Contents
Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica) is a lichen that grows on the ground in mountains, forests and arctic regions. In addition to Iceland, moss grows in Scandinavia, Great Britain, North America, Russia and other areas of the Northern Hemisphere. Iceland moss also grows in Antarctica. It has two chemotypes that are difficult to distinguish but are collectively referred to as the Cetraria islandica species complex. [1]
Tallus shoot of Icelandic moss curls from 1 to 4 cm (2,5 – 10 cm) in height. This thallus has a different color, for example, it is greenish on top, but the lower part of the thallus is light brown in color. The dried thallus is used as an herbal remedy. Iceland Moss is also known as Icelandic Lichen, Cetraria, Fucus, Musk, and Errgoleaf Liverweed.
Historical uses of Icelandic moss
Since ancient times, people in countries such as Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia have used Icelandic moss for nutrition and medicine. For food, the moss was ground into flour and bread was baked; when the moss was boiled, the bitter taste was eliminated. When preparing jelly, almonds and chocolate with lemon could be added to the moss. When boiled in milk, it turned out to be a remedy for malnutrition and nausea. Icelandic moss nursed weak children and the elderly.
The facts of the use of moss in folk medicine have been proven. Lichen was a folk remedy for tuberculosis, lung, chest, kidney and bladder problems. Iceland moss has also been used to treat non-healing wounds, diarrhea, lactation problems, fever, and gastritis.
In Norway, during the seven-year famine, people ate moss, and during the Second World War in the Soviet Union, moss was boiled into molasses.
Useful Properties of Icelandic Moss
Iceland Moss Acids is a mild antimicrobial and sedative agent that soothes irritated or inflamed mucous membranes. Lichen is used to treat inflammation of the mouth and throat, as well as colds, fevers, coughs and bronchitis.
Moss has a positive effect on human skin, helps with digestive complaints, loss of appetite and gastritis. For example, blackheads are difficult to get rid of in any other way than using Icelandic moss in the form of a tea taken regularly.
In Europe, Iceland moss can be found in the form of cough drops. In Russia, moss is sold both in the form of tea or powder, and in the form of thallus.
Icelandic moss is included in many collections. Fees are used for pain in the chest or stomach. A decoction of moss is used for constipation and diarrhea, since when it is cooked, mucus is formed that envelops the walls of the stomach. [3] [4]
The chemical composition of Icelandic moss
Iceland moss contains 12,3 g of carbohydrates per 100 g of the product, which is approximately 87% of the total energy from a serving or 49 kcal [2].
Calories 49 KKal
- Fats:
0,16 g
- Proteins:
1,51 g
- Carbohydrates:
12,29 g
- Water:
81,34 g
- Ash:
4,70 g
Mineral composition in 100 grams:
Calcium -72,0 mg,
Iron – 8,9 mg,
Magnesium – 144,0 mg,
Phosphorus – 157,0 mg,
Potassium – 63,0 mg,
Sodium – 67,0 mg,
Zinc – 2,0 mg,
Copper – 0,1 mg,
Manganese — 0,4 mg,
Selenium – 0,7 mcg
Usnic acid is a specific substance that is formed only in lichens. It has antiviral, antibiotic, analgesic, anti-tuberculosis and insecticidal activities.
Research on the use of Icelandic moss
Iceland moss for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract in children from 4 to 12 years. Studies were conducted on 3143 children aged 4 to 12 years to identify allergic reactions and medicinal properties of Icelandic moss. The observation was carried out by both pediatricians and the parents themselves. Subjects received Isla-Moo (n = 1,848) or Isla-Mint (n = 1,295) for 1-2 weeks; 61% of children received 4-6 lozenges per day. 39% of children recovered completely, 55% improved by the end of the treatment period. The use of Icelandic moss in the treatment of children from 4 to 12 years old gave positive results, only isolated cases of allergies and other side effects (nausea, heartburn) were observed. Iceland moss maintains a favorable risk-benefit assessment. [5]
Icelandic moss to soothe inflammation after sinus surgery in adults. A study was conducted on 61 people conditionally divided into three groups according to the concentration of given Icelandic moss. Patients suffer from dryness and inflammation of the mouth, inflammation of the lymph nodes, hoarseness and sore throat. All subjects underwent sinus surgery followed by oral Icelandic moss for 5 days. For a long time, all patients breathed through their mouths. Icelandic moss treatment caused a direct reduction in the observed pathological changes and symptoms. No significant differences were found between the three control groups. A dose of 0.48 g per day is considered sufficient. [6]
Usnic acid in the fight against tuberculosis. Recently, tuberculosis has developed resistance to many drugs. The doctors decided to use natural remedies. The study showed that combined drug therapy with usnic acid in the initial stages of the disease gives a better therapeutic effect than non-combination therapy. The synergistic interaction of drugs with usnic acid is achieved only at a certain dosage, which is selected by doctors. Otherwise, there can be no talk of efficiency. [7]