Iceland moss

Iceland moss ( Cetraria islandica )

Iceland moss ( Cetraria islandica ) - also Iceland moss, Irish moss (not to be confused with Irish moss ), lichen Islandicus, blood lung moss, moss fever, Hirschhornflechte or barley ( Austrian ) - is a cushion- shaped growing fruticose.

Description

The lichen is 4 to 12 inches high, their individual shoots branch antler -like, are rigid, scaly and often fold rinnig, brown green on top, white-colored green on the bottom. The 3-6 mm flat bands are regularly serrated edge.

According to the light exposure, the braiding store a different amount of a brown pigment is used as a sunscreen. Lichens of the high mountains are therefore dyed dark brown to black-brown.

Occurrence

It is distributed throughout Europe, in the south but only at higher elevations. The largest deposits are found in the mountains in the Swiss Alps usually 1500-2500 m altitude and in Iceland ( cushions up to 20 cm thick ), where they pose a danger to walkers, as they hide columns in the lava field; one finds the plant but also in the lowlands of open spots on sandy soil. It is typical of Moore, sparse pine forests and dwarf shrub heath. In the tundra or in windy locations in the high mountains the way, together with other forms of lichen nationwide lawn.

Iceland moss in phytotherapy ( herbal medicine )

The first known description can be found in a drug directory of 1672. Iceland moss was considered a remedy for emaciation, diarrhea and respiratory diseases such as whooping cough, asthma and pulmonary tuberculosis. In modern medicine, Iceland moss is especially indicated in irritation of mucous membranes in the mouth and throat and therefore part of many lozenges and Erkältungstees.

The lichen is collected in late summer and autumn in dry weather. To protect the precious ingredients, the herb should be slow to dry in a dark place.

Ingredients and effects

Therapeutically active ingredients Iceland moss contains bitter substances, lichen acids, iodine, mucilage and vitamins A, B1 and B12.

It has a soothing and strengthening effect on the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, even when inflammation of the gastric and intestinal mucosa, it will be used. Further, it is effective against nausea, appetite- enhancing, invigorating and tonic ( tonic ). The lichen acids is easily reputed antibacterial effect.

For stubborn acne treatment with Iceland moss can be attempted.