What is a plant like cetraria (Iceland moss)? Where does it grow? In what areas does it find its application? We will try to answer all these questions in our publication, and also tell you what medicinal properties and contraindications Icelandic moss has.
Historical background
The first mention of Icelandic moss, cetraria, dates back to the Middle Ages. Already at this time, the medicinal plant was widely used by folk healers. Lichen foliaceus was used by doctors in Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Iceland, Sweden. Initially, cetraria was considered as a raw material for the preparation of infusions for bronchitis and colds. Then it was found that the plant helps to eliminate constipation, indigestion, destroys pathogens of dysentery.
For the first time, the properties of Icelandic cetraria were described in medical treatises of the 17th century. A century later, the famous healer Luyken discovered the possibility of using the plant in the fight against tuberculosis. This researcherwrote that the antiseptic properties of such a remedy are not comparable with any known pharmacological drug.
At the beginning of the 20th century, domestic scientists E. Tishchenko and A. A. Elenkin prepared a monograph en titled "Iceland moss and other beneficial lichens of Russian flora." The publication was being prepared for publication. However, it never saw the light of day, since the institution where the researchers worked was liquidated. Subsequently, on the basis of this monograph, articles began to be published, the content of which affected the features of the practical application of the Icelandic cetraria.
In the 20s of the last century, the northern peoples of the USSR, due to a shortage of provisions, began to use such a lichen as a food product. Cetraria was dried and exposed to soda to remove bitterness. The prepared shoots of the plant were ground, added to flour and used for baking bread. Thus, the lichen began to be referred to by the inhabitants of the northern regions as bread moss.
Icelandic Cetraria: Distribution
The plant can be found in almost every corner of the planet. Cetraria (Icelandic moss) is widespread in North and South America, on the territory of numerous European states. You can see such a lichen in Asia, Africa, Australia. This is because the Icelandic cetraria is a typical representative of the barren wastelands, forms the substrate of pine forests.
The plant prefers to grow in high mountainous regions, occupying open areas at a height of up to one and a half kilometers above the levelseas. Most often, you can meet Icelandic cetraria on rocky areas overgrown with grass. A suitable soil for lichen is also a peat bog. Occasionally, the plant is found on rotten stumps and bark of old trees.
It is noteworthy that the Icelandic cetraria, the description of which will be discussed later, can only grow in regions with clean air. For this reason, such a lichen acts as a kind of ecological indicator.
Description of the plant
Iceland moss belongs to the category of perennial lichens. Externally, the plant looks like undersized bushes, the height of which can reach 15-20 centimeters. Cetraria shoots are formed by flat ornate ribbons. The size of such processes and their shade depend on the environment in which the lichen develops. In arid conditions, Icelandic moss can turn brownish or reddish, and in high humidity it becomes greenish. However, in one case or another, the underside of the blades of the plant is always covered with light spots.
Chemical composition
Starting a conversation about the chemical composition of the Icelandic cetraria, it is immediately worth noting the highest biological activity of such a lichen. In the structure of the shoots of the plant there is an abundance of carbohydrates. About 80% of raw materials are polysaccharides. When preparing water-based decoctions, an abundance of glucose and other nutrients are released into the liquid.
The cetraria contains chitin, which acts as a natural sorbent that can absorbtoxins. Lichen is saturated with organic acids, which give the plant a bitter taste. Iceland moss is also rich in B vitamins, proteins, and ascorbic acid. The structure of the plant contains gum, wax, trace elements indispensable for the human body.
Blank
Thallus is harvested in order to harvest Icelandic cetraria. The optimal period for hiking for a medicinal plant is traditionally considered the end of summer. You can also collect lichen in early autumn, but only in dry weather.
When harvesting, the thallus of the plant is torn off from the soil. The latter is thoroughly cleaned from the soil. Then the cetraria is dried. Lay out the thalli under coverings that are well ventilated. The prepared raw materials are placed in a thin layer on bedding made of fabric or paper. A plant is considered ready for use when its thalli begin to crumble with light pressure. As an alternative, the use of industrial dryers is allowed for harvesting cetraria.
Storage
The use of Icelandic cetraria is possible for several years after harvesting. However, in order for the use of lichen for medicinal purposes to give a result, certain storage conditions must be observed.
Dried thalli are recommended to be placed in closed containers. The latter are best placed in a cool, dry room. At the same time, the shoots are often shifted with paper, which allows you to protect the lichen from moisture. After all, Icelandic moss perfectly absorbs liquids, like a sponge.
Suitable raw materials are considered to be raw materials that have a dried structure and a pronounced bitter taste. After brewing the lichen, the consistency of the composition should resemble a rather thick slimy jelly.
Pharmacological properties
Let's move on to the pharmacological properties of Icelandic cetraria. In medicine, the plant is used primarily as a highly effective antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. Icelandic moss is known for its ability to liquefy sputum, has a softening effect on the mucous membranes with a dry cough. Medicines based on lichen are often used in the course of therapy against tuberculosis. Cetraria is an excellent remedy for eliminating the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis. The active substances in the composition of the plant help protect the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs from the effects of negative environmental factors.
Plant-based preparations are used to eliminate inflammatory processes that develop in the oral cavity. The tool makes it possible to cure stomatitis in a short time, relieve pain. In such situations, cetraria is used not only for rinsing the mouth, but also consumed inside. Such therapy is absolutely safe for both adults and children.
Iceland moss is effective in the treatment of diseases of the intestines and stomach. The mucous structures that are released from the lichen coat the walls of the digestive organs, soothing the inflamed tissues. Atailments of the ulcerative nature of cetraria makes it possible to remove discomfort after eating. An excellent solution is the use of funds in case of diarrhea. In addition, organic acids in lichen improve appetite and stimulate the quality of food digestion.
Iceland moss is an excellent natural antibiotic. The active substances in the composition of the plant slow down the vital activity of pathogens of biological infections, in particular, they destroy streptococci and staphylococci. Externally, the agent is used to disinfect wounds, eliminate the manifestations of dermatoses.
Decoctions based on Icelandic cetraria are recommended for use in order to stop the growth of malignant tumor cells. This is facilitated by the presence of usnic acid in the structure of lichen, which prevents the formation of free radicals and acts as an excellent natural antioxidant.
For women, Icelandic moss helps to normalize the work of the endocrine system, get rid of toxicosis. Often, the use of plants is resorted to in order to combat excess weight. After all, the remedy makes it possible to improve digestion and produces a slight laxative effect on the body.
Icelandic cetraria: traditional medicine recipes
Healing plant is used in folk medicine for the preparation of the following remedies:
- Extract with a laxative effect - about one hundred grams of dried cetraria collection is poured into a liter of liquid. The composition is insisted throughout the day, then carefully filteredthrough gauze or a fine sieve. The product is kept in a water bath until half of the liquid remains from the original volume. Take this medicine for constipation several times a day, before meals.
- Tea for the treatment of respiratory diseases - a teaspoon of dried, crushed lichen is brewed in a cup of boiled water. The drug is drunk after cooling to room temperature. The medicine allows you to eliminate the symptoms of a cold, pneumonia, bronchitis in a short time.
- Decoction for impotence - take a collection of cetraria, lemon balm, toadflax and salep. The ingredients are thoroughly mixed. A tablespoon of the resulting product is poured into a glass of boiled water. The broth is insisted for several hours, previously wrapped in a cloth. In order to treat impotence, the composition is consumed daily, several glasses a day.
- Cetraria Icelandic from tuberculosis - about one teaspoon of dried lichen collection is poured into a glass of boiling water. The composition is boiled for 10 minutes over low heat. For tuberculosis, the remedy is taken 6 times a week, one glass each.
- Decoction for stomach ulcers - take a teaspoon of the collection of Icelandic moss, marshmallow root and flax seeds. The ingredients are combined and poured with several glasses of boiled water. The composition is kept on low heat for several minutes, and then carefully filtered. Take a decoction for ulcerative manifestations about half a glass half an hour before meals.
- Means for the prevention of beriberi - a tablespoon of dry collection is brewed in half a liter of boiling water or hot milk. The composition is boiled for several minuteswater bath. Then filter and insist. With vitamin deficiency, the indicated volume of liquid is completely drunk on the first day. Gradually reduce the dose to one glass throughout the week. It is especially reasonable to resort to the use of such a remedy in early spring, when the body most often lacks vitamins and essential trace elements.
Cetraria-based drugs
Today, Icelandic moss is used as the main ingredient in the production of such highly effective drugs:
- "Bronchial plus" - the product is available in the form of cough syrup for children. Auxiliary components in the composition are field chamomile and ascorbic acid. In the treatment of colds, the syrup is taken in a tablespoon several times a day.
- Bronchi altee 400 - granules for adding to tea, which contain Iceland moss, fennel fruit, thyme, sage, linden flowers. The remedy is used in the treatment of colds and the elimination of unpleasant symptoms of chronic bronchitis. Take this medicine one cup 2-3 times a day.
- Salus Bronchial-Tee No. 8 - the drug is made on the basis of cetraria, mullein flowers, primrose, linden, nettle, thyme, fennel fruits, raspberry leaves. The tool is distinguished by liquefying accumulations of mucus properties. The use of the drug helps to eliminate cough, as well as inflammatory processes that develop in the respiratory organs. Take the remedy in the form of tea, one glass several times a day.
- Isla-Mint Pastillen –medicinal product in the form of lozenges. It is used to eliminate the symptoms of colds, relieve hoarseness in the lungs, maintain the body with bronchial asthma. Take the drug several times a day, slowly dissolving lozenges.
Contraindications
Lichen contains a lot of usnic acid. The substance is quite toxic to the human body. The harmful effect of a chemical substance is unexpressed. However, the intake of an increased concentration of usnic acid in the body can provoke inhibition of liver function. Usually, when using Icelandic moss, this is evidenced by the appearance of pronounced pain in the corresponding area.
It is absolutely not recommended to resort to taking infusions and pharmacological agents based on cetraria during pregnancy, as well as breastfeeding. Such medicines are contraindicated for people who suffer from acute ailments of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, Icelandic moss is prohibited for use in case of gastritis with an increased level of acidity.
In closing
So we looked at the medicinal properties and contraindications of Icelandic moss. As you can see, the plant is distinguished by a whole mass of healing qualities. After all, it is not for nothing that the northern peoples traditionally consider the remedy as a panacea for a wide variety of diseases.
At the same time, you should not lean too much on self-treatment. When eliminating any ailments using cetraria, it is better to consult a doctor once again, which will avoid unnecessarytrouble.
