Icelandic moss ointment has medicinal properties. Icelandic moss: description and application

Icelandic cetraria, or Icelandic lichen, pulmonaria, reindeer moss, fritillary, Icelandic lichen, dry bob moss, laminated moss, prickly grass, cat moss, Icelandic moss ( medicinal properties and we will consider its contraindications in this article) is a ground lichen whose height reaches 15 centimeters. In traditional and folk medicine, it is highly valued for its anti-tuberculosis, antibacterial, softening, enveloping, wound-healing, and general strengthening effects. Mainly used in the form of infusions and decoctions.

Icelandic moss (medicinal properties, recipes, reviews about it, see the article below) was first described in folk herbalists of Norway, Sweden, and Iceland. It should be noted that the Scandinavian peoples used cetraria for digestive disorders, colds and to strengthen the body. In addition, infusions were used to treat cracks, burns, and wounds of the skin. In the last century, the antituberculosis effect and antibacterial properties of lichen were discovered. It is included in the pharmacopoeia of different countries, including our country. Syrup, balms, creams and lozenges are made from it.

Peculiarities

What is Icelandic moss? What are the medicinal properties, recipes, and contraindications of the plant? How to prepare it? What are his pharmacological properties And useful substances? We'll find out more about this later.

Botanical characteristics

It should be noted that it is more correct to call this plant not moss, but lichen. It is, in fact, a living organism consisting of mushroom threads and green algae. It is a small bush, reaching a height of 15 cm, with a leaf thallus, forked, with grooved, curved blades, similar to deer antlers.

The color of the thallus varies: brown, olive-green, brown, greenish-gray, with white splashes, light brown. It depends on the area and weather conditions. Thallus are attached to tree trunks, the ground or old stumps by rhizoids (special hairs). It is a polymorphic species, in other words, its lobe size and color depend on humidity and light.

Cetraria grows slowly and in environmentally friendly places. Lichen actively reacts to contaminated water, soil, and air. This is a definite indicator of cleanliness. But if the ecosystem is disrupted, Icelandic moss gradually dies out.

Spreading

Reindeer moss prefers forest-tundra, alpine tundra, swamps, peat bogs, and coniferous forests with large sunny areas. It also takes root well on rocky soil. In addition to the Eurasian continent, it is often found in North America, Australia and Africa.

Where does it grow here? It can mainly be found in the forest-tundra, on Far East, as well as in the highlands of the Sayan and Altai. In the European part, it can be found in the forests of Karelia, Arkhangelsk, Leningrad, Bryansk and Kostroma regions.

Blank

Cetraria forms thickets and quite often grows with lichens of other species. Due to the fact that this valuable species grows slowly and dies out in an unfavorable environment, gentle harvesting is recommended for it.

Time

It is better to collect in autumn or summer. It is important that the weather is dry. Wet lichen is very difficult to dry. There are healers who believe that this plant can be collected all year round.

Drying

Moss needs to be dried quickly in order to retain as much useful substances as possible. Knowledgeable people It is recommended to do this in open space and wind. But excessive sunlight healing properties this plant has a negative effect. In case of high humidity, you can dry it in attics and verandas. The raw materials for this are laid out in small linen bags, hidden from dampness and sunlight.

Pharmacological action

The Icelandic moss herb has the following medicinal properties:

• enveloping;
• antibacterial;
• soothing;
• expectorant;
• choleretic;
• emollient;
• tonic;
• restorative;
• wound healing;
• appetite stimulant;
• cleansing;
• immunostimulating.

The plant contains the following beneficial substances:

• microelements and mineral salts;
• carbohydrates;
• bitterness;
• mucus (isolichenin, lichenin);
• wax;
• fats;
• organic acids;
• volatile substances.

The healing properties of Icelandic moss are explained by its high content of galactose and glucose. This is a medicine, as well as a valuable energy food that can save you from hunger. In addition, this plant is famous for its high content of enzymes, iodine, and vitamins. Organic usnic acid, which is part of it, is a natural antibiotic.

Use for cough

Icelandic moss has been shown to people for a long time to have medicinal properties for coughs. This is its main use, recognized in scientific and folk medicine. Usnic acid prevents the proliferation of tuberculosis bacillus, therefore, it is the most effective herbal remedy, helping from of this disease. In addition, it can be used for bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, whooping cough. Cetraria effectively softens cough and eliminates its attacks. In addition, it is able to suppress streptococcal and staphylococcal activity, and is good for treating bacterial and viral runny noses.

For digestive problems

We discussed above the medicinal properties of Icelandic moss. It is also worth noting that Icelandic cetraria contains huge amount mucus, which gives a soothing, enveloping effect. Therefore, it is good to drink for indigestion and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. This remedy is effective for infectious diarrhea and stomach ulcers. Acts as an excellent choleretic agent, thanks to high content bitterness and enzymes improve digestion, stimulate intestinal motility, and increase appetite.

External use

The healing properties of Icelandic moss are also used externally by people. For inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, rinses are prescribed. In addition, burns are treated with infusions and decoctions, purulent wounds, cuts, cracks, boils, and in case of allergies - skin rashes.

Benefits for men

Lichen in traditional medicine drink to improve potency. In addition, they treat prostatitis and other bacterial infections.

For women

In gynecology it is folk remedy has not yet found widespread use, but for bacterial colpitis it is included in therapy. In addition, the remedy is used for mastopathy.

For children

It is useful to use for whooping cough, bronchitis in order to eliminate attacks sufficiently severe cough. Although before use you need to consult a doctor. In addition, it can be used for local treatment when treating burns, wounds, atopic dermatitis.

General strengthening agent

It is worth noting that laboratory tests demonstrated that usnic acid also has effective immunostimulating properties. This remedy strengthens the immune system well, which means it is prescribed after serious illnesses and operations for rapid tissue regeneration and restoration of the body.

Contraindications

Icelandic moss (medicinal properties, recipes, reviews, contraindications we discuss in this article) cannot be consumed by everyone. In what cases is its use undesirable? It should not be used if you have an individual intolerance, autoimmune diseases. Although pregnancy, childhood and lactation are not included in the list of contraindications, consultation with a doctor is required before use. In addition, you need to know that usnic acid is a toxic substance. With a long course or overdose, pain in the liver and digestive disorders are possible.

Decoction

The healing properties of Icelandic moss, as mentioned above, have long been known to people. A decoction of it is used externally and internally. Drink for all the diseases mentioned above. In addition, this decoction is used for weight loss. Concentrated decoctions are acceptable for external use.

• take a spoonful of dry raw materials;
• pour a couple of glasses of boiling water;
• Boil for 5 minutes;
• strain.

Take 1 spoon warm several times a day.

Infusion

How to prepare Icelandic moss for coughs without brewing it? The raw materials for this are poured with cool water, after which they are only brought to a boil. The resulting infusion should be taken for illnesses gastrointestinal tract and respiratory organs. In addition, it is drunk as a sedative, restorative and tonic.

• take 4 spoons of raw materials;
• fill with water (½ liter);
• boil;
• Leave for 10 minutes;
• strain.

You can take 1 spoon several times a day. When cooled, decoctions and infusions turn into jelly (jelly-like mass).

Tincture

Can be taken orally for gastrointestinal diseases, diarrhea, coughing attacks, to normalize appetite and strengthen the immune system. Externally used as an antiseptic for the skin and oral cavity.

• Pour 50 g of crushed dry raw materials into a glass of pure alcohol;
• Infuse for 7 days in a cool, dark place;
• strain.

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

Cosmetology

What is the use of moss in cosmetology? This tool prescribed in the form of infusions or decoctions for various facial skin problems: pimples, acne, boils. Cetraria is known for its tonic, antiseptic, antibacterial and softening properties. For problem skin, water infusions can be used in the form of lotion. The composition contains a huge supply of minerals and vitamins - iron, manganese, nickel, boron, zinc, copper, molybdenum. Therefore, it is useful to drink such decoctions to strengthen and grow hair.

Icelandic moss: medicinal properties, reviews

Reading reviews about the use of this plant, you can find out that it is quite effective in improving human immunity. Also, many say that it helps well with intestinal diseases. But in any case, before using this or that remedy, you should consult your doctor.

Update: October 2018

Icelandic moss, whose second name is Cetraria Icelandica, is a ground lichen from the Parmeliaceae family, not related to mosses (a symbiosis of algae and fungus). Found in Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia. Grows well in pine forests, heaths, swamps, tundras and forest-tundras of Siberia, Alai, Karelia and the Caucasus. Found on the bark of tree stumps or directly on the soil, it prefers unshaded areas where it can form entire thickets.

A special feature is that it grows only in unpolluted air. If there is insufficient moisture supply, the lichen dries out and enters a state of suspended animation, in which it can remain for up to several years in a row. With sufficient moisture supply, it takes on its previous appearance in just a few hours. The lichen instantly reacts to contaminated environment and acts as a natural indicator of the ecological cleanliness of the area. If an imbalance occurs in the natural ecosystem, the lichen gradually dies out.

The medicinal properties and contraindications of Icelandic moss have long been known to people, which allows the plant to be used both in medicine and in cooking. It has a bitter taste - Eskimos add it as a spice to fish dishes, beer, and baked goods. It contains mucus, so the broth, after cooling, has a consistency similar to jelly. Animals also feed on lichen.

The literature describes that in 1918 in Moscow, when there was a food shortage, pharmacies had a supply of dry lichen, which they began to use for baking bread. The raw materials were soaked in a soda solution, then dried and ground to a powdery state, mixed with rye flour 1:1 and baked bread.

Morphological description

The thallus of the lichen has the appearance of a derinka with a loose structure up to 10-15 cm high and consists of flat, grooved-folded blades. The underside has a lighter color, even white, and is covered with white spots and gaps through which air enters.

The lobes are narrow and flat, with dark short cilia and raised edges. Depending on the incidence of light outer surface the blades have a brown or greenish color. Attaches to soil or bark using rhizoids.

The fruiting bodies are formed on the terminal parts of the expanded lobes and have a saucer-shaped flattened shape 1.5 cm in diameter, colored brown.

Collection and preparation

The thallus is harvested in the summer in dry weather, which is torn from the substrate and cleaned of dirt (cannot be washed). Dry either in the sun or in a ventilated area. Store in linen bags for 2 years.

Chemical composition

The thallus contains:

• carbohydrates (isolichenin, glucose, lichenin, galactose, sucrose);
• proteins;
• bitterness;
• fats;
• gum;
• vitamins B and A;
• starch;
• odorous volatile substances;
• enzymes;
• minerals: iodine, sodium, nickel, titanium, chromium, boron, copper, manganese, molybdenum;
• iridoid cetrarine;
• lichen acids (protolichesterolic, fumarprotocentral, lichesteric, usnic);
• mucus (up to 70%).

Use of Icelandic moss for medicinal purposes

The use of Icelandic moss for health benefits was first described in the folk treatises of Norway, Sweden, and Iceland: the Scandinavians used lichen for colds, to strengthen the body, and treated skin with healing infusions for cracks, burns, and wounds. Only in the twentieth century were the antibacterial properties and the possibility of using it to treat tuberculosis patients studied. Today it is included in the pharmacopoeia of a number of countries, including Russia.

Treatment with Icelandic moss is effective for a number of diseases, since it has expectorant, antiseptic, antibacterial, tonic, enveloping, antimicrobial, laxative, anti-inflammatory, wound healing and choleretic effects. It is considered a powerful natural antibiotic.

• For a long time, lichen has been used as an effective antiemetic and cough suppressant. Icelandic moss helps with cough, strong and painful, accompanying severe diseases of the bronchopulmonary system (pneumonia, pleurisy, whooping cough).
• Usnic acid has a detrimental effect on the tuberculosis bacillus and other bacteria, so lichen helps with diseases of a bacterial nature, including the respiratory system (bacteriostatic effect and blocking oxide phosphorylation reactions in the body of bacteria).
• Antiviral effects have also been proven against rhinovirus, adenovirus, cytomegalovirus and influenza virus.
• The anti-inflammatory effect is provided by the carbohydrate lichenin, the aqueous extract of which stimulates the synthesis of the cytokine IL-10, which eliminates inflammation and its causes.
• Traditional healers recommend cetraria preparations for general exhaustion of the body, dystrophy, and premature aging due to the action of specific carbohydrates and microelements. It is a powerful general strengthening agent, which is indispensable at the recovery stage after serious illnesses, operations, prolonged bed rest, etc.
• Prescribed for skin diseases: acne, purulent processes, boils, burns, trophic ulcers.
• Effective for all gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, ulcers), functional disorders intestines, both with constipation and diarrhea due to the presence of mucus (enveloping effect), enzymes and bitterness.
• Prescribed when inflammatory processes on the mucosa oral cavity, pharynx, stomach and intestines.
• Icelandic moss is indicated for children for whooping cough, bronchitis, when severe coughing attacks occur, and topically for treating rashes due to dermatitis and burns.
• In folk medicine it is used to increase potency in men and treat mastopathy in women.
• Recommended for weight loss.

The medicinal properties and recipes of Icelandic moss allow it to be used for wide range diseases, but it is better to do this after approval by your doctor.

Scientific research on Cetraria Icelandica

Experimental treatment with lichen and preparations made from it was carried out just before the collapse of the USSR at the Institute of Phthisiapulmonology of the then city of Leningrad. A strong drug was created, which, according to the recollections of the doctor medical sciences M.V. Pavlova, showed good result in the treatment of tuberculosis patients. However, with the collapse of the USSR, research and use of the drug were suspended.

In the 90s, scientists again turned their attention to the once forgotten plant organism: the biochemical mechanisms of action of Icelandic moss were actively studied in scientific laboratories in the USA, Iceland, Austria, and Japan.

Thus, Japanese doctors discovered that lichen mixed with green tea and some pharmacologically active plants is a drug for the prevention and treatment of cancer. This is possible due to the joint action of carbohydrates and lichen acids, which suppress enzymes involved in the metabolism of cancer cells.

A little later, the powerful antioxidant effect of cetraria was discovered, which promotes the restoration of the body and stops its premature aging: the plant body is 10 times more active than vitamin E.

Traditional medicine recipes

Medicinal recipes help with strict adherence to the rules for preparing Icelandic moss preparations and the frequency of their use - all patients should remember this.

• Whooping cough tea. Take ½ teaspoon of moss and thyme, pour 250 ml of boiling water and leave for 5 minutes, strain. Take 250 ml up to 3 times a day.
• Cough recipe, which can also be used for children. Take 2 tbsp. dry moss and pour 200 ml cold water, boil in a saucepan and cook over low heat for about 1 hour - the consistency of the broth should resemble jelly. Take 2-3 sips during the day, warm. Since the taste of the product is not the most pleasant, you can add honey to the broth. Store in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days.
• Decoction for stomach ulcers. Mix moss, marshmallow root and flax seed. Take 1.5 tablespoons of this mixture, pour 500 ml of boiling water and put on fire for 7 minutes. Next, strain the broth and cool. Take 70 ml 30 minutes before meals, five times a day.
• Alcohol tincture for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, poor appetite, suffocating cough. Take 40 grams of moss and add a glass of 60% alcohol, leave to infuse for 7 days. Take 10 or 15 drops every day, 2 times a day.
• Decoction for the treatment of tuberculosis. Take 4 tablespoons of moss and pour 500 ml of boiled, cooled water, put on low heat for 5 minutes, strain. Take 2 sips 3 times a day. in a cooled form.
• Decoction for stomach atony. Take 3 tbsp. l. raw materials and mix with 750 ml of water, put on low heat for half an hour. After cooling, you will get a decoction similar to jelly, which should be consumed at once. Take this amount for 3-5 days in a row.
• Medicine for bronchitis, as well as a cough recipe. Place 1 glass of milk and 1 tbsp in an enamel bowl. dry crushed raw materials. Place on the lowest heat for half an hour and close with a lid. Take 2 sips hot before bed.
• Extract for the treatment of constipation. Take 1 liter of cold water and pour this volume into 100 grams of dry raw materials. Leave for 24 hours, filter and put on water bath until the volume has evaporated by 2 times. Take half an hour before meals three times a day.
• Universal decoction, which can be used for all diseases for which lichen is indicated, as well as for treating the skin. 1 tbsp. pour dried raw materials with 2 cups of boiling water and boil in a water bath for 5 minutes, strain. Take 1 tbsp. 3-5 times a day.
• Collection for chronic runny nose. Take 1 tbsp. spoon of Icelandic moss, Japanese sophora, St. John's wort herb and add 2 tbsp to the mixture. l. sage herbs. Pour all 1 liter. water, boil for 30 minutes, cool until warm, strain. Before going to bed, you should rinse your nose with a decoction using a bulb or a syringe without a needle.
• Allergy decoction. Take a handful of dry moss, add cold water and leave for 2 hours. Then drain the water and add half a liter of boiling water to the raw material, boil for 25 minutes over low heat. Drink 100 ml on an empty stomach.
• A drug for the treatment and prevention of oncology. Take 2 parts of moss, celandine, knotweed, St. John's wort, add 3 parts of water pepper, plantain and nettle leaves, mix with 100 parts of green tea. Stir and make a decoction of 4 tsp. mixture of plants and 4 glasses hot water, leave for 60 minutes, strain and drink 1 glass 4 times a day, warm.
• In cosmetology A cold decoction of moss is used as a wiping lotion for problem skin with acne and boils, for rinsing with weak and thin hair, and with the active appearance of signs of skin aging.

Pharmacy drugs

The following preparations with Icelandic moss are produced in Russia and the post-Soviet countries:

• Crystalline powder of Sodium usinate, sold in 2 forms: alcohol and oil solution and powder. Effective external antimicrobial agent, used for burns, wounds, cracks.
• Western companies produce a series of cosmetics based on lichen: creams, masks, gels, lotions.

Where to buy Icelandic moss, besides pharmacies? Health food stores sell dry raw materials, and herbalists also sell them. But it’s best to prepare it yourself.

Contraindications for use, side effects

Restrictions on use dosage forms a little from lichen. These include:

• hyperthermia more than 39 C;
• exacerbation of bronchial asthma;
• exacerbation of cholecystitis and pancreatitis;
• ulcerative colitis and gastritis in the acute stage;
• intestinal hypertonicity;
• spastic constipation;
• autoimmune diseases;
• individual intolerance;
• children up to 1 year of age (according to some sources, can be used in children up to 12 months);

Childhood, lactation and pregnancy are not contraindications to the use of Icelandic moss, but even traditional healers advise taking them only after approval by a doctor. With long-term treatment, digestive disorders and discomfort in the liver area are possible.

In any case, it is impossible to consider lichen and preparations from it as a means for monotherapy. This is especially true for severe, life-threatening conditions - tuberculosis, pneumonia, cancer.

Iceland moss- a lichen with anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and antimicrobial properties.

Latin name: Cetraria islandica.

English name: Iceland moss.

Synonyms: Icelandic cetraria, moss, reindeer moss, Parmelia lichen, Icelandic lichen.

Family: Parmeliaceae - Parmeliaceae.

Pharmacy name: Thallus of Icelandic Cetrariae – Thalli Cetrariae islandicae.

Parts used: all parts of moss.

Photo of the medicinal plant Iceland moss (Cetraria icelandica)

Description: The thallus of Cetraria Icelandica looks like loose turf up to 10-15 cm high. It is formed by flat, sometimes grooved-rolled, blades. The lower surface is lighter colored, it is light brown, almost white, with numerous white spots and breaks in the bark, which serve to allow air to penetrate.

The lobes are irregularly ribbon-shaped, leathery-cartilaginous, narrow, flat, with short dark cilia. Depending on the lighting, the surface of these blades is brown or greenish-brown and shiny. The edges of the blades are slightly curved upward.

Fruiting bodies are formed at the ends of the expanded lobes. Saucer-shaped, brown, flat or slightly concave, 1.5 cm in diameter, with a slightly jagged edge.

Habitat: a characteristic representative of ground lichens of pine forests, swamps, tundras and forest-tundras. It grows directly on the soil or on the bark of old stumps. Prefers sandy, unshaded places, where it sometimes forms almost pure thickets. It grows only in clean air conditions.

Collection and preparation: Icelandic moss is collected in dry weather in the summer, torn from the substrate, cleared of plant debris and dried in the open air or in the sun; however, drying in dryers with good ventilation is more reliable. Raw materials are stored in bags or wooden containers for 2 years.

Active ingredients: Icelandic moss thalli contain biologically active substances of various groups: carbohydrates (70-80%) in the form of lichen starch lichenin (up to 64%) and isolichenin (up to 10%); sugars (13%) - of which glucose 97%, galactose (2.5%), mannose (0.5%); tannins (1-2%), iridoids - cetrarin (2-3%), lichen acids (2-3%) - cetraric, protocetraric, fumaroprotocetraric, paralychesterolic, usnic; trace elements - 100 g of product contains 100 mg of iron, 2 mg of copper, 2.1 mg of manganese, 2.7 mg of titanium, 0.4 mg of nickel, 0.4 mg of chromium, 0.2 mg of boron, traces of molybdenum; vitamins - ascorbic and folic acid, vitamins A, B1, B2, B12, as well as proteins (0.5%-3%), fats (2-3%), wax (1%), gum and pigments (6-8%).

Medicinal properties

In folk medicine, Icelandic moss is used as an antimicrobial, choleretic, laxative for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in the treatment of the upper respiratory tract, and even tuberculosis. Helps in restoring the body's strength after a serious illness; in the form of lotions and washes it is used for microbial skin lesions, wounds, boils, burns. The bitter substance of centraria moss promotes the secretion of gastric juice.

Self-medication is dangerous! Before treating at home, consult your doctor.

Icelandic moss treatment recipes

1. Gastric atony. 3 tablespoons of Icelandic moss, pour 750 ml of water and put on fire for half an hour. The result will be a mass similar in consistency to jelly. This paste must be consumed in one day.
2. Gum diseases. Pour 1 tablespoon of Icelandic cetraria into 2 glasses of water, bring to a boil, leave for half an hour, strain. Take during the day 30 minutes before meals. A stronger decoction is suitable for rinsing.
3. Bronchitis. Pour 1 teaspoon of Icelandic moss with a glass of boiling water and place in a dry and warm place for 10-15 minutes. Drink the infusion before bed, after adding 2 tablespoons of honey.
4. Bronchopulmonary diseases. Pour 1 heaped tablespoon of dry Icelandic cetraria into a glass of boiling whole milk. Boil for 5 minutes, strain. Drink at night, lying in bed under the covers.
5. Whooping cough. Brew 2 teaspoons of Icelandic moss with a glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes and drink 1-2 tablespoons 5-6 times a day before meals in courses of 10 days with breaks of 3-4 days. In total, you need to undergo 3 courses of treatment.
6. Whooping cough. Recipe for the tea mixture (and Icelandic moss in equal parts): pour 1 level tablespoon of the mixture into 1/4 liter of boiling water, let it brew for 5 minutes and then filter. Drink 2-3 times a day, 1 cup.
7. Wound treatment. Boil 2 tablespoons of Icelandic cetraria for 10 minutes in 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 8-10 hours, strain. Use for compresses and washing infected wounds.
8. Wound treatment(recipe 2). Grind dry Icelandic moss in a coffee grinder, take 2 tablespoons of the resulting powder and combine with 1 cup of liquid pork lard, leave in a water bath for 5 hours, strain. Use externally to heal infected, non-healing wounds.
9. Indigestion. Boil 3 teaspoons of Icelandic cetraria for 10 minutes in 1 glass of water in a sealed container, insulate and leave for 2 hours, strain. Take the decoction 2-4 tablespoons 3 times a day before meals.
10. Tuberculosis. Take 4 tablespoons of Icelandic moss and pour 500 ml of cold boiled water over them. Put on fire for 5 minutes. After straining the broth, you can take a couple of sips 3 times a day cold.
11. Improved metabolism. Pour 1 tablespoon of dry Icelandic cetraria into 0.5 liters of cold water, bring to a boil and cook over low heat until the water has evaporated by half. Take 80 ml three times a day after meals.
12. Stomach ulcer. Take Icelandic moss and half a tablespoon and pour 450 ml of boiling water over the whole thing. Place on the heat for 7 minutes and strain after removing from the heat. This decoction is taken half an hour before meals, 70 ml 5 times a day.

Decoction recipes

• Pour 2 tablespoons of dry crushed moss into 1 cup of boiling water, boil for 7-8 minutes over low heat, let sit for an hour, strain. Take 1 tablespoon before meals 4-5 times a day for chronic colitis with constipation, peptic ulcer stomach and duodenum, for gastritis, diarrhea, cough. Apply the decoction externally for skin diseases, burns, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatoses, trophic ulcers in the form of lotions, compresses.
• Icelandic moss decoction with milk. Brew 1 tablespoon of dry crushed lichen with 2 cups of boiling water or 2 cups of hot milk, boil over low heat for 5 minutes, cool, strain. Take half a glass 3-4 times a day for bronchitis, colds.

Infusion recipe

• Pour 2 teaspoons of dry Icelandic moss with 1 glass of boiling water, leave for half an hour, strain. Take 2 tbsp. spoons 4-5 times a day before meals. The course of treatment is 10 days, it is recommended to repeat it three times with breaks of no more than 4 days.
  It is recommended to use the infusion for respiratory diseases (tuberculosis, bronchial asthma, pneumonia, whooping cough). You can also replace water with kombucha infusion.

Cough tea recipe

1 teaspoon of Icelandic cetraria, pour hot boiling water, leave for a little and drink like regular tea once a day, preferably at night.

Side effects. Not found.

Contraindications. Individual intolerance.

The lichen, which is called Icelandic moss, has been known since ancient times to the northern peoples, who used it as a tonic. You can meet it in the north and in the middle zone, in pine forests, tundra, heathlands, forest-tundra, and also in swamps. It grows on the bark of stumps and directly on the soil, preferring sandy and unshaded areas and clean air. From this article we will learn what it is, about it beneficial properties oh, including how to brew Icelandic moss for coughs.

Botanical description

The plant reaches a height of 12 centimeters. It is a bush with widely spaced leaves. Its individual branches are up to 10 centimeters wide, mostly bent. Their outer side is olive to dark green in color, the underside is light brown, light green, often with white spots.

Compound

It contains approximately 75% mucus that envelops the mucous membranes. In addition, there are lichen acids (fumarprotocentral acid, lichesterolic acid, usnic acid, protolichesterolic acid, etc.), which give it a bitterish specific taste, and also determine its tonic and antibiotic properties. Icelandic moss also contains sodium utriate. It helps get rid of the tuberculosis bacillus. In addition, it contains enzymes, iodine, starch, pigments, sugars, waxes and vitamins.

Properties

The plant is valued for its high antiseptic properties. The usnic acid it contains has a pronounced antiseptic effect. And protochlychesteric and lichesteric acids have high antimicrobial activity against various dangerous pathogens, including staphylococci and streptococci.

Sodium sinate helps heal various wounds and burns, including infected ones. Mucus, which is rich in Icelandic moss, helps reduce inflammation of the nose, throat, mouth, stomach and intestines. For coughs (we'll tell you how to brew it below) it is also effective means. For this purpose, medicines made from this plant are often used.

Sometimes moss can be brewed to gargle a sore throat with the resulting infusion. Of course, only a specialist can prescribe Icelandic moss for treatment.

Indications for its use may include various conditions accompanied by cough, as well as serious pathologies, including tuberculosis, whooping cough, obstructive chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma. In addition, moss has a tonic property; it is also used in the treatment of severely weakened and exhausted patients.

Blank

The plant is successfully used for treatment various pathologies accompanied by a cough. Some people who already know how to brew Icelandic moss for coughs buy this lichen at the pharmacy, although in the summer you can prepare it with your own hands.

Having found this moss in the forest, you need to carefully cut off its roots with scissors - they mostly have a slightly reddish tint. The collected raw materials at home must be carefully sorted, all needles, sticks and other unnecessary impurities must be removed from it. Then it should be dried in the sun. Now let's talk about how to brew Icelandic moss for coughs.

Traditional medicine

Various cough diseases can be treated with this plant. So, a decoction of it will help with tuberculosis. To do this, you need to pour 4 tablespoons of lichen into two glasses of cool boiled water, then boil for 5 minutes. The finished decoction must be strained well and taken three times a day, 2 sips.

Now we’ll learn how to brew Icelandic moss for coughs with milk. You need to pour a glass of milk into an enamel bowl and put a spoonful of crushed moss there. Then cover the bowl with a lid and put it on the fire for half an hour. The prepared decoction is consumed hot before bedtime for bronchitis.

The following tea will help you with whooping cough. You need to pour a teaspoon of thyme and lichen into a glass of boiling water. The resulting mixture should be allowed to brew for about five minutes, after which it should be strained. You should take a cup of tea about 3 times a day.

These lozenges well moisturize and protect irritated mucous membranes, increasing immunity. These drugs, having antibacterial properties, will help with inflammatory diseases throat. In addition, in some pharmacies you can find cough syrup containing Icelandic moss. How to brew the plant in this case does not matter, since it is a ready-made preparation.

It is used for whooping cough, acute respiratory infections, acute or chronic bronchitis, and influenza to treat cough. It should not be used by people who are sick diabetes mellitus, and also intolerant of any of its components.

For tuberculosis, you can add 4 tablespoons of moss to 2 cups of cool boiled water. Bring the mixture to a boil and keep on low heat for 5 minutes. Drink a quarter glass three times a day.

Prevention of vitamin deficiency

Drink the same decoction, starting with two liters per day, gradually reducing the dose to a glass per day. Must be consumed in spring, or twice a year.

Cough

So, how to brew Icelandic moss for coughs for children? To do this, pour a spoonful of moss into a glass of cool milk. Cook with the lid closed in an enamel bowl over low heat for about 30 minutes. Drink warm before bed.

chronic bronchitis

Now we will learn how to brew Icelandic moss for coughs for the above diseases. A mixture of coltsfoot and moss (in equal proportions) weakens coughing attacks and facilitates expectoration. To do this, pour 2 tablespoons of the mixture into a glass of cool water, bring slowly to a boil, and then strain. Drink one cup twice a day.

Whooping cough

Not everyone knows how to brew Icelandic moss for coughs for children. To do this, a mixture of this plant and thyme is taken in equal proportions. Pour a glass of boiling water over a spoonful of the mixture and leave for 5 minutes. Drink 1 cup twice a day.

Stomach ulcer

Icelandic moss and marshmallow root should be taken in equal proportions. Pour a spoonful of the prepared mixture into two glasses of hot water. Boil all this for 7 minutes over low heat, strain. Drink a third of a glass 5 times a day.

Purulent wounds, boils, burns, ulcers

So, from this article we learned how to brew. But how to use it for such skin diseases? For this, lotions made from a decoction applied to the wound, as well as washing, are suitable. Dried moss powder can be used as a powder.

This unique organism from the kingdom of Fungi represents a symbiosis or cohabitation of two different representatives. In the process of evolution, they merged into single organism, which is included in the scientific classification as Icelandic moss or Cetraria isladensis.

What is interesting about this lower plant, what medicinal properties does it have, and does it have any contraindications? Folk recipes treatment of diseases using decoctions and infusions prepared on its basis.

Nature has combined together an organism from the kingdom of mushrooms and blue-green algae. Gave them the amazing healing properties of a natural antibiotic. Moss is able to activate the vital forces of the human body and prolong its longevity.

Icelandic moss: medicinal properties and contraindications

Cetraria or Icelandic moss ( Cetrária islándica) belongs to the genus Cetraria, but more often it is called not a moss, but a lichen. There is such confusion with this plant. This representative of lichens growing on the soil or on the bark of old stumps loves sandy soils, warmed by the sun and a clean ecological atmosphere. Grows near swamps, in pine forests, forest-tundra zones, tundra of Eurasia, southern Australia and Africa.

Botanical description of a representative of lower plants

A perennial representative of leaf lichens, it forms erect bushes, up to 10 cm high, forming compact clumps. Instead of a stem, lichens have thalli or thalli, which are flat in appearance and have grooved-folded lobes.

The thallus is leathery-cartilaginous to the touch, greenish-brownish in color, covered with short cilia on top. The lower part of the thallus is lighter in color, strewn with white spots with tiny holes (stomata) used for breathing. See photo:

The lichen reproduces by pieces of the thallus. In addition, a group (fruiting bodies) is formed inside the thalli, consisting of algae and fungal cells. The skin of the thallus bursts, the cells are thrown out and carried by the wind.

When raw materials are prepared. Lichen thalli are collected from summer season. They are torn from the soil, cleaned, and dried well. Drying in special dryers is possible. Since the raw material is hygroscopic and strongly absorbs moisture, it is stored in a glass container, under a tight lid, in a dry place. Prepared decoctions and infusions have a bitter taste and a peculiar smell.

Chemical composition of Icelandic cetraria

The chemical composition of representatives of lower plants is dominated by:

• carbohydrates, starch, making up 80%;
• up to 13% sugars;
• about 3% proteins;
• 2-3% organic acids, represented by rare lichen acids;
• up to 2% fat;
• 1% - wax;
• up to 4% cadmium;
• up to 8% pigment substances.

There are macroelements in the composition, of which manganese, iron, boron and copper, chromium and nickel are distinguished. In its thalli the plant is capable of accumulating microelements: tin, silicon, lead, zinc, cadmium. The composition contains ascorbic acid vitamins, B vitamins, and carotenes.

Vitamin C accumulated by lichen is in an easily digestible form for the human body. In dry raw materials, it remains unchanged for up to three years, which was confirmed by studies of Russian doctors who worked in the north.

Thalluses concentrate polysaccharides within themselves; when brewed with boiling water, they go into solution, forming jelly-like clots. Lichenin and isolichenin are distinguished from the group of polysaccharides.

Medicinal properties

Icelandic moss medicinal properties and medicinal effect which defines him chemical composition, is used not only in folk medicine, but also in traditional medicine. The indigenous population of the tundra zone and northern forests use it as an antibacterial agent.

Watch a video about the use of Icelandic moss for treatment:

Its richness in vitamins, mineral composition activates the body’s immune forces, helps cope with colds, strengthening the condition internal organs and systems, which contributes to the rejuvenation of the body.

Usnic acid is a natural antibiotic

The benefits of the plant largely depend on the presence of specific organic, lichen substances, of which usnic acid is a representative. It is specific because, being a product of secondary metabolites of lichens, it is not found in organisms of other groups.

• Pine buds are no less useful for inflammatory processes:

It is characterized by activity properties:

• antiviral, insecticidal;
• antituberculosis, analgesic;
• antibiotic.

Lichens produce large amounts of usnic acid (up to 8%), the presence of which is noted in dry raw materials of thalli or thalli. When collecting raw materials, it is important to take into account that its concentration in the thalli varies with the seasons.

The highest numbers are observed in late spring and summer, lower in winter and autumn. This depends on the number of sunny days, solstice, temperature fluctuations, solar radiation, and the habitat of the lichen.

Preparations with Icelandic moss kill pathogenic flora in the human body, and are especially active against bacteria living in respiratory system. Therefore, they are used as an adjuvant in the treatment of pulmonary diseases, including tuberculosis.

In addition to the listed beneficial properties inherent in usnic acid, the plant has other medicinal effects:

• anti-inflammatory,
• immunomodulatory,
• antioxidant,
• expectorant
• regenerating,
• enveloping and astringent,
• rejuvenating.

Due to the range of medicinal properties, cetraria moss is used to treat sinusitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, acute respiratory viral infections, tuberculosis, tracheitis, bronchitis, cough, whooping cough, and asthma.

Medicines prepared from moss thalli are used to treat infantile whooping cough, frontal sinusitis, stomach ulcers and gastritis, atony of the digestive organs, and acne on the skin.

Infusions with decoctions are used to activate the immune system, for anemia, general exhaustion of the body, diaper rash, and burns. Regenerating properties have a beneficial effect on wound healing, rashes, abscesses, and skin ulcers. In Rus', thalli were previously used to treat open wounds, making lotions or lining the wound around.

In case of poisoning and intestinal disorders, the astringent property helps. Causes compaction of intestinal contents, slowing of peristalsis, promotion of feces, easing pain.

Moss is effective for inflammatory diseases in the intestines. In addition, it provides productive treatment of diseases associated with:

• with dysfunction thyroid gland,
• manifestations of toxicosis during pregnancy,
• with the formation of lumps in the mammary glands (mastitis),
• with toothache and insomnia,

which pass faster with the additional prescription of drugs from cetraria.

Cetraria moss indications for use

Based on an extensive list of beneficial and medicinal properties, the scope of lichen is not limited only to medical indications.

1. Moss is the main source of food, along with moss, for reindeer.
2. The indigenous people of the north used to use the crushed plant as diapers for babies. The plant absorbs moisture well, so the ground thalli were sprinkled on diapers.
3. Moss is used for cooking in Scandinavian countries, lichen thalli powder is added when baking bread, and sometimes the ratio of flour to powder is adjusted to 1:1. Nowadays, dietary supplements and medicinal preparations are produced from the plant.

Application in pharmacology

The medical industry widely uses unique properties Icelandic moss, in different preparations. In pharmacies you can buy not only dried raw materials, but also cough syrup, lozenges, lozenges, cough drops, capsules, tablets.

In capsules and tablets, moss is offered as dietary supplements for the treatment or prevention of diseases of the digestive system, breathing, and skin diseases.

The drug Evozin with an extract of lichen acids was patented in the 50s of the last century in Germany. This was the first drug with pronounced antimicrobial activity to treat lupus erythematosus.

The Japanese patented a preparation from lichens aimed at curing actinomycosis. In Finland, with the help active substances From lichen, medicines used for runny nose, cough, and asthma were obtained (with the addition of cinquefoil, horsetail, bearberry, juniper, and willow bark).

In the Soviet Union, using usnic acid, they also began to produce the drug in the form of oil and alcohol solutions - sodium usnitate. It was recommended as an antimicrobial agent for external use (purulent wounds, cracks, burns).

Been researched for a long time drug Binan, which showed high activity against different strains of Staphylococcus aureus and hemolytic. But due to its toxicity, it was recommended only for external use.

Balsam Binan- it's a symbiosis fir balsam with sodium ustinate was used in surgical practice for tissue transplantation. It effectively dealt with the infection and promoted rapid healing.

It was used to treat cervical erosion; numerous reviews from women speak of the productive properties of the balm in the healing of tissue after cauterization. Purulent mastitis responded well to treatment, cracks in the nipples of mothers in labor, surgical sutures, and skin diseases healed quickly. The drug is not currently used in medicine.

Medicines

But modern medicine massively uses German-made preparations using Icelandic moss:

Bronchikal plus for children - cetraria syrup with chamomile, ascorbic acid. Children are given three times a day, a tablespoon for cough, used for chronic and acute bronchi, colds, and flu.

Tea granules (Bronchialtee 400) in the form of an aqueous extract of cetraria, fennel fruits, marshmallow and thyme, linden and sage leaves. The instructions recommend use for colds and chronic bronchitis. Drink up to three times a day, one cup.

PastillesIsla— Mint Pastille for resorption, recommended for dry mucous membranes of the throat and nose, asthmatic and bronchial coughs, and hoarseness of the throat. Take several lozenges per day.

TeaSalus Bronchial-Tee No. 8 in its composition, along with lichen, it contains fennel fruits, linden flowers, mullein, primrose, nettle, marigold, raspberry leaves, thyme grass, knotweed. It helps well with inflammation of the respiratory system, relieving coughs and thinning mucus. Take hot up to five times.

Iceland moss syrup They come in different names (depending on the manufacturer). Known for "Gebion", "Pectolvan".. Syrups are recommended for dry coughs, as they coat the throat mucosa, relieve irritation, soften and soothe. Gerbion is recommended for children after one year, and pectolvan - from 12 years. Syrups have contraindications, so before use, you must study the instructions. A prescription for treatment must be obtained from a doctor.

In cream with cetraria includes additional ingredients (wax, honey, bear fat, St. John's wort extracts, calendula, essential oils). Indications for use are indicated in the instructions: cream for skin lesions, bruises, wounds, dislocations, joint pain, coughs and colds, as a rub.

Use in folk medicine

Cetraria has become more widely used in folk medicine. It is convenient because the drugs can be prepared at home and used to cure ailments. Below are recipes for use.

Icelandic moss for cough

For coughs of various origins traditional medicine has long been using cetraria as an independent remedy and preparing preparations with medicinal herbs. To improve the taste and therapeutic effect, honey is added.

Decoction with milk or water

Decoctions prepared from dried raw materials of lichen thalli are drunk hot.

• Five-minute decoction in a water bath, prepared from 500 ml of liquid (milk or water), a spoon of dry raw materials. After removing the medicine from the bathhouse, infuse it for about 30 minutes, then drink it with honey.
• Yugoslav tea recipe, how to brew. Take a teaspoon of dried moss per glass of boiling water. Drink hot tea before bed.
• Preparing a 30-minute decoction in a water bath, from a glass of boiling water and a spoonful of tea thalli. Drink at night for bronchitis and pneumonia.

Infusion recipe

From 2 teaspoons of dry raw materials, 250 ml of cold water you can prepare an infusion. The poured raw material is placed on low heat, heated, but not brought to a boil. Remove from heat and leave for another hour or two to infuse. When cooling, the drug, due to the presence of mucus in the thallus, acquires a jelly-like state.

The infusion is used to cure diseases associated with the respiratory system, cough symptoms, and to treat the gastrointestinal tract. Used as a strengthening and tonic drug.

How to prepare the tincture

Pour 100 g of dry lichen thallus with vodka so that the raw material is completely covered. After 7 days of infusion in a dark place, the tincture will be ready. All that remains is to filter it.

Use as a general tonic

Since lichen improves immunity, adding vitality to the body, it is prescribed as an aid for all diseases. Mixing with those appropriate for their intended purpose medicinal plants, contraindications should be taken into account.

Elixir of health and longevity with cetraria

• 400 ml kefir or yogurt,
• 3 tbsp. spoons of cetraria powder,
• 3 tablespoons of honey.

Honey, if it is not receptive, can be replaced with sea buckthorn syrup or any jam. You can drink it for breakfast and dinner. Helps restore the functions of the stomach, intestines, and thyroid gland, activates the body's immune forces, and adds energy.

For stomach ulcers Prepare a mixture of lichen, flax seeds, marshmallow root, half a tablespoon per 400 ml of boiling water. Leave on fire for 7 minutes and take 50 ml several times a day. To treat ulcers, a decoction is prepared and such a decoction is prepared with flax seed (1:1);

Cetraria tea for whooping cough. It is recommended to add thyme to the lichen (1:1). Take half a tablespoon of the mixture per 250 ml of boiled water. Keep on low heat for 5-6 minutes, cool. Drink a cup instead of tea, three times a day.

Milk decoction for bronchitis, prepared from a tablespoon of raw materials in a glass of milk. It is kept in a water bath for 30 minutes, taken at night, hot.

Watch the video: Icelandic cetraria moss - a recipe for longevity

For stomach atony, a jelly-like mass is prepared from 750 ml of water, three tablespoons of dry thallus. It is kept on low heat for about 30 minutes. After cooling, the mass is eaten a day, divided into portions.

For sore joints they use a collection of cetraria with birch, linden, sweet clover, and lemon balm (in equal shares);

For stomatitis crushed raw materials in powder are used. Powder applications are made after surgery in the nasal cavity. The powder dries the mucous membrane well, kills all pathogenic and putrefactive microbes;

Benefits for men. Traditional medicine offers drinking from lichen for impotence treatment, prostatitis and other infections of the genitourinary system.

For the treatment of impotence, mix cetraria, lemon balm, orchis, flax (1:1:1:1); Or prepare a mixture (in equal proportions) of toadflax, lichen, lemon balm, orchis tubers. A tablespoon of the mixture is brewed with 250 ml of boiling water. After 2 hours of infusion, drink instead of tea, 3 glasses a day.

For women lichen is recommended in the form of a decoction, tea for the treatment of bacterial colpitis, mastopathy, as an auxiliary remedy.

For children drinks based on lichen have a beneficial effect on colds and infectious diseases (bronchitis, whooping cough). The infusion is used to cure skin diseases (burns, dermatitis, wound healing).

Infusions, decoctions, tinctures improve health. They have a beneficial effect on the functioning of organs and systems and improve overall well-being. The use of drugs internally significantly improves the condition of the skin, eliminating cosmetic problems (blackheads, acne). In addition to internal use, they are used as a lotion.

Possible harm and contraindications

Scientists note that the use of preparations with Icelandic moss cannot cause harm to the body if the specified dosage during treatment is not violated.

• high body temperature,
• during acute exacerbations of any disease,
• for diseases of an autoimmune nature,
• use with caution in case of high acidity,
• during pregnancy and lactation,
• with individual intolerance.

A unique individual from the kingdom of lower plants, Icelandic moss, due to its medicinal properties, has the rare effect of a natural antibiotic. Taking into account its contraindications, you can provide constant support to your body, maintaining youth and health for many years.

This is what I wish for you, dear readers!

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