home Audience 4 Recipes for using reindeer moss in medicine. Medicinal properties of moss in medicine

Recipes for using reindeer moss in medicine. Medicinal properties of moss in medicine

Lichens received their Russian name for their visual similarity with the manifestations of some skin diseases, which received common name"lichen". The Latin name comes from the Greek (lat. Lichen) and is translated as wart, which is associated with the characteristic shape of the fruiting bodies of some representatives.

Behind the cacophonous name of these plants lies a world of amazing originality.

As organisms, lichens were known to scientists and people long before their essence was discovered. Even the great Theophrastus (371 - 286 BC), “the father of botany,” described two lichens - Usnea and Rocella. Gradually, the number of known species of lichens increased. In the 17th century, only 28 species were known. French doctor and the botanist Joseph Pitton de Tournefort in his system identified lichens in separate group in the composition of mosses. Although over 170 species were known by 1753, Carl Linnaeus described only 80, describing them as “a meager peasantry of vegetation,” and including them, along with liverworts, as part of the “terrestrial algae.”

But the beginning of lichenology (the science of lichens - 1803) is rightfully considered to be Eric Acharius, a student of Carl Linnaeus. He identified lichens as an independent group and for the first time systematized 906 species described at that time.

The first to point out the symbiotic nature in 1866 was the doctor and mycologist Anton de Barii, and in 1869 he introduced the term “symbiosis”. In 1869, botanist Simon Schwendener extended these ideas to all species. In the same year, Russian botanists Andrei Sergeevich Famintsyn and Osip Vasilyevich Baranetsky discovered that the green cells in lichen are single-celled algae. These discoveries were perceived by contemporaries as “amazing,” since until the end of the 60s of the 19th century, researchers considered them to be ordinary plants, and the green cells inside the thallus visible under a microscope to be photosynthetic tissue.

Many researchers tried to artificially obtain lichen from various cells of algae and fungi, but this was only possible in 1980 by V. Akhmadzhyan and H. Hekkal. American scientists have managed to “combine” an algae and a mushroom grown from a spore.

In all other cases, the experiments were stopped in the middle. Based on sources, we also found a unique case of interaction between an algae and a fungus. Based on experiments conducted in the laboratory, American scientists suggested that the brown algae Ascophyllum nodosum (A. nodosum) has an obligate need for the fungus Mycosphaerella ascophylli and their symbiosis can be characterized as lichen, but unlike traditional lichens, in this symbiosis there is a predominance of algae, and not a mushroom. This only means that the relationships between these organisms are more diverse and complex.

Now there are about 25 thousand species of lichens. And every year scientists discover and describe tens and hundreds of new unknown species.

The appearance of these plants is bizarre and varied. Rod-shaped, bushy, leafy, filmy, ball-shaped, “naked” and densely covered with scales (phyllocdadium) lichens are known, having a thallus in the form of a club and film, beards and even “multi-story” towers.

Depending on the appearance, three main morphological types are distinguished: crustose, foliose and fruticose lichens. In nature, lichens occupy several ecological niches: epilithic, epiphytic, epixyl, ground and aquatic.

Epiliths are very numerous, these are plants growing on bare stones and rocks. These include crustacean lichens from the genera Aspicillia, Lecanora, Lecidea, and Rhizocarpon; of the leafy ones - dermatocarpon, collema, parmelia, physcia.

Epiphytes inhabit branches and trunks of trees and shrubs. Epiphytes include crustacean lichens graphis, lecanora, psora; foliaceous - collema, leptogium, parmelia, physcia; bushy - cladonia and usnea.

Epixylae are relatively few in number; they include plants that inhabit dead, rotting wood, as well as old wooden buildings. Among the scale epixyls, plants from the genera Lecanora and Psora are known; among leafy ones - parmelia and physcia; among the bushy ones - cladonia and usnea. Ground lichens, which also inhabit the moss “carpet,” belong to the genera Lecidea (scaleaceous), Cladonia, Usnea (fruticose), Cetraria, Peltigera, Solorina, (leafy). Actually, only American hydrothyria veinata is an aquatic lichen. All other lichens have adapted to withstand flooding, but do not completely move into the water. These are river dermatocarpon, whitish-bluish lecidia, dark rhizocarpon, etc.

External structure

Lichens are symbiotic organisms, the body of which (thallus) is formed by the combination of fungal cells (mycobiont) and algal and/or cyanobacterial (photobiont) cells in an externally seemingly homogeneous organism.

The internal structure of these organisms is also different. Some crustose lichens have the most primitive structure. Their algae cells are evenly distributed between the fungal filaments (hyphae) throughout the thallus. Such lichens are called homeomeric.

The thalli of more highly organized lichens have several layers of cells, each of which performs a specific function. Such lichens are called heteromeric.

On the outside there is a protective crustal layer, consisting of a dense plexus of fungal hyphae and painted in various colors.

(from white to bright yellow, brown, lilac, orange, pink, green, blue, gray, black).

This surface layer of tightly intertwined hyphae allows lichens to quickly absorb surrounding moisture in wet weather and dry out just as quickly, which saves their cells from overheating and hypothermia.

Under the upper crustal layer there is a zone of algae. The algal cells are surrounded by thin fungal hyphae. Below is the core. This is the thickest layer of the thallus. The colorless mushroom hyphae of the core lie loosely, with air space remaining between them. This ensures Free access inside the thallus there is carbon dioxide and oxygen, which the lichen needs for photosynthesis and respiration. From below, the thallus is protected by the lower crustal layer.

The thallus of crustose lichens is a “scale” crust; the lower surface grows tightly with the substrate and does not separate without significant damage. This allows them to live on bare soil, on steep mountain slopes, trees and even on concrete walls. Sometimes crustose lichen develops inside the substrate and is completely invisible from the outside.

Foliaceous lichens have the appearance of plates different shapes and size. They are more or less tightly attached to the substrate with the help of outgrowths of the lower cortical layer.

Bushy ones have a more complex structure. The thallus forms many round or flat branches. They grow on the ground or hang from trees, woody debris, and rocks. On the substrate they are attached only at their base.

Lichens are attached to the substrate by special outgrowths located on the underside of the thallus - rhizoids (if the outgrowths are formed only by hyphae of the lower cortex), or rhizines (if these outgrowths also include core hyphae).

On the surface of the thallus there are round discs with a narrow notch, resembling small saucers. These are apothecia within which spores ripen. They are either barely visible or clearly visible, brightly colored and decorate the body of the lichen.

Apothecia of the lichen Parmelia sulcata, soredia visible on the surface.

Some lichens have special formations on the thallus or inside it - cephalodia, which are an association of a fungus and a cyanobacterium. The thallus itself usually contains green algae. Lichens can be two or three component.

Lichens consisting of one type of fungus and a cyanobacterium (blue-green algae) (cyanolichen, for example, Peltigera horizontalis) or algae (phycolichen, for example, Cetraria islandica) of one species are called two-component; lichens consisting of one type of fungus and two types of photobionts (one cyanobacterium and one algae, but never two algae or two cyanobacteria) are called tripartite (for example, Stereocaulon alpinum).

The structure of a heteromeric lichen using the example of Sticta fuliginosa:

a - cortical layer, b - gonidial layer, c - core, d - lower cortex, e - rhizines.

The algae found in the lichen thallus are called lichen phycobionts. According to their systematic relationship, they belong to various departments: to blue-green (cyanophyta), green (chlorophyta), yellow-green (xanthophyta) and brown (phaeophyta) algae.

Thallus lichens are very diverse in color, size, shape and structure. The color of the lichen thallus depends on the presence of pigments that are deposited in the membranes of the hyphae, less often in the protoplasm.

Pigments are chemical compounds that absorb light of a certain wavelength. Chlorophyll is a pigment that absorbs violet, blue and red rays, while reflecting green ones, which is why it determines green color plants and a number of algae.

Chlorophylls “b” and “c” are auxiliary pigments that expand the spectrum of light absorption during photosynthesis and transfer their energy to chlorophyll “a”. Among the pigments that also transfer their energy to chlorophyll “a”, numerous carotenoids and phycobilins are known in algae. Carotenoids are typically orange, red, brown and yellow in color and absorb light in the blue-green region of the spectrum. It is believed that the role of many carotenoids is not light-catching, but light-protective, since they absorb potentially dangerous radiation. The presence of these pigments leads to the fact that they can mask the green color of chlorophylls, and then the algae acquire a brown, yellowish, golden and brownish color.

Phycobillins are water-soluble pigments that are present in red, blue-green and cryptophyte algae. They are responsible for the blue-green, various shades of red and pink colors of these algae. IN last years Phycobilins are used scientifically as chemical tags for antibodies and also as tags for tissue cells in the study of tumors.

Sometimes the color of the thallus depends on the color of lichen acids, which are deposited in the form of crystals or grains on the surface of the hyphae.

Most lichen acids are colorless, but some are colored, and sometimes very brightly - yellow, orange, red and other colors. The color of the crystals of these substances determines the color of the entire thallus. And here the most important factor promoting the formation of lichen substances is light. The brighter the lighting in the place where the lichen grows, the brighter it is colored. It is believed that the colored outer layers protect the underlying algae cells from excessive light intensity.

Complex fatty acids and derivatives of compounds such as orsinol and anthraquinone are formed in the bark and pith of lichens. Some of these substances are unpleasant to the taste and make lichens inedible for animals. Others, characterized by a pleasant aroma, are used in the perfume industry, and some are used for the production of dyes. The ability to synthesize certain compounds is an important systematic feature of lichens.

Lichen nutrition.

Algae or cyanobacteria of two-component lichens feed autotrophically. In three-component lichens, the alga feeds autotrophically, and the cyanobacterium apparently feeds heterotrophically, performing nitrogen fixation. The fungus feeds heterotrophically on assimilates of the symbiosis partner(s). But at present there is no consensus on the possibility of the existence of free-living forms of symbionts.

Lichen growth

Lichens are perennial plants. Typically, the age of adult thalli that can be seen somewhere in the forest on tree trunks or on the soil is at least 20 - 50 years. In the northern tundras, the age of some bushy lichens of the genus Cladonia reaches 300 years. There are also supercentenarians among them, whose age is 3000 years. Lichens grow slowly; crustose lichens add only 0.2–0.3 mm per year, and bushy and leafy lichens add 2–3 mm.

Due to their very slow growth, lichens can only survive in places that are not overgrown with other plants, where there is free space for photosynthesis. In damp areas, they often lose out to mosses.

Lichens, as a rule, have modest requirements for the consumption of minerals, receiving them, for the most part, from dust in the air or with rainwater, and therefore they can live on open, unprotected surfaces (stones, tree bark, concrete and even rusting metal ). The advantage of lichens is their tolerance to extreme conditions (drought, high and low temperatures (from −47 to +80 degrees Celsius, about 200 species live in Antarctica), acidic and alkaline environment, ultraviolet radiation). In May 2005, experiments were carried out on the lichens Rhizocarpon geographicum and Xanthoria elegans, which showed that these species, according to at least for about two weeks they were able to survive outside the earth’s atmosphere, that is, in extremely unfavorable conditions.

Many lichens are substrate specific, some grow well only on alkaline rocks, such as limestone or dolomite, others on acidic, lime-free silicate rocks, such as quartz, gneiss and basalt. Epiphytic lichens also prefer certain trees: they choose the sour bark of conifers or birch or the basic bark of walnut, maple or elderberry. A number of lichens themselves act as a substrate for other lichens. Often a typical sequence is formed in which various lichens grow on top of each other. There are species that constantly live in water, for example, Verrucaria serpuloides.

Lichens, like other organisms, form communities. An example of lichen associations is the Cladonio-Pinetum community - lichen pine forests.

Reproduction of lichens

According to the nature of sexual sporulation, lichens are classified into two classes: marsupials (reproduce by spores that ripen in pouches), which includes almost all varieties of lichens, and basidial (spores ripen in basidia), numbering only a few dozen species.

Reproduction of lichens is carried out by sexual and asexual (vegetative) methods. As a result of the sexual process, spores of the lichen fungus are formed, which develop in closed fruiting bodies - perithecia, which have a narrow outlet at the top, or in apothecia, wide open towards the bottom. Germinated spores, having encountered algae corresponding to their species, form a new thallus with it.

Vegetative propagation involves the regeneration of the thallus from its small sections (fragments, twigs). Many lichens have special outgrowths - isidia, which easily break off and give rise to a new thallus. Other lichens produce tiny granules (soredia) in which algae cells are surrounded by a dense cluster of hyphae; these granules are easily dispersed by the wind.

Lichens obtain everything they need for life from air and precipitation and do not have special devices to prevent the entry of various pollutants into their bodies. Particularly destructive to lichens are various oxides that form acids of varying concentrations when combined with water. Entering the thallus, such compounds destroy the chloroplasts of algae, the balance between the components of the lichen is disrupted, and the organism dies. Therefore, many species of lichens quickly disappear from areas subject to significant pollution. But it turns out that’s not all.

Some not only survive, but expand their distribution area. In the Moscow region, the inconspicuous but very persistent Scoliciosporum chlorococcum is found almost everywhere and abundantly - a crustaceous species, which at the beginning of the century was also not indicated for Central Russia.

In any case, death individual species must be alarm signal not only for people living in any particular area, but for all of humanity.

Since lichens are very sensitive to air pollution and die when there is a high content of carbon monoxide, sulfur compounds, nitrogen and fluorine in it, they can be used as living indicators of environmental cleanliness. This method was called lichen indication (from the Greek “lichen” - lichen).

The meaning of lichens.

Thanks to lichen acids (a joint product of a fungal and algal partnership), lichens act as pioneers of vegetation in nature. They participate in the processes of weathering and soil formation.

But lichens have a negative effect on architectural monuments, causing their gradual destruction. As the lichen thallus develops, it becomes deformed and bubbles, and in the resulting cavities a special microclimate arises that promotes the destruction of the substrate. That is why the lichen mosaic on the surface of ancient monuments is very disturbing to restorers and curators of antiquities.

On peat bogs, lichens inhibit the growth of shrubs. Sometimes areas of soil between lichen cushions and vascular plants are completely devoid of vegetation, since lichen acids act both directly and at a distance (confirmed by laboratory experiments).

Lichen acids not only inhibit, but also stimulate the growth of some organisms. In places where lichens grow, many soil microscopic fungi and bacteria thrive.

Lichen acids have a bitter taste, so only some snails and reindeer, which are very fond of moss and tundra cladonia, eat them.

During difficult years of famine, people often added lichens crushed into flour when baking bread. To remove bitterness, they were first doused with boiling water.

Lichens have long been known as a source of beneficial chemical substances. More than 100 years ago, lichenologists drew attention to the fact that under the influence of solutions of iodine, alkali and bleaching lime, they become colored in different colors. Lichen acids do not dissolve in water, but dissolve in acetone, chloroform, and ether. Many of them are colorless, but there are also colored compounds: yellow, red, orange, purple.

In the North of Russia they are still used as dyes.

Lichens were used in medicine by the ancient Egyptians 2000 BC. Their acids have antibiotic properties.

Carl Linnaeus mentioned seven in 1749 medicinal types lichens. At that time, tampons were made from Parmelia rockis to stop nosebleeds, and a cough remedy was prepared from Cladonia redfruited. The drugs were successfully used to treat skin diseases, burns, and postoperative wounds.

Medicinal preparations of Icelandic cetraria are used both in official and folk medicine for the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, infectious skin diseases, purulent wounds and burns. In many countries, including Russia, they prepare medicinal syrups and lozenges.

Pharmacological studies have shown that the sodium salt of usnic acid has bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties against staphylococci, streptococci and subtilis bacteria. Its decoction improves the tone of the body, regulates the activity of the stomach, and treats diseases of the respiratory tract. The drug sodium usninate was developed at the Botanical Institute. V.L. Komarov in St. Petersburg and named binan in honor of this institute. Binan on fir balsam heals burns and alcohol solution helps with sore throat.

The most unexpected application is in perfumery, although it was known in the 15th – 18th centuries. IN ancient Egypt from them a powder was obtained, which was used to make powder.

Lichen acids obtained from different types parmelia, evernium and ramalin have the ability to fix odors, which is why they are still used in the perfume industry today. An alcoholic extract from lichens (rhizinoid) is added to perfumes, colognes and soaps. The substances contained in Evernia plum are good flavor fixers, so they are used to make perfumes and flavor bread.

Some lichens are eaten. In Japan, for example, gyrophora tsculenta, a leafy lichen growing on rocks, is considered a delicacy. It has long been known under the name “lichen manna”, edible asticilia (Asticilia esculenna), which forms peculiar “nomadic” spherical lumps in the steppes, deserts and arid mountain areas. The wind sometimes carries these balls over long distances. Perhaps this is where the biblical legend of “manna from heaven” arose, sent by God to the Jews wandering through the desert on their way from Egyptian slavery. And in Egypt itself, Evernia furfuracea was added to baked bread so that it would not go stale for a long time.

Based on the composition of lichens, the concentration of various pollutants in the air is determined using developed scales and formulas. They are classic biological indicators. Also, the entire surface of lichens absorbs rainwater, where many toxic gases are concentrated. Nitrogen oxides are the most dangerous for lichens. carbon monoxide, fluorine compounds. IN last decade showed that the most negative impact they are affected by sulfur compounds, especially sulfur dioxide, which already at a concentration of 0.08-0.1 mg/m inhibits most lichens, and a concentration of 0.5 mg/m is detrimental to almost all species.

Many researchers use them both for mapping territories and for transect studies, transplantation studies, in environmental education, etc.

Lichens are successfully used in environmental monitoring.

They serve as environmental indicators, as they exhibit increased sensitivity to chemical pollution. Resistance to unfavorable conditions is facilitated by a low growth rate, the presence in various ways extraction and accumulation of moisture, developed protection mechanisms.

Russian researchers M. G. Nifontova and her colleagues found that lichens accumulate radionucleotides several quantities more than herbaceous plants. Fruticose lichens accumulate more isotopes than foliose and crustose lichens, so these species are chosen to monitor radioactivity in the atmosphere. Ground lichens accumulate mainly cesium and cobalt, and epiphytes accumulate mainly strontium and iron. Epilites growing on stones accumulate very little radioactive elements. The leaching of isotopes from thalli is greatly inhibited due to long periods of dehydration, so lichens serve as a barrier to the further spread of harmful radiation. Due to their ability to accumulate isotopes, lichens are used as indicators of radioactive contamination of the environment.

Identification of lichen zones

Air pollutants disrupt the pigment system of photosynthesis, oxidizing chlorophyll and disrupting the transport of organic substances.

The degree of air pollution can be determined by the following indicators

1. lichen desert – complete absence lichens

2. competition zone – lichen zone is poor

3. Normal zone - many types of lichens occur

The degree of air pollution is assessed by the abundance of various lichens

Degree of contamination Fruticose lichens Leaf lichens Crustose lichens

No pollution Occurring Occurring Occurring

Light pollution Absent Occur Occur

Moderate pollution Absent Absent Occurs

Heavy contamination Absent Absent Absent

Sensitivity to air pollutants

Moderately sensitive species, highly sensitive species, some types of Parmelia (furrowed, rocky) and Cladonia usnei (crested, lush), Cetraria glaucous, Cladonia unsmoothed,

(powdery, fringed). hypohymnia swollen, xanthoria wall (goldenweed).

Several hundred species of lichens grow in the Moscow region, in Moscow about

90. They are sensitive to pollution and therefore serve as good environmental indicators.

Analysis of the conducted research

When analyzing the life forms of lichens, it was revealed that from the samples we collected there are crustose, leafy and bushy forms. The air environment is polluted (since there are few bushy species), but moderately, since two bushy species are still found on our territory, and leafy species are represented relatively a large number species.

We examined trees growing along highways along Shkolnaya, Sadovaya, Topolinaya, and Mira streets. Shkolnaya Street is a street with high degree traffic, the predominant one is passenger transport. On Sadovaya, Mira and Topolinaya streets the traffic intensity is average.

During the study we determined:

The following types of lichens are found on trees growing along highways: orange xanthoria, gray-green parmelia, ash-gray hypohymnia and green algae

Air pollution also affects appearance. Lichens age prematurely. As they approach the source of pollution, the lichen thalli become thick, compact and almost completely lose their fruiting bodies.

The predominant lichen on the streets studied is orange xanthoria.

Xanthoria wall (goldenweed): a) - c in good condition, b) - in a depressed state. Colonies of these plants acquire the specific shape of a crescent, because the central parts of their thalli lag behind the substrate and fall out, although the edges of the lobes do not reduce their growth rate. The thalli of oppressed lichens are abundantly covered with soredia - small spherical bodies.

Along the bypass road there are trees on which green algae grows along with lichens.

Only green algae are found on trees.

The indicators of studies conducted along the Kashiro-Simferopol highway are alarming. No lichens were found here at all. Only green algae are found on trees.

The atmosphere is experiencing severe pollution. This is due to the anthropogenic impact on this area: the proximity of a highway and a gas station affects it.

(according to Sernander)

1 – 2 – Normal

7 – 10 0.08 – 0.10 Wrestling (I)

10 0.10 – 0.30 Wrestling (II)

We conducted a study of the territory to determine the degree of air pollution, using a simple test for air purity based on the species composition of lichens. During the examination, the presence of fruticose, foliose and crustose lichens is determined on each linden trunk - a standard object of research. Then, according to the simplest scale for determining the degree of air pollution, the degree of pollution is determined.

The simplest scale for determining the degree of air pollution

Degree of pollution Presence of lichens

I light pollution fruticose lichens disappear

II medium pollution, foliaceous and fruticose lichens disappear

III severe pollution, fruticose, foliose and crustacean lichens disappear - “Lichen desert

Based on the test results, a map of air pollution is compiled according to the morphological (life) form of lichens.

Based on the lichen floristic list in accordance with the table: a map of air pollution is compiled according to the species composition of lichens.

Scale for determining the degree of air pollution according to the lichen floristic list

Degree of air pollution Lichens

0 zone no lichens, only Pleurococcus algae on trees and stones, very heavily polluted

1 zone Lecanora lichen of severe pollution

Zone 2 Xanthorium lichen on stones to reduce pollution

Zone 3 Parmelia on rocks, no pollution reduction on trees

Zone 4 gray foliose lichens appear on tree trunks relatively clean air

Zone 5: fruticose lichens appear, including Evernia, zone of clean air

Zone 6 Fruticose lichens, including Usneya, very clean air

In connection with the threat of an impending environmental disaster, and the emerging need to identify anthropogenic changes in the state of the natural environment, a need has arisen to organize a special information system– systems for observing and analyzing the state of the natural environment, called monitoring.

Environmental monitoring is divided into biological and geographical.

Biological monitoring is aimed at identifying and assessing anthropogenic changes associated with changes in biota and biological systems, and at assessing the state of these systems.

The main attention in biological monitoring is paid to observations of biological consequences, responses, reactions of biological systems to external influences, to changes in the state of the natural environment.

Biological monitoring receives great attention for the following reasons:

Firstly, measuring the physical and chemical parameters of environmental pollution is more labor-intensive compared to biological monitoring methods;

Secondly, in surrounding a person The environment often contains not one, but several toxic components.

Of course, biological monitoring does not replace or displace physical and chemical methods for studying the state of the natural environment. However, its use makes it possible to increase the accuracy of forecasts in the environmental situation created as a result of human activity.

For example: using some types of lichens, the concentration of sulfur dioxide in the air can be determined quite accurately. If parmelias, alectorias, etc. are present on tree trunks, then the air is clean; if lichens on trees are completely absent, then the concentration of sulfur dioxide in the air exceeds 0.3 mg/m3.

In places of constant anthropogenic influence, lichens disappear. This suggests that the atmosphere of the area is being polluted, and the negative anthropogenic impact is great.

Every day we hear warnings about environmental dangers.

However, calls to save and protect nature will remain words if every person does not realize the main thing: humanity is on the verge of an environmental catastrophe, there is no exaggeration here. 40% of the population lives in unfavorable environmental conditions, and another 20% live in environmental disaster zones. Therefore the solution environmental problems- one of the most most important tasks today's time.

Having carried out this work, we not only expanded our knowledge, but also became convinced that lichens are not only interesting and unusual, but also difficult to identify and study in laboratory conditions an object. They began to treat these small, unique creatures of nature completely differently. What heroic efforts they have to make to survive. Take care of them! Do not disturb this fabulous Berendey kingdom. Take a closer look around you. After all, in the forest there are not just trees, stumps, scattered twigs, stones, but fabulous ones. How richly they are decorated! And lichens make them like that. And what an invaluable service they provide to scientists and to all of us.

We are planning to conduct a transplantation study (to transfer lichens with a low class of field tolerance, that is, with high sensitivity, to the zones of anthropogenic influence that we have identified.

Progress.

1. We took a piece of the thallus of various lichens along with the substrate. Sketched, photographed and measured the length of these objects (fruticose, foliose, crustose lichens)

2. We attached pieces of lichens to the walls, tree bark, and in different parts of the village.

3. Observe objects.

4. In six months or a year, we’ll take them down, measure them, and draw them.

5. Compare their appearance with the original one from the photo and drawing

6. Let’s find out which lichens have changed and which have not.

Such a study will either confirm or refute the assumption that modern average annual concentrations are indeed below 0.05 mg/m³, and the modern lichen-indicative picture is associated precisely with the fact that about 10 - 15 years must pass before a decrease in anthropogenic pressure becomes noticeable on lichens.

Correlation of field tolerance indices and average annual concentrations of sulfur dioxide in the air.

Field tolerance index SO2 concentration, mg/m³ Zone

(according to Sernander)

1 – 2 – Normal

2 – 5 0.01 – 0.03 Mixed (I)

5 – 7 0.03 – 0.08 Mixed (II)

7 – 10 0.08 – 0.10 Wrestling (I)

10 0.10 – 0.30 Wrestling (II)

0 more than 0.3 Lichen desert

According to the data obtained, one can judge the average annual concentrations of sulfur dioxide in the air.

We decided to conduct another observation.

Research results.

Street name Number of trees Number of trees, per Types of lichens Predominant species of which lichens are located

School Gray-green parmelia, Gray-green parmelia orange xanthoria

Garden Ash-gray hypohymnia, uniformly orange xanthorium

Poplar Grey-green parmelia, until the junction dominated by orange xanthoria, green orange xanthoria and green algae. algae, from the intersection the distribution of lichen is uniform; green algae is absent.

Mira Ash-gray hypohymnia, orange xanthoria orange xanthoria

Kashiro – Simferopol highway green algae

Heavy pollution Moderate pollution Almost no pollution (low pollution)

Green algae on tree trunks. Foliaceous lichens on tree trunks Foliaceous lichens on trees (gray-green

(orange xanthoria). parmelia and ash-gray hypohymnia).

Study of algae that make up lichens.

Demonstration of work to students in 6th grade when studying the topic “Lichens”

Report on the work done.

Reindeer moss or reindeer moss is the main food of reindeer, which they search for even in harsh winters under the snow. And all thanks to its aromatic smell. This plant, a lichen, has many medicinal properties and is used in folk and traditional medicine. It is included in some cough and cold medications.

Resin moss is a lichen that grows in the tundra, where other plants cannot survive. He belongs to the genus “Cladonia”, which is also his close relative Icelandic moss or cetraria.

Reindeer moss is a symbiosis of fungi and unicellular algae. It grows on rocks or on the ground and looks like a spongy grayish mass. If you look more closely at the structure of this moss, you can see a branching structure of filaments, which is very similar to human bronchial tissue.

This association allows all mosses to survive in harsh climatic conditions. The fungi form an outer layer that provides shelter for the algae. They, in turn, produce carbohydrates that allow them both to survive.

Reindeer moss is a dull green color. It has no roots and absorbs moisture from the air. This means that it can grow where other plants cannot survive.

Moss moss can withstand very low temperatures. With sufficient light, it can grow at temperatures of minus 10 degrees.

In the absence of moisture, it dries quickly and becomes very fragile, easily crumbling. But with sufficient humidity it recovers quickly.

Resin moss is an incredibly durable plant. True, it grows very slowly. The first stage of growth can last about 25 years. then it enters a stable period when the growth of new parts is equal to the number of dead ones. This period can last up to 100 years.

Then the slow process of dying begins, i.e. the dying part is more than the new one that has grown. This period can last the same as growth for approximately 100 years.

Areas that have been destroyed by any natural conditions, fires, constant grazing of animals, can take a very long time to recover, even decades.

Reindeer moss reproduces by spores that are carried by the wind. Over the course of a year, it can grow no more than 3-5 millimeters.

Resin moss beneficial properties

Reindeer moss – useful source food. And not just for deer. Its usefulness is familiar to people and has been used for food and medicinal purposes for many centuries. The main components of this moss are carbohydrates and ursinic acid. Carbohydrates make up up to 94 percent of the mass. The remaining 6 percent is ursinic acid, which provides its beneficial properties.

Reindeer moss or reindeer moss is a natural analogue of antibiotics. The ursinic acid contained in it can kill many pathogenic microbes and prevent rotting.

Traditionally, northern peoples used moss to prevent infection in wounds by covering them until the wounds healed.

In addition, it can inhibit the development of tubercle bacilli.

In addition, moss contains mucus, which is capable of enveloping the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs and digestive tract.

It contains vitamin C, vitamins B, A, as well as minerals such as iodine, titanium, manganese, iron, copper, chromium and many others.

Although the composition of reindeer moss is not very diverse, but still, as we see, it contains quite a lot nutrients, which can not only strengthen the immune system, but also help cope with the disease. Moreover, these nutrients are contained in it in an easily accessible form.

Resin moss medicinal properties

Moss moss is traditionally used by the indigenous peoples of the North for treatment. Reindeer moss has the following properties:

Expectorants;

Anti-inflammatory;

Antimicrobial;

Laxatives;

Wound healing.

Traditionally it is used for:

Cold;

Bronchitis;

Tuberculosis;

Diseases and disorders of the digestive tract;

Loss of appetite;

Weakened immunity;

Skin lesions;

Diseases thyroid gland.

Resin tea can help cope with constipation, and a decoction can help with diarrhea.

Resin moss medicinal use

Resin moss is a valuable medicinal raw material not only in folk medicine. The pharmaceutical industry also uses it to produce medicines. Most famous medicinal use reindeer moss – treatment of respiratory diseases. It copes well with coughs, gently enveloping the airways and removing accumulated mucus.

Resin moss decoction for coughs

To prepare the decoction take:

2 tablespoons moss

2 glasses of water (cold)

Pour crushed dry moss with cold water and place on water bath. Heat to a boil and remove from heat. Leave until the broth cools to room temperature and strain.

Drink it throughout the day, dividing it into two or three servings.

According to this recipe, you can brew moss for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, use it for rinsing and lotions for skin wounds, trophic ulcers, and bedsores. Skin lesions are treated with a decoction three to four times a day.

The course of treatment is from several days to a month, depending on the course and nature of the disease.

Resin moss for dry cough

In this case, prepare a decoction of reindeer moss with milk. To do this, pour a tablespoon of crushed moss into a glass of hot milk and place on low heat. Bring to a boil, simmer for 10 minutes and remove. Cool and filter. Drink warm at night. The course of treatment is at least 5 days.

Yagel for thyroid diseases

To prepare the infusion, pour 5 tablespoons of crushed reindeer moss into one liter of boiling water and infuse for an hour. Filter the resulting broth and drink throughout the day, dividing into three servings, before meals.

This infusion can be drunk for disorders and disorders of the liver and for its cleansing. Course – 1 month.

Infusion of reindeer moss for tuberculosis

To prepare the infusion, 4 tablespoons of moss are brewed with 1 liter of hot water and infused for 3-4 hours. Filter and divide the infusion into 4 servings. Drink a glass 4 times a day, warming before use.

The course of treatment is 2 weeks.

Resin moss for runny nose

To treat a runny nose, reindeer moss is brewed together with sage and St. John's wort. All herbs are taken in equal proportions. To prepare the decoction, take 1 tablespoon of the collection and brew with one liter of hot water.

Place on the stove and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.

Cool the finished broth and strain. Use to rinse nasal sinuses.

Moss tincture

An alcoholic tincture made from reindeer moss has strengthening and stimulating properties. It can be taken as a prophylactic when the immune system is weakened, in postoperative period, long-term illness, during cold and flu season.

To prepare the tincture at home, fill the container 1/3 of the volume with reindeer moss and add vodka or 60-70 percent alcohol.

Leave in a dark place at room temperature for 1 month. Then it needs to be filtered.

IN for preventive purposes drink 1 tablespoon of tincture diluted with water or you don’t have to dilute it.

The course of treatment is two weeks. Preventive courses are carried out twice a year.

Collection and preparation of moss

Harvesting reindeer moss is carried out in the summer months. The lichen is cut with a knife or carefully separated from the ground with your hands. Clean off stuck debris, twigs, etc.

Unlike herbs, they dry it in the sun. Dried raw materials should be stored in a dark container with a lid. Raw materials are stored for a long time - 5 years.

Contraindications and harm

Reindeer moss has no contraindications. The only thing that can happen when treating with this drug is individual intolerance, which is extremely rare.

Despite this, you should definitely consult your doctor before starting treatment.

Reindeer moss has a very strong aroma and tastes like mushrooms.

It is used in Scandinavian countries as a thickener for soups and sauces. Crushed moss powder is added when baking bread and into puddings.

It is first dried and then used in cooking as a flour substitute, instead of pectin, as it has gelling properties.

To use it for culinary purposes, you first need to boil it several times, replacing the water with new water each time. This can remove most of the ursinic acid, which can cause stomach upsets. Then they dry it.

Fresh moss can be stored in the shade for several weeks.

Reindeer moss (also known as reindeer moss/Icelandic moss) is a lichen and is an important part of the reindeer's diet. In folk medicine, it is used mainly as a natural antibiotic. It has a slightly bitter taste and a pleasant mushroom aroma. Applies in its entirety. Used as in official medicine(as a component pharmaceuticals), and in folk.

Description of lichen

It's about about lichen - the result of joint “creations” of marsupial fungi, unicellular algae and microorganisms that have the ability to absorb nitrogen. It grows in sheets, reaching a height of 5-10 cm. On the outside, its “leaves” are lilac-greenish-brown, on the inside they are lighter, with a red tint.

Does reindeer moss have fruits? The fruits serve to propagate the plant. Since lichens are fungi, they reproduce by spores. Consequently, their fruits are represented by spores.

Lichens are long-lived plants; they can exist for up to thousands of years! The places where reindeer moss grows are varied. Can grow on all surfaces, incl. on glass and metal. Thanks to the provision of salts and minerals () and the synthesis of starch (algae), it is able to grow where there are not even minimal conditions for the life of other plants (severe frosts, drought...).

Collection and drying

In order to take advantage of the healing properties of reindeer moss, it is important to know how to prepare it. Resin moss is collected in dry weather when it itself is dry. After collection, it is thoroughly cleaned of clay and other impurities (in particular, it is necessary to remove other types of lichens and mosses from it). spreads in a thin layer under the sun and dries quickly. After drying it turns brown.

It is also called natural penicillin, effective against many pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Capable of inhibiting (though unfortunately not stopping) the HIV virus and eliminating bacteria Helicobacter pylori.

Resin moss can be used alone or in mixtures with other herbs (mallow, officinalis, calendula) to enhance its antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Compound

The composition of moss is represented by the following substances:

50% - membrane mucus - polysaccharide lichenin, soluble in hot water;
isoliquin is a polysaccharide, its chemical structure similar to starch;
lycenic acids;
pectins;
vitamins A and B1.

Lycenic acids, due to their antibiotic effects, are used as components of antibiotic ointments and powders.

Active substances and their effects on health

The substances it contains are responsible for the benefits of reindeer moss. In addition to antimicrobial and antiviral effects, they have a number of other positive qualities regarding the health of the human body.

Mucous substances - dissolve mucus, facilitate coughing and prevent drying of mucous membranes, help treat upper respiratory tract infections. The medicinal properties of moss (resin moss) in relation to the respiratory tract are also due to its antibacterial and antiviral effects.
Protolichesteric acid – acts against Mycobacterium aurum, a non-pathogenic bacterium similar to M. tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis. Therefore, the traditional use of reindeer moss to treat this disease is justified. The substance also counteracts other pathogenic bacteria. The studies showed the comparative effectiveness of protolichesteric acid with the antibiotic streptomycin, and due to the increasing resistance of bacteria to the antibiotics used, further research is in the future.
Polysaccharides (mainly β-glucans) have a strong immunostimulating effect, increase the activity of phagocytes and reduce anticomplex activity immune system, which is useful for treating various infections. Thanks to polysaccharides, moss extract has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Protolineric acid – specialists are interested in its antitumor effect, which has been tested against various types tumor cells, in particular breast carcinoma and leukemia cells.

Therapeutic properties

The healing properties of moss and its therapeutic effects:

inflammation of the mouth, throat and digestive tract;
gastroenteritis;
diarrhea;
catarrh of the stomach and intestines;
the appearance of neoplasms;
thyroid disorders;
asthma;
bronchitis;
poorly healing wounds.

Useful properties of the plant for women

The benefits of moss for women are represented, first of all, by its ability to treat breast carcinoma. The natural medicine is suitable for use during menopause, a critical period for every woman. It relieves unpleasant symptoms, normalizes general health And hormonal background.

Benefits for Men

Exclusively "male" positive impacts reindeer moss does not have any, but its anti-cancer effects are worth attention, since doctors are increasingly registering prostate carcinoma in men. Moreover, the disease is significantly “younger”. Equally important for men is general strengthening of the body, increasing strength and endurance.

Resin moss for children

Beneficial features moss (reindeer moss) can also be used by children. But, it is not recommended for children under 6-7 years old. Dosage – 1/2 adult dose. Impact on children's body similar to effects in adults.

During pregnancy and lactation

Reindeer moss - moss - and its medicinal properties can be successfully used during pregnancy and lactation. We are talking about one of the few natural medicines that are definitely recommended for pregnant and lactating women!

Lichen will help get rid of respiratory and other diseases without side effects, unlike most pharmaceuticals, which are relatively or strictly prohibited during these periods.

Respiratory diseases

As mentioned above, moss is one of the best natural antibiotics. In folk medicine it is used mainly to treat inflammation in oral cavity and throat.

Due to its ability to liquefy and remove mucus, it is a good remedy for treating colds, dry and irritable coughs, various respiratory infections and inflammation of the nasopharynx.

Reindeer moss soothes irritated mucous membranes in the mouth and is therefore recommended as a complement to the treatment of bronchitis and asthma. Used as tea or as a component of tea blends (goes well with mallow, plantain, coltsfoot, etc.).

Medicine for respiratory diseases
You need:

4 tbsp. crushed raw materials;
3 tbsp. water;
enamel dishes.

Boil water in an enamel bowl and pour the raw materials into the boiling water. Cook for 10 minutes. After cooling, strain. Drink 1 glass 3 times a day. The duration of the therapeutic course depends on the severity of the disease (it is better to consult a doctor).

Gastrointestinal tract

Reindeer moss can be successfully used to treat gastrointestinal diseases. A decoction prepared according to the above recipe soothes the stomach, helps with gastritis with any acidity, catarrh of the stomach and intestines, and diarrhea.

Bitter acids stimulate the digestive system, making moss a good helper in case of lack of appetite.

The bitter taste promotes the formation of digestive juices and enhances the activity of peristalsis. This improves the absorption of nutrients and improves metabolism.

The intake and dosage of the decoction is the same as in the previous case. The therapeutic course continues until the problems are eliminated.

Diabetes

Folk recipes from reindeer moss also include a decoction to stabilize glycemia. To compensate for diabetes, it is prepared as follows: 2 tbsp. raw materials, pour 1/2 liter of water and bring to a boil. Once cooled, drink throughout the day. Carry out treatment in courses - 1 week of admission -> 1 week of break.

Oncology

The healing properties of reindeer moss include: Protolineric acid is responsible for its anticancer effects. It is leached into both boiling water and alcohol, so for oncology you can use both an infusion and an alcohol tincture of reindeer moss.

Herbal infusion for cancer
You need:

2 parts each - moss, knotweed, St. John's wort;
3 parts each – nettle, plantain, ;
100 g of quality green tea (antioxidant).

4 tbsp. pour 1 liter of boiling water over the mixture. Leave for 1 hour. Divide the total amount into 4 servings, which you drink throughout the day. The duration of the therapeutic course is individual, based on the rate of improvement.

Alcohol tincture for cancer
3 tbsp. raw materials pour 300 ml of alcohol (40%). Insist for a week. Take 1 tbsp. three times a day. The duration of treatment is individual.

Bacterial infections

The tincture prepared according to the above recipe is suitable for the treatment of bacterial infections, in particular staphylococcus. Reception and dosage are the same.

Immunity and thyroid gland

What else does a natural antibiotic treat? It can be used to increase immunity and general strengthening of the body, in case of weakness and exhaustion of the body. Due to its high iodine content, moss has a positive effect on thyroid function.

Infusion for immunity and thyroid gland
1 tsp pour a glass of chilled boiled water over the raw materials. Leave for 8 hours. Drink the infusion 3-5 times a day or add to tea made from other herbs.

Contraindications and side effects

In addition to medicinal properties, does moss also have contraindications? Can it cause harm? If you follow the recommended dose and recommendations on how to brew/infuse lichen correctly, natural medicine has no side effects.

If the amount of raw material is exceeded, its intake may cause irritation of the stomach and esophagus, nausea, diarrhea and dizziness. A relative contraindication is individual intolerance, but it is very rare.

It is difficult to overestimate the importance of lichens in nature and human life. Indeed, despite their tiny size, they are the most important element in the Earth's ecosystem. Moreover, over many years of research, people have learned to use lichens in various fields of production.

But, unfortunately, not many are able to boast that they are familiar with this amazing thing. In order to correct this, we will talk about the true significance of lichens in nature and human life.

What is a lichen?

Lichen is an amazing symbiosis of fungi and algae. At the same time, the lichens absorbed best qualities both families. They absorb water quite quickly, as this is characteristic of fungi, and the genes of algae provide them with the mechanism of photosynthesis. That is why the lichen is unpretentious to its habitat and can survive even in the harshest climate.

But what is the significance of lichens in nature and human life? To begin with, these plants significantly influence their own habitat. This is due to the fact that lichen acid partially destroys the surface, thereby reducing its density and allowing weaker plants to break through to the light.

Ecological significance of lichens in nature and in human life

Like any plant, lichens process and release oxygen. This fact becomes even more higher value, given that the plants mentioned do well in parts of the world where others simply cannot survive.

Lichens are also excellent biosensors. They react instantly to Therefore, when scientists study the environmental situation in the region, the first thing they do is take samples of lichens for analysis. In addition, these plants are kept inside themselves, therefore, thanks to them, even minor bursts of radiation can be detected.

The practical significance of lichens in nature and human life

Lichens are a source of carbohydrates for many animals. For example, wild goats love this delicacy very much, so they wander from place to place in search of it. In the North, where winter lasts for a very long time, lichens have become the basis of the diet for animals such as elk, deer, and wild boar.

But among people there are those who are not averse to feasting on this representative of the flora. True, not every type of lichen can be used for this purpose. Thus, lichen manna is considered edible, as is gyrophora. The latter, by the way, is the basis for many Japanese dishes.

Industrial importance of lichens

So, the role of lichens in nature and human life is extremely clear, but what about the industrial side of the issue? It’s probably no secret that in recent years this plant has been actively used in many industries.

Thus, oak moss and plum evernia are added to perfumes to give them special notes. And some varieties of lichen are used to create paints. The reason for this is the same property of retaining metals.

But what is more important is that many drugs are made from them. For example, parmelia is used to prepare a medicine for epilepsy, helps with poisoning, and lobaria relieves pneumonia. In addition, some varieties of lichen have antibacterial properties.

Reindeer moss- this is not moss, as many believe, but a lichen - that is, a symbiosis of fungi and algae. The plant is often eaten by reindeer, which is why one of the popular names for moss is reindeer moss or Icelandic moss. The plant has unique properties, which is why the product is used in folk and orthodox medicine. Let's find out what the health benefits of reindeer moss are and how to use it correctly.

Varieties of Reindeer Moss

There are 40 types of moss, but the ones that have the greatest value for humans are:

alpine cladonia– characterized by increased bushiness, grows on sunny areas, often in swamps and pine forests;
Cladonia deer- one of the largest varieties. Some specimens reach 40 cm in height. It grows mainly in swamps and has a pinkish tint;
forest reindeer moss– characterized by a yellowish-green color, there are gray-green varieties. The height of the lichen reaches 10 cm. It grows on peat and sandy soils and has an extremely bitter taste;
thin cladonia– has a greenish color, slightly bushes, grows on peat bogs and rotten stumps;
moss unsmoothed– distinguished by large trunks extending from each other. The beneficial properties of the plant make it indispensable in medicine;
soft cladonia– strongly branches, reaches 5-7 cm in height. Grows on sandy soils of pine forests.

All of the presented lichens are used for medicinal purposes. They contain usnic acid, which is considered a powerful herbal antibiotic. The product contains mineral salts, carbohydrates, phenolic compounds and dietary fiber, which determine the value of moss.

What diseases does moss help with?

The plant has been used for medicinal purposes since the 19th century. The product contains iron, retinol, ascorbic acid. Resin moss is useful for viral and bacterial infections. It suppresses activity pathogenic microorganisms. Treatment with moss moss can be more effective than taking conventional antibiotics.

Among other properties of lichen:

suppresses putrefactive processes;
destroys tuberculosis bacillus;
regulates tissue metabolism;
heals erosions and ulcers;
relieves cough and respiratory tract pathologies;
has astringent and enveloping properties;
strengthens the immune system.

The product is taken for diseases of the thyroid gland, skin ailments, immunodeficiency conditions, and pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.

Medicines based on reindeer moss

The product has antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. That is why it is used for respiratory diseases. Among the popular recipes for boosting immunity and relieving cold symptoms:

	Cooking methods
Kissel	For 100 g of dry raw materials, take 1 liter of water. Mix and keep in a cool place for 12 hours. The water is drained, 0.5 liters of boiling water is poured in and ½ tsp is added. soda Simmer on fire for 40 minutes. Cool and filter. Take half a glass 2-3 times a day.
Mixed with milk	An effective remedy for colds and coughs. For 1 tbsp. milk take 1 tbsp. l. lichen. Bring to a boil, keep covered. Take warm before bed until symptoms disappear.
Decoction	At 2 tbsp. l. take 2 tbsp of product. water. Bring to a boil in a water bath, simmer for several minutes, then cool and filter. The drink is drunk up to 2-3 times a day during an exacerbation, and 1 tbsp. daily during recovery.

Traditional medicine also offers other recipes, which are determined by the specifics of the disease. Reindeer moss is effective for almost any inflammatory processes and ailments caused by vitamin deficiency, decreased body defenses and chronic fatigue:

Indications	Recipes and rules of admission
Sexual impotence	Mix Icelandic moss, salad tubers, lemon balm herb, and toadflax in equal proportions. A tablespoon of the mixture is brewed with boiling water (250 ml). Leave for 2 hours, filter. I drink 2-3 glasses a day for 3 weeks.
Constipation	Brew 100 g of crushed lichen with 5 cups of boiling water. Evaporate to half the volume in a water bath. Take half a glass before meals three times a day.
Education	Prepare a mixture of herbs: for three parts of plantain and nettle, take two parts of moss, celandine, knotweed and St. John's wort. Add some green tea. At 4 tbsp. l. mixture take 4 tbsp. boiling water Simmer for about an hour. Take warm in a glass up to 4 times a day.
Tuberculosis	For 200 ml of water take 2 tbsp. l. finished raw materials. Place over low heat, let it boil, strain and take a sip up to 3-5 times a day. The drug relieves cough, destroys tuberculosis bacillus, and cleanses the lungs.
Weakened immunity	For general strengthening of the body, fill a dark glass bottle one third full and fill it with vodka. Insist for a month. Take a teaspoon on an empty stomach with a drink clean water. The drug is recommended for use by adolescents over 12 years of age, and the drug is diluted in a small amount of tea, juice or water.

To cleanse the liver use moss tincture. For a runny nose and viral tonsillitis, take a decoction of lichen with the addition of sage, Japanese Sophora and St. John's wort, taken in equal proportions. Lichen is used for weight loss, for chronic fatigue and hypertension.

Contraindications for use

The product may be harmful during pregnancy and lactation. Consultation should be sought before its use in cases of purulent tuberculosis. Individual intolerance to the drug practically does not occur. When taking an infusion with the addition of other ingredients, you should be careful - you may experience allergic reactions for additional components.

Blank

Ready-made drugs are sold in pharmacies. Prepare herbal antiseptic you can do it yourself. It is recommended to collect lichen in the summer months. The best place to collect raw materials is pine forests and green areas away from the city and roads. The raw materials are cleaned of substrate and debris and dried naturally with good ventilation.

For treatment, completely dried raw materials are used, which, if necessary, are crushed and packaged. Moss should be stored in paper or cardboard boxes. The shelf life is 5 years. It is possible to eliminate the bitterness inherent in moss with the help of soda or milk. It is not for nothing that these components are indicated in some recipes.

Reindeer moss is considered an indispensable product for infectious diseases. It does not have as many side effects and contraindications as broad-spectrum antibiotics. But to avoid problems, you should consult your doctor before starting herbal medicine.