss is used, the indications for use of which are quite extensive, in the following cases:

For bronchopulmonary diseases

Usnic acid, contained in lichen, is the strongest natural antibiotic. It is even effective against Koch's bacillus, the causative agent of tuberculosis. In folk medicine, a decoction is used that softens cough, helping to thin sputum and facilitates expectoration. It is used as part of complex treatment for bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, whooping cough and tuberculosis.

Remedies for pathologies of the respiratory system

Recipe 1. To alleviate the condition of a patient with bronchitis, pneumonia or during the treatment of bronchial asthma, a decoction of Icelandic moss will help. How to brew a plant correctly? The traditional decoction is prepared as follows:

2 tbsp. l. pour 400 ml of dry moss. boiling water.
Boil slowly in a water bath for at least 5 minutes.
Cool the finished broth for 30 minutes, then strain twice.

The moss decoction must be consumed warm. Drink 3 times a day, before meals, 100 ml. The course of treatment is from 5 days to 1 month.

Recipe 2. Icelandic moss helps against coughs, emphysema and pulmonary tuberculosis when the decoction is prepared using the following technology:

2 tbsp. l. Grind dry raw materials thoroughly, add 400 ml. milk, 1 tbsp. l. honey and 1 tbsp. l. butter.
Bring the mixture slowly to a boil in a water bath.
Strain the broth and drink warm, in the morning and before bed, in the amount of 200 ml (1 glass). Continue treatment for no more than 15 days.
Tea with cetraria and coltsfoot can cure even a severe cough. It is good to drink for whooping cough and obstructive bronchitis. Brew ½ tsp in a glass (boiling water). moss and ½ tsp. coltsfoot. After 10 minutes, strain and dilute with 200 ml. boiled water. You need to drink in small sips with each coughing attack.

For gastrointestinal inflammation

The mucus contained in Icelandic moss coats the damaged mucous membrane of the stomach or intestines, facilitating digestion and promoting healing. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant make it possible to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers. In case of toxicosis, a decoction of cetraria envelops the stomach, preventing vomiting. Usnic acid allows you to get rid of gastritis by destroying its causative agent - the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. The bitterness of the cetrara group stimulates appetite and digestive activity.

Treatment and prevention of the gastrointestinal tract

Recipe 1. To treat gastritis, stomach or duodenal ulcers, take a decoction. It is prepared from both dried and fresh moss. 4 tbsp. l. cetraria pour 600 ml. water and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes with the lid closed. The decoction is drunk before meals, during the day, dividing it into 3 parts.

Recipe 2. Icelandic moss jelly will help stimulate digestion and peristalsis. It is cooked like this:

3 tbsp. l. dried moss and 1 tbsp. l. honey pour 700 ml of cold water.
The mixture is infused for 1.5 hours, then slowly brought to a boil.
The finished jelly is immediately filtered and drunk warm during meals.

Recipe 3. For gastrointestinal diseases and diarrhea, you can resort to using alcohol tincture. To prepare it, add 200 ml of medical alcohol to 40 g of cetraria. Infuse the product in a tightly sealed container for at least 10 days in a dark, cool place. Take the tincture before meals, no more than 15 drops.

For external damage to the skin

The use of Icelandic moss in folk medicine can effectively treat skin damaged by burns, or in the presence of wounds, ulcers, acne, and dermatitis. Icelandic moss polysaccharides have a starch fraction. When applied to the skin, polysaccharides, together with mucus and usnic acid, provide an enveloping effect, antiseptic and healing effect. Damaged skin is washed with traditional cetraria decoction. Compresses and lotions regularly applied to the affected areas also help a lot.

For inflammation of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and nasopharynx

The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of Icelandic moss are used to treat stomatitis, sore throat, laryngitis and runny nose. To do this, prepare a product that is used to rinse the nose 3 times a day. The composition of the liquid, in addition to cetraria, includes St. John's wort, sage and Japanese sophora. All ingredients are taken in equal proportions (1 tbsp each), the mixture is poured with boiling water and cooked for 20 minutes over very low heat. The broth is cooled and carefully filtered.

To strengthen the immune system

Icelandic moss helps restore strength, providing a general strengthening effect, enhances the antiviral response of immune cells when viruses and allergens penetrate. For preventive purposes, it is recommended to take 10 drops of cetraria tincture once a day.

In case of thyroid dysfunction

Normalizes and restores thyroid function with daily use of a composition based on honey and kefir. To prepare it, take 1.5 tbsp. l moss and 1.5 tbsp. l honey. Add 250 ml of yogurt or kefir and mix in a blender. This remedy should be used for thyroid problems. , drinking it completely in the morning, before meals.

For mastopathy

It has a resolving effect on nodes formed in the mammary glands. To get rid of the problem, it is recommended to consume a decoction of Icelandic moss daily, as well as use the decoction for compresses.

For cancer

Icelandic moss contains substances that have an antioxidant effect and resist the penetration of free radicals into the body. This helps inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

For acute and chronic prostatitis

Usnic acid completely destroys bacterial microorganisms that cause infections and inflammatory processes in the genitourinary organs. The enveloping, antiseptic and wound-healing properties of the plant help stop the development of prostatitis and restore the body during the rehabilitation period.

For prostatitis, a decoction of Icelandic moss, pine pollen, nettle, sage and horsetail has proven itself well. All ingredients are mixed in equal proportions (½ tsp each), 500 ml of boiling water is poured in, and cooked for 20 minutes in a water bath. The broth is cooled and filtered. Drink this remedy 1 tbsp. l 3-4 times a day, for 2-3 months.

ADVICE! Cetraria activates digestion and normalizes the functioning of the endocrine system. It is very effective for losing weight.

Pharmacy products

Several medicines are produced based on Icelandic moss:

Cough syrup Gerbion, Pectolvan. Contains concentrated extract of Icelandic moss mucus. They have antitussive, immunomodulating, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Relieves dry cough and hoarseness.
Cetrasept tablets and Isla-moos lozenges. Designed for resorption. Relieves bronchial spasms during dry cough, helps in the treatment of laryngitis, pharyngitis and bronchitis.
Iceland moss cream. It has a therapeutic warming effect both for colds and joint diseases.
Eosin ointment. Antiseptic, effectively heals burns, wounds, eczema.
Pharmacy fee. Used for preparing decoctions and tinctures.

A detailed description of the drugs is given in the instructions included with each drug.

Contraindications

There are very few contraindications for the use of Icelandic moss. It is recommended to use it with caution when treating pregnant and lactating women. It is not advisable to use alcohol-containing folk remedies for children. In the presence of autoimmune diseases, cetraria-based products are contraindicated. If the dosage is violated or individual intolerance, an allergic reaction may occur. Therapy is permitted only after consultation with a specialist.

The peoples of northern Europe traditionally used Icelandic moss to treat diseases of the respiratory system, kidneys and bladder. This plant is used to cure long-lasting wounds and pathologies of the stomach and intestines. To recover after a long illness, they used Icelandic moss, boiling it in milk beforehand. Moss ground into flour was added to dough for baking bread, and jelly and jam were also made from it.

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Description

Icelandic moss is also called Cetraria Icelandica. This plant is not a moss in the full sense of the word. In fact, cetraria is a symbiosis of algae and fungus. Each of these plant forms has its own properties, opposite to each other, but necessary for the development of the plant. Algae produce organic components that feed the fungus. And he, in turn, gives microelements to the general benefit.

Iceland moss

Icelandic moss is found not only in Iceland. It lives everywhere in the tundra, forest-tundra, pine forests and heather heaths. Therefore, lichen can be found throughout European territory, as well as in Asia and even in some parts of Africa and Australia.

Icelandic moss does not grow in areas contaminated with industrial waste, therefore it is an environmentally friendly plant.

Composition and medicinal properties

The health benefits of cetraria are due to the rich composition of the lichen. It includes:

lequinin and isolequinin - substances that are polysaccharides, form the main carbohydrate component, impart great nutritional value to the plant and provide its gelling properties;
usnic lichen acid is a product of plant metabolism, giving it analgesic, insecticidal, antiviral, antibiotic properties;
rich composition of microelements, which includes iodine, zinc, copper, iron, tin and other components;
galactose and glucose;
lipids and organic matter;
rutin, ascorbic acid, vitamin B12.

Thanks to such a rich composition, lichen is useful for treating skin wounds and male impotence, ailments of the upper respiratory tract and oral cavity, for weight correction, normalizing digestion and sleep. Usnic acid, which is part of Icelandic moss, is especially useful - it can effectively fight the main causative agent of tuberculosis - Koch's bacillus. Moreover, it not only suppresses the development of the rod, but also completely destroys the pest.

Indications for use

In folk medicine, the indication for using the medicinal properties of Icelandic moss is poor digestion. For this purpose, the lichen is boiled, turning into a thick jelly, and mixed with honey. In this form, cetraria helps cleanse the blood and lymph, and relieves inflammation. Hot poultices from this lichen are used to quickly heal complex, purulent and infected wounds.

Icelandic moss tea drink

Cetraria contains mucous substances that give it enveloping properties. Therefore, a decoction of moss is used to treat diarrhea, intestinal atony, peptic ulcers of the stomach and intestines, gastritis, chronic constipation and colitis. The same decoction will serve as an effective remedy against tuberculosis, for the treatment of pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, as well as for eliminating signs of food allergies.

To treat skin diseases, burns, pustular rashes, boils, neurodermatitis and others, lotions with cetraria decoction are used and wounds are washed with it. The decoction, cleared of bitterness, is used as an antidiabetic agent.

Pharmacy drugs

Official medicine recognizes Icelandic cetraria as a medicinal plant. Therefore, in any pharmacy you can find drugs containing it. Based on Icelandic moss, several drugs have been developed for the treatment of respiratory diseases:

For patients suffering from diabetes mellitus, it is necessarychoose medications that do not contain sugar.

Traditional medicine recipes

It is easy to make medicines from Icelandic cetraria yourself using one of the well-known recipes. Most often, healing decoctions of Icelandic moss, prepared from dry raw materials purchased at a pharmacy, are used for treatment. Typically, cetraria herb is brewed according to the instructions for use, but other recipes can also be used:

Namedrug	Recipe	How to use
Icelandic moss tea	Brew 0.5 tsp with a glass of boiling water. dry moss	Taken as a general tonic instead of traditional tea three times a day
For the treatment of tuberculosis	1. Dry raw materials in the amount of 4 tbsp. l. Brew 0.5 liters of boiling water. 2. Boil over low heat for 5 minutes	Drink 2 sips three times a day
To relieve constipation	1. 1 cup of dry moss is poured into 2 liters of pre-boiled and cooled water. 2. Leave it to brew for a day. 3. The finished infusion is filtered	Drink 1 glass before meals three times a day.
For the treatment of bronchitis	Recipe 1: add 1 tbsp to 250 ml of milk. l. chopped moss and cook over very low heat for half an hour. Then filter. Recipe 2: 2 tbsp. l. dried raw materials are poured with 4 glasses of water and boiled for 5 minutes. The prepared cooled broth is filtered	1 recipe: drink the decoction at night. Recipe 2: drink half a glass 3-4 times a day
For the treatment of dysbiosis	1. Pour 2 liters of water into 200 g of crushed dry moss and leave to brew for a day. 2. Then filter and simmer over low heat until 1/2 of the liquid has evaporated	The decoction is taken before eating, 1 tbsp. l. three times a day
For the treatment of intestinal atony	1. A handful of crushed cetraria is poured with filtered water and left for 2 hours. 2. Then this liquid is drained and 0.5 liters of boiling water is added to the moss. 3. Boil over low heat for 25 minutes, cool and filter	Take 100 ml before meals
For the thyroid gland and improve stomach function	1. 3 tbsp. l. Grind the dried cetraria to a powder. 2. Add 3 tbsp. l. liquid honey and 400 ml kefir. 3. Beat the mixture with a mixer	Drink the cocktail in the evening before bed or in the morning on an empty stomach.
To treat a runny nose	1. Mix 1 tbsp. l. Icelandic moss, Japanese sophora and St. John's wort. 2. Add 2 tbsp. l. sage 3. Add a little water to cover the grass. 4. Boil over low heat for 30 minutes, cool and filter	The decoction is instilled into the nose at night
For the treatment of cancer	1. Mix 2 parts each of cetraria, celandine, knotweed and St. John's wort. 2. Add 3 parts each of water pepper, plantain and nettle. 3. Add 100 g of green tea to the mixture of herbs. 4. Separate 4 tsp. mixture of herbs and add 1 liter of boiling water. 5. Leave to brew for 1 hour and filter	Drink 1 glass 4 times during the day. The decoction is consumed warmed
For weight loss	Option 1: in 1 tbsp. l. Cetraria is poured into 0.5 liters of hot water and heated in a water bath so that the initial volume of liquid is halved. The result should be syrup in the amount of 250 g. Option 2: pour 100 g of dry raw material into 1 liter of water and leave to brew for 2 hours. Then add 1 tsp. baking soda and leave for an additional 5 minutes. Then drain the liquid, pour 1 liter of boiling water over the cetraria and boil over low heat for 30 minutes. After cooling, the broth is filtered	1 recipe: consume three times a day. Recipe 2: drink the decoction warm throughout the day in 3 doses

Properties and recipes, options for using Icelandic moss.

In this article you will learn about the many beneficial properties that Icelandic moss is rich in. During the period of colds, preparations based on it are simply irreplaceable.

Icelandic moss: medicinal properties, indications and contraindications

Icelandic moss is a lichen whose thallus is attached to a tree or ground with its rhizoids. The height of the bush is about 12-15 cm. Regarding the color palette, the plant has a brown-green thallus, green on top, brown below.

The medicinal qualities of moss have been known for a long time. Medicine has recognized the plant as suitable for curing all kinds of ailments, especially colds and the consequences of a cold.

One of the optimal herbal antibiotics that significantly improves immunity is Icelandic moss. It contains 70% mucus, organic acid, which has an antibacterial effect on the body.

In addition, due to the special type of sodium found in the plant, it is used in the treatment of tuberculosis.

Today, moss is used in official medicine - to make medicines, and in folk medicine - to prepare ointments and tinctures. In pharmacies you can see dried moss leaves or preparations based on it.

The healing effect is explained by the rich chemical composition of the plant. In popular medicine, its antibacterial qualities are valued. The composition, rich in vitamins and microelements, contributes to:

strengthening the immune system
reducing inflammation of the mucous membrane during colds or gastrointestinal problems
reducing cough symptoms
improve digestion
active use in the treatment of whooping cough

A course of treatment with herbal tinctures will also help cure sinusitis, ulcers, acne on the face, influenza, and ARVI. Thanks to the antibacterial properties, moss-based ointments are used to treat scratches and cuts.

No side effects were found during use. Preparations based on Icelandic moss are considered absolutely safe.

Icelandic moss is a great help for colds

The exceptions are autoimmune diseases and pregnancy, in these cases you should still consult a doctor. And if, after consulting with a doctor, there are no contraindications to the use of drugs, then moss will help you.

Icelandic moss - preparations in pharmacies

There are many drugs prepared on the basis of this product that are easy to find on pharmacy shelves - cold syrup, tablets. In separate packages there is chopped dried grass.

Medicines are available without prescriptions and will be useful in your home medicine cabinet at any time of the year! Next, we will take a closer look at the main preparations based on Icelandic moss.

Herbion - Icelandic moss: instructions for use

Herbion syrup based on Icelandic moss is an excellent remedy for inflammatory processes. It is used if the following symptoms are present:

dry cough
dry mucous membranes
after stress on the vocal cords

Application of syrup (divide the indicated dosage into 4 applications per day):

from 16 years old – 60 ml
10-16 years – 40 ml
5-10 years - 20 ml
1-4 years - 10 ml

The syrup is recommended to be used as prescribed by a doctor, washed down with warm tea. The duration of use depends on the severity of the disease. If after 5 days of use you do not see results, consult your doctor for a second consultation.

Pectolvan Icelandic moss: instructions for use

Icelandic moss is often used as drops for coughs. It is in this form that application is more effective.

Pectolvan is a herbal medicine that, thanks to herbal components, has an anti-inflammatory effect and is used for bronchitis, pneumonia and ARVI. It is recommended to take the drug orally, after meals, 3 times a day, after dissolving the drops in 20-50 ml of water.

The use of the drug is recommended for children over 12 years of age. The dosage is as follows:

12-13 years - 10-15 drops per dose
14-16 years old - 15-20 drops per dose
from 16 years and older - 2030 drops per dose

The duration of treatment depends on the form and severity of the disease and is about 15 days. Contraindications for use are gastrointestinal disorders and heart failure.

Pectolvan Iceland moss

It should be noted that the taste of the medicine is not pleasant and quite bitter, the drug has a specific smell. However, Pectolvan helps to quickly cure viral infections and coughs.

Cetrasept with Icelandic moss: instructions for use

Doctors often advise patients to take medications based on Icelandic moss in the form of tablets called Cetrasept. This drug works great with:

throat diseases
dry cough
laryngitis
bronchitis

Dosage:

5-10 years - half a tablet every 5 hours, no more than 3 tablets per day.
10-15 years - 1 tablet every 4 hours. No more than 5 tablets per day.
from 15 years and older - 1 tablet every 3 hours. No more than 8 tablets per day.

It is worth noting that there are no contraindications for use. If you do not have hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, then after consultation with a doctor you can be treated with tablets.

It is not advisable for children under 5 years of age to use the drug, since the dosage at that age is not effective. For the treatment of small children, another drug should be considered.

Icelandic moss – tablets: instructions for use

Tablets, which contain moss raw materials, have antiseptic and antibacterial properties. The drugs have a softening effect, thin sputum, and increase immunity.

The tablets should be used for:

diseases of ENT organs
bronchitis
bronchial asthma

Icelandic moss should be taken by adults three times a day with meals, 1 tablet for 30 days. Children under 16 years of age are not recommended to take tablets.

Contraindications to the use of Icelandic moss are:

individual intolerance
pregnancy and breastfeeding
gastritis

Even if you do not have any diseases for which taking the pills is contraindicated, you should still consult a doctor before use to rule out an allergy to certain components of the drug.

Icelandic moss for children for treatment

Lichen tastes completely unsweetened. That's why children don't like to take it. But fortunately, today pharmacies have a huge selection of syrups and lollipops. Most often used for treatment in children syrup.

The syrup is very useful for coughs in children

A plant-based suspension effectively eliminates cough and helps with nasopharyngeal diseases. Usually prescribed from 1 year. Children under 10 years old should take 5 ml of syrup twice a day, children from 10 to 16 - 1 tsp 3 times a day. However, before use, be sure to consult a pediatrician.

Icelandic moss for coughs for children, adults, pregnant women: how to brew - recipes

There are a huge number of recipes for preparing medicinal preparations based on lichen. You can brew the herb, for example, using the following method:

2 tbsp of crushed plant pour 1 liter of water
simmer for about 60 minutes
strain and drink immediately hot

Small children and some adults sometimes refuse to take medicines based on lichen, because its taste is bitter. To mask the taste, it is better to prepare a decoction with milk:

pour 1 tbsp of dried herb into the container
pour a glass of cold milk
cover with a lid and cook for about half an hour
strain and consume before bed

The taste of the infusion will be sweet. Therefore, both small and adult patients will happily drink the medicine.

The herb is not addictive or addictive. The only thing is that during lactation, many gynecologists do not recommend using the decoction, since breast milk after moss is considered harmful for the baby.

During pregnancy and under one year of age, you should consult a gynecologist and pediatrician. But cases where there are any contraindications to the use of moss are quite rare.

Icelandic moss for cleansing blood vessels: recipe

Cleaning blood vessels is useful not only for older people. In the modern rhythm of life, poor nutrition and polluted environment, preventive cleaning is useful after 30 years.

After all, clean blood vessels mean good blood supply and good health. The best option for cleaning vessels is to use Icelandic moss.

Recipe No. 1:

Pour 10 g of dried moss herb into 200 g of boiling water.
leave to steep for 4 hours.
strain and consume 1 tbsp 4 times a day.

Recipe No. 2:

yarrow leaves
chamomile leaves
Icelandic moss leaves

All these components must be well dried. The quantity of each component is 50 g, then:

pour the leaves into the container.
fill with water.
leave to infuse for 30 minutes.
consume 1 tsp three times a day.

After two weeks of drinking this drink, you will see how your health has noticeably improved, strength and energy have appeared.

Icelandic moss for weight loss: recipe

You will quickly lose extra pounds if you drink a decoction of Icelandic moss. Of course, the remedy will not completely save a person from excess weight, but when you additionally exercise and eat right, then paired with this miracle potion there is every chance of saying goodbye to the hated centimeters in your waist forever.

The intestines will work better if added to the usual tea a pinch of moss or prepare a full decoction:

pour 1 tbsp of crushed dried moss into a glass of hot water.
drink before meals three times a day.

Within a week after adjusting your diet and exercise, you will see noticeable improvements in your figure.

Icelandic moss for prostatitis: recipe for use

Icelandic moss is a powerful medicine in the fight against prostatitis. For the decoction you need:

Pour 100 g of dried moss grass into 1 liter of water.
leave to steep for a couple of hours.
add 1 teaspoon of soda, leave for 5 minutes.
drain the liquid and add boiling water again
boil for 30 minutes
consume chilled

The crushed product is also added to flour during baking. It is easily absorbed by the body in this form, plus it adds energy to the body.

Icelandic moss for tuberculosis: recipe

Tuberculosis can be cured with an infusion of Icelandic moss herb. Prepare the infusion like this:

fill a glass of boiling water with 2 tbsp. herbs
leave for 2 hours.
take 3 tbsp before meals. adults, 1 tsp for children.

Icelandic moss even relieves symptoms of tuberculosis

After a month, take a break. Then the course must be repeated again. Before treatment, during and after each course, be examined by a doctor so as not to aggravate the symptoms with self-medication.

How to brew Icelandic moss to treat bronchitis?

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial walls, which can occur under the influence of any factors. Illness and self-medication should not be joked about, as the illness can become chronic.

It has been noted that Icelandic moss promotes a speedy recovery from bronchitis. For this:

pour 1 tbsp of dried moss into a glass of milk.
bring to a boil
Cool slightly and take before bed

This medicine has no contraindications, but if you use syrups or any medications, consult your doctor before using moss decoction. This is necessary for the doctor to assess the possibility of drug interactions.

Icelandic moss ointment: application

Icelandic moss ointment:

It is used for coughs because it has a warming property.
Excellently eliminates inflammation in the chest area and makes breathing easier.
promote rapid healing of wounds, is actively used for cuts and scratches.

Icelandic moss body cream: application

Body cream based on Icelandic moss has an antiseptic effect. It is recommended to use it as a warming agent for bruises, and also as an antiseptic and disinfectant for cuts and wounds.

It is used as prophylaxis and in complex treatment. Apply to the inflammatory area in a small amount 3 times a day.

Icelandic moss: reviews

Opinions about the plant vary. Many people, having tried it for the first time, note a bitter taste and refuse to use it in the future. In fact, taste buds change over time, and a person begins to get used to a peculiar taste.

If it is difficult to tolerate the taste, it is better to brew the drug with milk, then the bitterness will completely go away. You can not cook anything at all, but just immediately buy syrup or candy.

You can hear only positive reviews from those who have taken the drug. Icelandic moss is not only useful, but also a necessary plant that will relieve many ailments!

The variety of forms of preparations based on Icelandic moss allows even the most fastidious patient to choose the optimal treatment method for themselves. Due to the fact that the drug has virtually no contraindications, this greatly increases its popularity among the population.

And the remarkable results that appear within 3-5 days after regular use make it simply an indispensable tool in your home medicine cabinet. Despite the huge number of its healing properties, you should not use the above remedies without the knowledge of a doctor. Be healthy!

Video: Icelandic moss: properties and recipes

Icelandic moss is a lower plant. Its body - the thallus - has no vegetative organs and is practically unlike leafy plants.
The name Cetraria Icelandica is of Latin origin, coming from the word cetra, which means the round leather shield of Roman soldiers. The plant received this name due to the shape of the sporulation organs - apothecia.
The species definition indicates that people first learned about the healing properties of the plant from the Icelanders.

Plant morphology and physiology

The thallus or thallus of Cetraria has a bushy structure of whitish, greenish or brown color, consisting of flat or tubular lobes up to ten centimeters in height and up to four centimeters in width. Icelandic moss is covered with red spots in the lower part, and the edges of its blades have cilia. When the thallus is treated with a 10% solution of potassium hydroxide, it turns yellow.

Important! Mosses and lichens do not have roots; they are replaced by outgrowths of skin cells - rhizoids.

Cetraria, like any other lichen, is a product of symbiosis. Icelandic moss combines two organisms with completely opposite properties: a green algae that synthesizes organic substances during photosynthesis, and a fungus that feeds on these substances and supplies the algae with water with mineral salts dissolved in it, which it itself absorbs from the external environment. Lichen reproduces by spores, which germinate, intertwine in threads and form a rudimentary thallus. A true lichen is formed from it only after contact with a certain type of algae. Asexual reproduction is also possible using groups of cells containing fungal filaments and algae cells. Cetraria grows mainly on sandy soils in light pine forests, in swamps among mosses. This is the most common lichen and is the main food for reindeer.

Healing properties

Icelandic moss is used by official pharmacology in food supplements - dietary supplements and in the form of herbal mixtures with sage, chamomile, thyme, elderberry, and calendula. The healing properties of Icelandic moss and its widespread use in folk medicine are explained by its unique composition.

Cetraria contains about seventy percent mucous substances consisting of polysaccharides lichenin and isolichenin - lichen starch. They are extracted using hot water and then cooled until a gelatinous mass forms.
Lichen acids have pronounced antibacterial properties.
The plant also contains bitterness, protein substances, fats, wax, gum, enzymes, pigments, etc.
This species is characterized by the accumulation of large amounts of zinc, tin, cadmium, lead and silicon.

ethnoscience

Medical significance

In ancient times, mountain peoples ate Icelandic moss in the form of a thick jelly with honey and survived in times of famine with the help of sheep's milk and moss boiled in it. This not only improves digestion, but also cleanses the blood, lymph, and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Residents of the far north used hot cetraria poultices to quickly heal even lacerated and infected wounds. Icelandic moss served as diapers for children, and Eskimos treated infants with applications of steamed lichen. Cetraria contains mucous substances, due to which it has a pronounced enveloping effect. For diarrhea, intestinal atony, gastritis, stomach ulcers, colitis, chronic constipation, a decoction prepared from twenty grams of moss and a glass of boiled water is recommended. Take three tablespoons of this decoction daily.

Important! The decoction, previously washed from bitterness, is a food antidiabetic agent.

Icelandic moss preparations have a therapeutic effect:

antimicrobial,
anti-inflammatory,
laxative,
wound healing,
choleretic.

A thick mucous decoction is used not only to treat pathologies of the digestive system, but also for pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, whooping cough, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and food allergies.

Attention! Lotions and washing with such a decoction are used to treat purulent wounds, pustular rashes, burns, boils, chronic dermatoses, and neurodermatitis.

Recipes

The traditional recipe for preparing a decoction of moss is the following: take five hundred milliliters of boiling water or hot milk and one tablespoon of crushed dry lichen, mix, boil in a water bath for five minutes, and then leave for thirty minutes and filter. This is how a decoction is prepared for internal use. For external use, it is prepared exclusively with water.
The extract from moss is obtained in this way: pour one hundred grams of crushed cetraria into a liter of cold water, leave for a day, filter, place in a water bath and evaporate to half the original volume. Take three times a day half an hour before meals. Moss extract is used as a laxative. The duration of treatment is two weeks.
Icelandic moss tea is used for colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia. This remedy has gained recognition among many peoples of Europe, in particular among Yugoslav peasants. They brew it like this: put a teaspoon of lichen in a cup of boiling water, infuse it and drink it like regular tea once a day, preferably before bed.
The duration of treatment with such tea varies depending on the circumstances and the patient’s well-being in each specific case and ranges from one to three months.
A collection consisting of Icelandic moss, toadflax grass, lemon balm leaf and salep tubers is recommended for impotence. Pour a tablespoon of herb into a glass of boiling water, leave it wrapped up for a couple of hours, strain and drink three glasses daily.
For pneumonia or severe bronchitis, take a decoction prepared according to this recipe: put a spoonful of crushed moss in a glass of milk, cover the container with a non-metallic plate or saucer and simmer over low heat for thirty minutes. Take a hot decoction daily before bed. For pneumonia, take crushed lichen and mix it with pine buds and fragrant violet root. Then pour this mixture with a glass of cold water, leave for two hours, boil for five minutes and take a warm infusion.
Pulmonary tuberculosis is treated with a decoction of cetraria. Brew twenty grams of Icelandic moss with a glass of boiling water, heat over low heat for ten minutes and drink a whole glass six times a day.

Icelandic moss has no contraindications or side effects, so it can be taken for quite a long time - for years by both adults and children.

All materials on the Priroda-Znaet.ru website are presented for informational purposes only. Before using any product, consultation with a doctor is MANDATORY!