What is Iceland moss?
Iceland moss has been a celebrated herb for many centuries, in particular as a remedy for respiratory ailments.
The Latin name for this herb is Cetraria islandica and
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it belongs to the Parmeliaceae plant family. It is also known as Eryngo-leaved liverwort and Iceland lichen, the latter of which is probably a more suitable name than Iceland moss, since the plant is not a moss at all but a lichen, which is a descriptive name for a plant made up of both fungi and algae. In this case algae cells twist in threads around the fungi and the two organisms live in a mutually beneficial relationship with the algae manufacturing food in the process of photosynthesis and the fungi absorbing and providing water for this activity.
Iceland moss is found not only in Iceland but prolifically throughout the Northern Hemisphere and the sub-Arctic, thriving in mountainous and wooded areas were it grows on rocks or the bark of trees, especially conifers.
Iceland moss is recognisable by its twisted or curly plant body (thallus), which grows about 4 inches high. The whole plant has a tough yet springy quality. The under surface is paler than the brown upper surface, and it is covered with white spots.
What is Iceland moss used for?
The plant contains large amounts of a starch called lichenin, which forms a mucilage-like substance when boiled. This soothes the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
The carbohydrate content of the plant also makes Iceland moss a good food supplement and it is often prepared as such, cooked with wine, lemon or sugar to add to its palatability. Iceland moss also contains bitters, which are associated with stimulating the appetite and as such the plant is also considered a worthy overall tonic.
Parts used
The entire plant is used for medicinal purposes and is gathered throughout the year, though usually between May and September.
Active compounds
Lichen acids: fumarprotocetraric, protocetraric, cetraric, protolichesteric, lichesteric and usnic acids.
Polysaccharides (50%): lichenin and isolichenin.
Miscellaneous: furan derivatives, sugar, fatty acid lactones, oxalix acids, iodine, terpenes and traces of vitamin A.
Actions
Anti-emetic
Anti-inflammatory
Demulcent
Galactagogue
Nutritive
Relaxing expectorant
Tonic
How does it work in the body
Organic acids in the lichen guard against infection, soothe irritated and inflamed tissue, and can also kill bacteria.
The large amounts of lichenin (starch) in Iceland moss form a mucilage-like substance when boiled which soothe the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and counter congestion, treating numerous respiratory conditions, coughs and hoarseness. The soothing mucilage also aids in the treatment of gastritis, gastric ulcer, hiatus hernia, irritable bowel syndrome, reflux oesophagitis, vomiting and dyspepsia, by ameliorating the effects of excess stomach acids.
The nutritional qualities of Iceland moss are also complementary in the treatment of malnourishment, debility and anorexia.
Medicinal uses of Iceland moss
Gastric complaints:
Appetite loss
Cachexia (malnourishment and debility)
Convalescence
Diarrhoea
Dysentery
Dyspepsia
Gastritis
Indigestion
Nausea and vomiting
Respiratory ailments:
Bronchitis
Cough
Respiratory catarrh
Other:
Fever
Kidney and bladder disorders
Poor immunity
Poor wound healing
Sore throat
Dosage
Infusion: Stir one teaspoon of the shredded moss in a cup of cold water, boil for three minutes and let the mixture stand for 10 minutes. Drink one cup in the morning and one in the evening.
Tincture: 1-2 ml three times a day.
Traditionally, three to five teaspoons of the moss per day.
Combinations
In cases of nausea and vomiting, combine Iceland moss with black horehound or ballota.
Available varieties in South Africa
Iceland Moss powder
Safety
Iceland moss is generally safe to use, however excessive doses or prolonged uses may cause gastrointestinal irritation and liver problems.
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