home Audience 6 Cetraria grows in Siberia. Recipes for using Icelandic moss. Icelandic moss: reviews

Cetraria grows in Siberia. Recipes for using Icelandic moss. Icelandic moss: reviews

Icelandic moss... When you mention this plant, several questions may arise at once. Interestingly, Iceland is not the only habitat of this moss, and the name “moss” itself is not entirely correct. But, however, this does not at all reduce the beneficial properties of the plant and its widespread use in various sectors of life. Today we will find out what Icelandic moss is and why it has earned such popularity in folk healing.

Description

The plant is distributed in polar, arctic and mountainous regions of all northern countries. It can be found in northern Russia, North America, and its habitat extends across the Arctic regions from Alaska to Newfoundland. Lichen is also found in the mountains of Ireland, Scotland, and northern Wales. The plant prefers open areas, wet or dry tundra, and can be found in forest areas and mountain crevices. Grows best in direct sunlight and can grow in shallow water. In general, Icelandic moss has adapted perfectly to life in extremely harsh, high-altitude conditions with strong winds and poor sandy soils.
Contrary to its name, Icelandic moss is not a moss at all, but a lichen, and in the botanical world it official name cetraria icelandica (Cetraria islandica). Confusion with the name of the plant arose based on the external similarity of these species. It is important not to confuse Icelandic cetraria (medicinal) with curly cetraria, which is strictly forbidden to be collected for the purpose of treatment. The two plants can be reliably distinguished by reacting with a 10% solution of potassium hydroxide: the medicinal plant will change color to red or purple, but the curly appearance will remain unchanged.

Did you know?Like all lichens, Icelandic Cetraria grows exclusively in ecologically clean areas, the air of which is not polluted by the products of factories, factories, or exhausts. Therefore, the presence of a plant in a certain area clearly indicates the purity of that area. Lichens are often called natural bioindicators.

Icelandic moss is a typical example of all lichens of the symbiosis of a fungus and algae. Their mutually beneficial existence is as follows: the algae, under the influence of sunlight, produces the organic substance necessary for the fungus, which it absorbs, and in return provides the moss with water and mineral salts. Main botanical characteristics of Cetraria:

grows up to 10-15 cm;
grows both in soil and in tree bark;
the structure is very rigid and elastic;
the color of the thallus (thallus, or body of the lichen) varies from white to green and even brown depending on light, moisture and other environmental conditions;
the thallum consists of tubular, twisted lobes;
reproduction occurs by spores or vegetatively (by parts of the thallum);
grows 1-2 mm per year, which is generally very slow for lichens.

Interestingly, the body of the lichen does not contain vascular tissue, and therefore does not differentiate into stems, leaves or any other plant organs.

Vitamins, minerals, micro- and macroelements

Chemical composition lichen:

starch and make up up to 70%;
sugars make up up to 13%;
up to 3%;
organic acids (lichen acids) - up to 2-3%;
fats - up to 2%;
wax - up to 1%;
cadmium - up to 4%;
pigment substances - up to 8%.

Of the macroelements, Icelandic moss contains iron, copper,. The plant can accumulate the following microelements: , . Vitamin composition The plant is also impressive - it contains vitamin C (), group vitamins (including), carotenes.

Important!Despite such a rich composition, cetraria is not of great value for food. In the past, it was often used in the manufacture of bread products, but such use of moss today is impractical and pointless.

Where is it used?

In addition to its use in folk medicine, this plant has several other areas of application:

as deer food. This plant remains the basis of the diet of northern animals to this day;
as diapers. The lichen tallum perfectly absorbs moisture; this feature was used by women in the past to create something like modern diapers. Dried lichen raw material was wrapped in cloth bags and used as a diaper;
in cooking. In particular, in Scandinavian countries ground raw materials were an important ingredient in baking bread. The amount of lichen could be equal to the amount of flour (up to 50%);
in cosmetology. Most often, Icelandic moss becomes a component of medicinal cosmetics for the face and hair. The maximum dose of this substance should not exceed 5% in finished product(according to EU laws);
as a dietary supplement.

However greatest application Cetraria was found in folk medicine. Next, we will find out how it is used for treatment and against what ailments.

Indications for use

Cetraria will come to the rescue for many ailments. Indications for the use of lichen are:

any infections of bacterial origin, including pulmonary and colds (bronchitis, whooping cough, cough, tuberculosis);
inflammation of the oral cavity;
skin diseases (infectious diseases, thermal and mechanical damage);
slow metabolism;
gastritis, stomach ulcer;
weakening of the body (due to surgery, long illness, other stress);
digestive disorders (diarrhea, constipation).

Did you know? At the end of the First World War, when in the capital Russian Empire As food supplies were running out, it turned out that large supplies of Icelandic cetraria were stored in pharmacies. To prevent hunger, they began to bake bread from it: the raw materials were soaked in soda solution, dried and ground. Then the crushed moss was combined in equal parts with rye flour and bread was baked.

Beneficial features

Cetraria has long been used in many branches of traditional medicine, ranging from gum diseases to such serious illnesses and conditions as tuberculosis and oncology.
This plant is valued for the following medicinal properties:

has a powerful antimicrobial effect and is a natural antibiotic;
disinfects;
regenerates tissue;
increases immunity, strengthens the body, replenishes strength;
the presence of mucus explains the enveloping effect of moss, which is used for gastrointestinal ailments;
stimulates appetite, promotes the secretion of gastric juice;
improves man's health, eliminates and prevents potency disorders;

Beneficial properties of Icelandic moss for skin and hair:

reduces inflammation;
eliminates dark spots, evens out skin tone;
rejuvenates and tones;
effective against rosacea, rosacea, acne and acne;
eliminates bags under the eyes;
fights dandruff;
heals wounds, cuts, any skin damage;
prevents tissue scarring;
effective for burns;
with inflammation in the oral cavity;
used to treat skin with infectious lesions.

Important!Due to the pronounced medicinal effect of Icelandic moss, you need to be very careful when mixing it with other medicinal herbs, since the effect may be unpredictable. It is recommended to consult a specialist before using any recipe. In the case of pediatric therapy, the taste of a moss-based decoction can be improved by adding honey, milk, and flaxseeds.

Harm and contraindications

It is surprising that with such a diverse composition and use, cetraria has virtually no side effects. The plant is hypoallergenic, and therefore can be used in the treatment of children and elderly people. The only limitation is the individual reaction to lichen.
Icelandic moss should be used with caution in the following conditions:

high temperature (more than 39 °C);
acute conditions in any disease;
diseases of autoimmune origin;
period of pregnancy and lactation;
increased stomach acidity.

If you have any of the above conditions, you should seek advice from a doctor before you start taking Icelandic moss products on your own. As with other medicinal herbs, therapy with cetreria is long-term: the course of treatment can reach 3 months or more depending on the disease and general condition body. However, no cases of overdose were identified. This plant also has no side effects.

Storage

The moss collection period falls during the warm season: from late summer to early autumn. Drying of raw materials occurs as in a natural way(outdoors in the sun, in the attic, in a ventilated room), and in an electric dryer. If it is not possible to prepare the raw materials yourself, you can purchase them at any pharmacy. Lichen should be stored in a dry, dark place at temperatures up to +25 °C. It is advisable that the container be glass with a tight lid so that the grass is not damaged by insects. If all conditions are met, the medicinal plant can be stored from one to 3 years. Cetraria is an inexpensive and effective remedy for many ailments and painful conditions body. It can also be used in the manufacture home cosmetics and as a health supplement.

Faced with many ailments, most patients rush headlong to buy expensive pharmaceutical drugs, forgetting that in nature there is a huge amount of materials that can have no less, and sometimes even greater effect for many human diseases. Of course, there are cases when without help synthetic drugs It’s simply not possible, but it also happens that natural products are safer and more effective for health.

One of the extremely useful plants is Icelandic moss; a photo of the plant can be seen in the article. Its other name is “Icelandic Cetraria”. Where does the plant grow? Moss is a lichen and can be found in many countries in Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. Moss can also often be seen both on the soil and on trees and stumps.

What does Icelandic moss look like? The peculiarity is that it grows only on fresh air. In the photo of the plant you can see that the moss is very similar in appearance to algae. Cetraria is distinguished by a light green color, which is noticeably lighter in the lower part of the base.

The main components of moss are a large number of algae, bacteria and fungi. At favorable conditions lichen forms entire thickets. The plant can often be seen in sandy soil and well-lit areas.

Composition and properties of Icelandic moss for the body

The medicinal properties of this plant are widely known on many continents of our planet. It is worth noting that recipes based on Cetraria are recognized not only among supporters traditional treatment, and also representatives of official medicine. So, what properties does Icelandic Cetraria have?

anti-inflammatory;
healing;
disinfectant;
moss components can have a detrimental effect on viruses and bacteria;
the plant is capable of removing waste, toxins from the body, heavy metals and other negative substances;
thanks to recipes that include green doctor, it is possible to improve the functioning of organs digestive tract;
V postoperative period and after the transfer serious injuries moss is used to restore immunity and strengthen the general condition of the patient;
rich biochemical composition allows the use of Cetraria as a prophylactic against all types of cancer.

Icelandic moss makes such miraculous plants. a real find for the treatment of many pathologies. It is very important to include in the description of the green doctor the fact that the plant has virtually no contraindications and in most cases is well tolerated by patients. This gives every reason to consider treatment with its help not only effective, but also safe.

What is the chemical composition of the plant? The fact is that Icelandic moss has such useful components as glucose, vitamins A, B, C and D. It also contains iron, copper and many other vitamins and minerals.

Important! Despite the safety of treatment with this beneficial plant, you should be examined by a doctor before using medications based on it. This will help avoid possible complications in future.

Icelandic moss: photo

For what diseases is it used?

The components in the green medicine, such as starch and some other anti-inflammatory substances, are excellent for helping with skin diseases and injuries.
At peptic ulcer stomach and other inflammatory processes gastrointestinal tract Recipes based on moss also help well.
For cough, bronchitis, pneumonia and other diseases respiratory system Cetraria is also an indispensable remedy.
Lichen is very popular for organ ailments endocrine system. Medicines based on it are recommended for use in diseases of the thyroid gland.
Preparations based on this plant are often used to enhance immunity. Particularly popular this type therapy for patients suffering from frequent colds, as well as people who have undergone surgery.

In addition to all this, it is believed that moss perfectly improves metabolic processes body, which makes it possible to use it to combat obesity and overweight. Also when correct use lichen is able to restore appetite in pathologies such as dystrophy and anorexia.

Moss is often used in dental practice. Thanks to lichen-based medicines, it is possible to eliminate pain syndrome for many diseases of teeth and gums.

It is important to note such properties of the plant as good remedy in the fight against depression and insomnia.

Important! Even childhood is not a contraindication for treatment with Icelandic moss. In modern practice, lichen is widely used to treat children of various ages.

Using Icelandic moss in practice

The use of the green doctor in practice is very wide. Next, we will consider the recipes used for this or that disease.

Means for combating infectious diseases

Lichen was used as antimicrobial agent since ancient times. Famous historical fact that our great-grandfathers used Icelandic moss to treat a disease such as tuberculosis. Nowadays, the plant is also used as an anti-inflammatory and disinfectant. To do this, prepare a decoction as follows: 2 tbsp. l. of the crushed plant, pour 500 ml of boiling water and place the container with the medicine on low heat. The product should be boiled for 10-15 minutes. After this, the broth is filtered and consumed warm, half a glass 3-4 times a day.

Remedy for cough, asthma and bronchitis

To prepare the medicine, you need to take a teaspoon of Icelandic Cetraria and add it to 250 ml of milk. The product must be simmered over low heat for 20-25 minutes. The decoction is taken warm. For taste, it is recommended to add a little honey. Adult patients are advised to take half a glass of the product 2-3 times a day, small children are given 50 ml in the morning and evening.

Icelandic moss to boost immunity

Patients in recovery period and after operations it is recommended to use jelly based on green doctor. To prepare it, place 100-150 g of the plant in 2 liters of water and boil the product over low heat for 3-4 hours.

You can also use this recipe: put several handfuls of moss in a thermos and pour boiling water over it. Infusion time is 8-10 hours. Afterwards the medicine is taken 50 g three times a day before meals.

Medicine for burns and wounds

For a long time non-healing wounds, ulcers and other skin lesions, you can use Cetraria powder. To do this, the dry plant is crushed well and used as a powder on the affected areas.

Constipation tincture

To normalize stool, it is recommended to pour 100 g of lichen cold water and leave the product overnight. In the morning, a glass of medicine is drunk on an empty stomach. Then throughout the day you should take half a glass of the product before each meal.

Nature has taken care of us, giving us plants that help against many diseases. Proper use of natural products and careful attention to your health will help you maintain youth for many years.

Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants

Icelandic moss - healing properties

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.

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.

Photo of the medicinal plant Iceland moss (Cetraria icelandica)

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. Store raw materials in bags or wooden container 2 years.

Active ingredients: Icelandic moss thalli contain biologically active substances 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.

ATTENTION!

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

Icelandic moss treatment recipes

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, gastric ulcer and duodenum, for gastritis, diarrhea, cough. Apply the decoction externally for skin diseases, burns, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatoses, trophic ulcers Oh 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 as regular tea Once a day, preferably at night.

Side effects. Not detected.

Contraindications. Individual intolerance.

Syn.: Icelandic lichen, prickly moss, dry boar moss, lobed moss, lung moss, cattail moss, hazel grouse moss, Icelandic lobed moss.

Cetraria Icelandica (Icelandic moss) – unique medicinal plant, whose name has nothing to do with real mosses. This lichen is an indicator of the ecological cleanliness of the area. Used in medicine national economy, cooking.

Ask the experts a question

In medicine

Icelandic Cetraria has found its use in official and folk medicine. The plant contains usnic acid, which has strong antibiotic activity, so Icelandic moss is successfully used in the treatment of colds and organ inflammation abdominal cavity and intestines. The beneficial properties of cetraria have been known to mankind since ancient times. Back in the 9th century, this lichen was recognized as official medicine. Its second name sounded like “pulmonary moss”, since its effect on colds and coughs has been proven.

Cetraria is indicated for the treatment of exhausted patients, with anemia, diaper rash and burns, ulcers and gastritis. The plant has powerful antibactericidal, wound-healing, and immunostimulating properties. Therefore, it is successfully used for healing wounds, treating skin diseases, infectious diseases, and coughs.

The nutritional value of cetraria is high: 80% of the mass is carbohydrates, 2% fats, 3% proteins. Moss is easily absorbed by the body; there is no waste of energy for this process. It is indicated for debilitated patients and after severe infectious diseases.

Lichen contains astringent active components and starch. Jellies are prepared from the plant and used for diarrhea. The tannins of Icelandic moss help heal the body from poisoning. plant origin and heavy metals.

In cooking

Some peoples use lichens in cooking. Icelandic moss contains pectin substances, which have a high ability to form a sticky mass - jelly. Therefore, the plant is used to prepare jelly and jelly. Icelandic moss makes good beer. Northern residents add crushed dried moss to flour and bake bread.

In other areas

In the past, lichens, including Cetraria, were used as dyeing raw materials. Today, synthetic aniline dyes have replaced the artisanal production of dyes from these plants.

In the 20th century, a high-quality adhesive substance resembling gelatin was produced from creeping Icelandic moss.

Lichen grows only in an ecologically clean environment. Icelandic moss is an excellent food for deer and pigs.

Classification

Icelandic Cetraria or Icelandic moss (lat. Cetraria islandica) belongs to the genus Cetraria, the Parmeliaceae family.

Botanical description

Icelandic moss is a small branched bush with a leafy thallus (thallus). Perennial belongs to ordinary lichens, is colored brown-green with white spots. It usually reaches a height of 12-15 cm. The thallus consists of flat blades folded into a groove. This branched bush is attached to the substrate (soil, tree bark or old stumps) by rhizoids. Moss thallus comes in different colors: from light brown to greenish-brown. There are holes on the bottom of the thallus that are designed to allow air to enter. The blades are slightly curved at the edges and shiny.

Cetraria reproduces by spores. The fruiting bodies of Icelandic moss are saucer-shaped, flat or slightly concave, and are formed at the ends of the thallus lobes. Under favorable conditions, moss grows and reproduces well. If drought occurs, the plant dries out and changes its color from green to whitish-silver. It can remain in this state of suspended animation for up to several years, after which, if the substrate is sufficiently moistened, it is revived again within a few hours.

Spreading

Icelandic Cetraria, as a representative of lichens, is widespread in all regions of Russia, found on the Crimean Peninsula, the Caucasus, as well as in Australia, Asia, and Africa. Prefers climatic conditions of temperate latitudes, tundra and forest-tundra. Icelandic moss grows in pine forests, attached by rhizoids to the soil or to the bark of large old stumps, and thrives in sandy, unshaded places, in swamps and highlands. It grows well in environmentally friendly conditions and grows in colonies in well-lit areas.

Regions of distribution on the map of Russia.

Procurement of raw materials

Icelandic moss is harvested in late summer or early autumn. To preserve the medicinal properties of the plant, the raw materials are thoroughly dried and stored for no more than two to three years. Lichens collected by hand or with a rake are cleaned of soil and pine needles, finely chopped and dried in a well-ventilated room. It is advisable that direct rays do not fall on the lichen thalli, since many useful components are destroyed under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. The raw materials are turned over again and dried. Store in bags, wooden barrels or glass jars in a dark place at room temperature.

Chemical composition

More than 10 were found in the plant useful microelements: active component lichenin, isolichenin, sugars, wax, gum, manganese, iron, iodine, copper, titanium, pigments, lichen acids (usnic, lichesteric, protolichesteric, fumarprotocentral and others). The presence of acids gives the plant bitterness, and also determines its antiseptic and tonic properties. The rich composition of microelements and the presence of polysaccharides help strengthen the defenses of the human body.

Pharmacological properties

Preparations from Icelandic moss have an immune-modeling, anti-inflammatory effect, and have an antimicrobial, antioxidant, absorbent, and oncoprotective effect on the human body. The mucous substance eliminates irritation, coats the inflamed stomach, oral cavity, larynx, and intestines.

The sodium salt of usnic acid, which has antibacterial property, is successfully used in cetraria preparations. Lichesterolic and protolichesteric acids are especially active against streptococci, staphylococci and other resistant microbes. Sodium usninate is used externally in the treatment of trophic ulcers, infected wounds, and burns.

Thanks to unique composition, Icelandic moss is considered a natural antibiotic, the power of which often exceeds that of conventional antibiotics. On pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi are effectively affected by lichen acids, in particular usnic acid.

A group of German pharmaceutical companies Preparations based on Icelandic moss have been developed: Isla-Moos and Isla-Mint, Bronchial Plus for children, Bronchialtee 400, Salus Bronchial-Tee No. 8, which have been on the market for many years. This indicates their demand and the uniqueness of the constituent components of lichen. These medications successfully cure diseases of the upper respiratory tract and are indicated for dry “barking” cough, pathological conditions from laryngitis to asthma, with hoarseness and complete loss. Active components The drugs not only treat, but also provide excellent protection and prevent the development of various colds during the cold season.

The use of cetraria in the form of medicines has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the intestines and stomach, activating its secretory function and thereby increasing appetite.

The biologically active substances of cetraria have anti-inflammatory, softening and expectorant effects.
Icelandic moss polysaccharides have the ability to protect the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract from the effects of various chemical factors.
It has been established that certain lichen acids exhibit pronounced antimicrobial activity. Particularly valuable is usnic acid, which has strong antibiotic activity. Her sodium salt inhibits the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other gram-positive microorganisms (staphylococci, streptococci). By antibacterial activity usnic acid is approximately 3 times inferior to streptomycin. It has been established that lichen extracts act predominantly on gram-positive acid-fast bacteria. And only a few, as an exception - for individual gram-negative species. In the process of studying the technology of medicines that are made from cetraria, it was found that when making a decoction, only cetraric acid passes into the water, but usnic acid does not.
Usnic acid in small doses has the ability to kill tuberculosis pathogens and some other gram-positive bacteria.
Great importance It also has fumarprotocentraric acid, which is considered one of the most active antimicrobial factors of cetraria. In addition to the above, German scientists consider protocetraric acid, isolated from the aqueous extract of cetraria, to be a strong immunomodulator that helps activate the immune system.
In the free state and in the form of salts, D-protolichesteric acid is active against Helicobacter pylori. Obviously, the therapeutic effectiveness of Icelandic moss for gastric and duodenal ulcers is at least partially associated with this effect.

Use in folk medicine

Lichen has been used in folk medicine for many centuries. Healing decoctions and infusions are used for tuberculosis, asthma, cough, chronic constipation, spasms in the intestines and stomach. Moss is used for inflammation of the tonsils, bronchitis, whooping cough, pneumonia, and to relieve toothache. Cetraria extracts in alcohol or oil are especially effective for purulent wounds, burns and ulcers.

Icelandic moss has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hemostatic and mild sedative properties. Cetraria is noted as a tonic, immunomodulatory, and general strengthening agent. In some European countries, lichen is used to produce medicines against HIV infection. Japanese researchers discovered special properties moss, healing oncological diseases and various infections.

Historical reference

The Latin name for Icelandic moss comes from the word cetra, meaning “shield”. The first written mention of the use of Icelandic moss as a medicinal raw material appeared in the 17th century. The second half of the 18th and first half of the 19th centuries were the period of the most widespread use of Icelandic moss as remedy. Among all the known lichens, some authors of that time especially highly valued Cetraria Icelandica. In particular, in 1809 Luyken wrote that this moss is in first place among medicines. Pointing out possibilities medicinal use cetraria, including for tuberculosis, Luyken noted that for its antiseptic effect, drugs with cetraria stand out among all drugs known at that time. In the XVIII and 19th centuries cetraria was well known traditional means in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, and its thallus was included in most European pharmacopoeias of those times.
At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, due to the intensive development of scientific and practical medicine, doctors began to use drugs with cetraria less often.
In 1919, A. A. Elenkin and V. E. Tishchenko wrote the first scientific monograph “Icelandic moss and other useful lichens of the Russian flora.” The book was submitted for printing to the publishing house of the Petrograd branch of the Russian Food Science and Technology Institute. However, this book was not published due to the liquidation of this institute. In the same year, V.N. Lyubimenko, based on the above manuscript, published an article “Icelandic moss as food product", and later A. A. Elenkin in the monograph "Lichens as an object of pedagogy and scientific research" touched upon the problems practical application Icelandic cetraria in the food industry. During the period of intervention and civil war in the USSR in the 20s, which caused famine in certain regions of the country, the peoples of the Russian north used the thallus of Icelandic moss as an additional food product. After removing the bitter substances from the cetraria with soda or alkali and drying the peeled thallus, they mixed it into flour and baked bread. Among many northerners, cetraria was known as bread moss. In medical sources of past years, cetraria is remembered as effective remedy against mucus from the intestinal canal, for treatment Bladder, kidneys, with prolonged diarrhea.

Literature

1. Plant life. In 6 volumes. T. 3. Algae and lichens / Ed. A. L. Takhtadzhyan. - M.: Education, 1981

2. Medicinal plants and their application. — 5th ed., revised. And. add. - M., Science and Technology, 1974.

Icelandic moss is a plant used for healing large quantity diseases. But it is correct to say that this is not moss, but a lichen from the Parmeliaceae family (hence the other name - Parmelia).

Cetraria moss is a plant used to treat a large number of diseases.

Cetraria moss is a low, unpretentious plant. It grows no more than 15 cm in height. Note that in some cases you can hear the combination “Spanish moss,” which is fundamentally wrong, because such moss is called Icelandic. The body of the lichen is attached to the tree. Gray parmelia has no roots, but only rhizoids. Sometimes it grows not only on the ground: to your surprise, you can find that trees are covered with it. This can be seen rarely and only in ecologically clean areas.

The thallus of such a lichen has different colors. It is greenish above and has a brownish tint below. The branches of the moss are curved and several centimeters long. So it can rarely be confused with other plants. Most people do not know where this lichen grows. Its favorite habitats are swamps and pine forests. However, such grass is most common in the forest-tundra zone. Prefers sunny places, plains, edges. So in our conditions it can be found without any special restrictions.

Gallery: Icelandic moss (25 photos)

The healing properties of Icelandic moss (video)

Benefits of cetraria

If you come across a lichen, it will be useful to you, because beneficial features its very varied. The composition is as follows:

Its parts contain a large amount of mucus - about 70%. It provides the beneficial properties of moss.
Organic acids have a pronounced antimicrobial effect on the human body.
High sodium content, without which it is impossible to treat tuberculosis and other dangerous infectious pathologies.
Enzymes.
Aromatic substances.
Immunomodulators.

Cetraria moss is a low, unpretentious plant.

However, it is the presence of a large amount of mucus that is of greatest interest. Icelandic moss extract contains everything necessary for the successful treatment of diseases of the digestive tract, breathing, it effectively relieves inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract, especially in the nasopharynx. “Spanish moss” also contains substances that have a calming effect on the human body.

And one more component of such a lichen is bitterness. They have a beneficial effect on the digestive organs.

Recipes for teas and decoctions of this lichen are used to improve digestion and appetite.

The healing effect of parmelia

This plant has powerful medicinal properties. It is known that it was consumed internally by peoples living high in the mountains (there, due to the climate, such a lichen also grows). They made jelly from it with the addition of honey and this way they could survive in the cold, harsh winters. This explains their ability to live in such conditions and not get sick. In times of famine, they brewed a nutritious drink from this lichen and sheep's milk. It also protected the human body from most infectious pathologies.

The scope of application of such a plant is much wider, because it is a real storehouse useful substances

The characteristics of such a plant are versatile. It improves digestion processes in the body, cleanses the blood of toxins and harmful waste. The same can be said about lymph. Most peoples used this useful plant for wound healing, since its components had a beneficial effect on this process.

There are cases when, with the help of cetraria and other mosses, it was possible to heal even bleeding, torn and infected wounds. This indicates the powerful antibacterial effect of the plant. Lotions can be used to treat most infectious diseases (especially complicated ones) purulent process) diseases.

This plant has powerful medicinal properties

Due to the fact that Cetraria is a real storehouse of mucus (and this property is inherent in few mosses), this plant also has a powerful enveloping effect. That is why the plant is so good for digestive diseases.

One more thing important note: Clinical studies have shown that debittened Spanish lichen can be used to treat diabetes. So far, research is underway in this direction, and this means that a new antidiabetic drug based on cetraria may soon appear.

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Scope of application of Icelandic moss

The use of cetraria is very extensive. The plant has long been used in traditional and folk medicine as an effective antitussive and antiemetic medicine. Recipes allow the use of all parts of the lichen, because everywhere there are components useful for humans.

With the help of cetraria, almost all gastrointestinal pathologies are treated (except for those that belong to the “acute abdomen” group). Since parmelia increases appetite, it finds its use in the treatment of acute or chronic dystrophy or conditions caused by prolonged fasting, vitamin deficiency, and other conditions in which the functioning of organs is inhibited.

Due to the fact that Cetraria is a real storehouse of mucus (and this property is inherent in few mosses), this plant also has a powerful enveloping effect

Tea from this plant can be used not only internally, but also externally. It treats acne and other inflammatory conditions well skin. And some patients notice that indoor application This tea also effectively helps against acne and pustular rashes. However, for this you need to drink tea regularly.

There are effective recipes medical fees, which contain this lichen. Such compositions can be used for pain of different origins in the stomach or chest area. A decoction of this plant is effectively used for constipation or diarrhea.

When the plant is cooked, mucus is released, which envelops the walls of the gastrointestinal tract.

And finally, lichen is used to restore health after illness. This is explained by the fact that the plant increases appetite and helps the rapid absorption of food.

Some recipes for using Icelandic moss

In the literature you can find simple but at the same time effective recipes for treating certain diseases with the help of gray moss. It is necessary to point out that such a plant was very popular at one time. Thus, fragments of Scandinavian recipes for folk treatment have survived to this day:

The scope of application of such a plant is much wider, because it is a real storehouse of useful substances. Clinical researches have shown that the use of cetraria is completely safe for health. Plant-based products can be taken for a long period, even for several years.

Cetraria is effective medicine for the treatment of a large number of various pathologies. Such properties of the plant have been noticed by folk healers for a long time. Today, lichen is increasingly used in official medicine, and, I must say, the scope of its use is increasing every day. All sorts of things are prepared on the basis of lichen. medicinal decoctions, tinctures, extracts. They do not have an adverse effect on the body even with long-term therapeutic use.