Which belongs to a large group of lichens. In northern countries, it was used as a flavoring additive to bakery, meat and fish dishes. The dried plant has been added to drinks and sweet desserts for a savory flavor.

Besides cooking, lichen is well known in Ayurvedic medicine and homeopathy. The medicinal properties of Icelandic moss have been studied for centuries. It has been scientifically proven that the shrub was almost a panacea for serious diseases among medieval peoples. They were treated with pulmonary, skin and intestinal pathologies. According to reliable sources, the plant is at least 400 years old.

The medicinal lichen has many names, they were given by people from different regions: dry moss, lopastyanka, leather shield, etc. Let's make an amendment right away: the plant arose as a result of crossing an algae and a fungus. As a result, we have an amazing "organism" created to bring only benefits to humanity and protect it from harmful microorganisms.

Icelandic moss: medicinal properties, photo, description

In fact, it is a small loose shrub up to 15 cm high, covering a significant part of the soil. Its leaves are dense twisted blades resembling the antlers of a large deer. It's hard not to notice him in the forest. The plant has an amazing ability to change color depending on the humidity of the environment. In a damp climate, the lichen acquires a beautiful olive color, and in a dry climate it turns brown.

A rather unpretentious shrub, therefore it grows throughout the territory of the Russian Federation, as well as in Europe, Asia and Africa. Prefers sandy lands, subalpine and alpine places. It cannot be found in polluted ecological zones; it is a kind of indicator of the purity of the environment. The plant is very fond of animals, especially deer.

Collection of raw materials

Iceland moss, whose healing properties are due to the presence of a whole range of valuable components, is collected in the summer months. For medicinal purposes, only the thallus is used. Its preparation is carried out with a wooden rake or by hand so that the plant does not crumble. After cleaning, the leaves are thoroughly dried in the sun, transferred to light-tight containers or bags and stored for two years.

Biochemical composition

Generous mother nature endowed a person with unique plants that can even replace antibacterial agents. Iceland moss is one of them. Properties are characterized by a rich mineral and vitamin set. In the thallus there is one responsible for the absorption of fats and proteins, which also activates the immune system and improves the condition of the hair.

The main energy value lies in the presence of important trace elements: iron, calcium, magnesium, iodine and flint. In addition, various acids, pigments, a whole list of vitamins and wax were found in large quantities in cetraria. It is not for nothing that traditional medicine considers this lichen the best natural immunostimulant.

Healing and medicinal properties of Icelandic moss

Clinical studies have proven the antimicrobial effect of the shrub due to the content of usnic acid. When it enters the body, it neutralizes pathogenic bacteria, leading to their death. Doctors of the 19th century gave decoctions to patients with tuberculosis, and they managed to overcome a serious infection when official medicine gave in to pathology.

Usnic acid, according to experts, fights free radicals, so infusions are prescribed to people with malignant diseases to slow down tumor growth. Scientists have found that Iceland moss, whose medicinal properties are due to the presence of lichenin, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects.

Traditional medicine has confirmed the powerful immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties of lichen. Water and alcohol infusions are aimed at eliminating the early signs of skin aging, increasing the body's defenses, and combating psycho-emotional states. Western pharmaceutical companies produce medicines (syrups, lozenges, lozenges) for colds and coughs, and also add cetraria to toothpastes.

Pharmacology

The therapeutic effect of the plant in the fight against respiratory diseases is especially great. Softly envelops, softens and soothes the mucous membrane of the pharynx and oral cavity with Icelandic moss. Medicinal properties (herbal medicines can be used for children from the age of five) are characterized by incoming elements.

Decoctions relieve bronchitis, tuberculosis, asthma, tonsillitis and cough. The potion can be rinsed in the throat for better results and consumed internally. During treatment, not only viruses are destroyed, but the immune system is also activated.

They are recommended for use in the rehabilitation period after and prolonged illnesses. With the help of a natural medicine, it is possible to get rid of whooping cough, bile stasis, insomnia, digestive disorders, gastritis, and gastrointestinal ulcers. An irreplaceable remedy for skin lesions and pathologies: burns, cuts, wounds, acne.

The taste is unpleasant, but the effect is obvious

There are many positive reviews from users who have tried the miraculous Icelandic moss on themselves. Medicinal properties (reviews confirm high efficiency) of this plant have a wide therapeutic spectrum of action. Helps to overcome a debilitating cough and significantly improve well-being.

However, not everyone liked the taste of the infusion, it is very bitter, it is unpleasant to drink it. But fans of homeotherapy have found a way out - to brew lichen in milk and sour milk drinks. Taste qualities are drastically changing for the better - even a small child will like it.

Medicinal drugs based on cetraria

The healing properties of Icelandic moss do not disappear after heat treatment and are better manifested. Usually the plant is dried, then ground and brewed as a tea drink. Honey, mint and lemon are added to improve the taste. This is an excellent restorative and prophylactic remedy for ARVI and influenza.

From dried and fresh lichen, tinctures and decoctions are prepared that have a hemostatic, wound healing, anti-inflammatory and strengthening effect. We offer to write down a prescription for cough and inflammation. Pour 4 large spoons of moss with two glasses of water, boil for 5-7 minutes. After the solution has cooled, strain and drink 10 ml three times a day.

From bronchitis and a debilitating cough, the following recipe will help: crushed dry raw materials in the amount of a tablespoon, pour a glass of milk and boil for half an hour. Take a milk decoction at night. It has an expectorant, sedative and mucolytic effect. It can be given to children, after consulting with a competent specialist.

There is a variant of alcohol tincture: for 250 ml of pure alcohol (60%) take 40 gr. dry moss. Infuse for a week, drink 10 drops. Stops an inflammation and normalizes an exchange work of an organism.

The universal recipe helps to heal skin, eye and digestive diseases. Made from 10 gr. cetraria and half a liter of cold water. Boil the mixture, cool and filter. For colds, drink 1/3 cup after meals and gargle. For gastritis and peptic ulcer, take 50 ml half an hour before meals.

Compresses are made from the decoction for purulent wounds, burns, malignant tumors and dermatitis. Folk healers who suffer from conjunctivitis are advised to wash their eyes with this solution every three hours during the day. It will draw out pus and eliminate the inflammatory process of Icelandic moss. Medicinal properties (recipes are time-tested and show a pronounced therapeutic effect) of lichen are truly amazing and have no contraindications.

Pharmaceutical preparations containing lichen

In the pharmacy chain, medicines consisting of cetraria are presented for sale. Their main task is the destruction of pathogenic viruses and bacteria in the respiratory tract. The Isla Moos and Isla Mint lozenges have proven themselves well for coughs and sore throats. In addition to moisturizing the mucous membrane, they also increase immunity. You can buy natural lichen in a package at an affordable price. The healing properties of Icelandic moss are limitless, effective and do not cause negative manifestations.

Lichen, which is called Icelandic moss, has been known since ancient times to the northern peoples, who used it as a general tonic. You can meet him in the north and in the middle lane, in pine forests, tundra, heaths, forest tundra, and also in swamps. It grows on the bark of stumps and directly on the soil, preferring sandy and unshaded terrain, clean air. In this article, we will learn what it is, its beneficial properties, including how to brew Iceland moss for coughs.

Botanical description

The plant reaches a height of 12 centimeters. It is a bush with widely spaced leaves. Some of its branches up to 10 centimeters wide, mostly bent. Their outer side is olive to dark green, the underside is light brown, light green, often with white spots.

Compound

It contains approximately 75% of the mucus that envelops the mucous membranes. In addition, there are lichen acids (fumarprotocentric, lichesteric, usnic, protolichesteric, etc.), which give it a bitter specific taste, in addition, determine its tonic and antibiotic properties. Icelandic moss also contains sodium acetate. It helps to get rid of tuberculosis bacillus. In addition, it contains enzymes, iodine, starch, pigments, sugars, wax and vitamins.

Properties

The plant is valued for its high antiseptic properties. The usnic acid contained in it has a pronounced antiseptic effect. And protochlichesteric and lichesteric acids have high antimicrobial activity against various dangerous pathogens, including staphylococci and streptococci.

Sodium usinate helps the healing of various wounds and burns, including those infected. Mucus, which is rich in Icelandic moss, helps reduce inflammation of the nose, pharynx, mouth, stomach and intestines. From cough (how to brew it, we will describe below), it is also an effective remedy. For this, medicines created from this plant are often used.

Sometimes moss can be brewed to gargle an inflamed throat with the resulting infusion. Of course, only a specialist can prescribe Icelandic moss for treatment.

Indications for its use can be various accompanied by cough, as well as serious pathologies, including tuberculosis, whooping cough, obstructive chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma. In addition, moss has a tonic property, it is also used in the treatment of severely weakened and malnourished patients.

blank

The plant is successfully used to treat various pathologies accompanied by cough. Some people who already know how to brew Icelandic cough moss buy this lichen in a pharmacy, although in the summer you can prepare it yourself.

Having found this moss in the forest, you need to carefully cut off its roots with scissors - they mostly have a slightly reddish tint. The collected raw materials at home must be carefully sorted out, all needles, sticks and other excess impurities should be removed from it. Then it should be dried in the sun. Now let's talk about how to brew Icelandic cough moss.

ethnoscience

Various diseases with cough can be treated with this plant. So, with tuberculosis, a decoction of it will help. To do this, pour 4 tablespoons of lichen into two glasses of cool boiled water, then boil for 5 minutes. Ready broth must be well filtered and taken three times a day, 2 sips.

Now we will learn how to brew Icelandic cough moss in milk. You need to pour a glass of milk into an enameled bowl and put a spoonful of crushed moss there. Then the bowl must be covered with a lid and put on fire for half an hour. Ready broth is used for bronchitis before going to bed hot.

Whooping cough will help the following tea. It is necessary to pour a teaspoon of thyme and lichen with a glass of boiling water. The resulting mixture must be allowed to brew for about five minutes, after which it should be filtered. Tea should be taken in a cup about 3 times a day.

These pastilles well moisturize and protect mucous membranes, irritated, increasing immunity. These drugs, having antibacterial properties, will help with inflammatory diseases of the throat. In addition, in some pharmacies you can find syrup, which includes Icelandic cough moss. How to brew a plant in this case does not matter, since this is a ready-made preparation.

It is used for whooping cough, acute respiratory infections, acute or chronic bronchitis, influenza for the treatment of cough. It should not be used by people with diabetes mellitus, as well as those who cannot tolerate any of its components.

With tuberculosis, you can pour 4 tablespoons of moss with 2 glasses of cool boiled water. Bring the mixture to a boil, keep on low heat for 5 minutes. Drink three times a day for a quarter cup.

Prevention of beriberi

Drink the same decoction, starting with two liters per day, gradually reducing the dose to a glass per day. It is necessary to use in the spring, it is possible twice a year.

Cough

So, how to brew Icelandic cough moss for children? To do this, pour a spoonful of moss with a glass of cool milk. Cook with a closed lid in an enameled bowl over low heat for about 30 minutes. Drink warm before bed.

Chronical bronchitis

Now we will learn how to brew Icelandic cough moss for the above diseases. A mixture of coltsfoot and moss (in equal proportions) relieves coughing spells and facilitates expectoration. To do this, pour 2 tablespoons of the mixture with a glass of cool water, bring slowly to a boil, then strain. Consume one cup twice a day.

Whooping cough

Not everyone knows how to brew Icelandic cough moss for children. For this, a mixture of this plant and thyme is taken in equal proportions. A spoonful of the mixture should be poured with a glass of boiling water, insist 5 minutes. Consume 1 cup twice a day.

stomach ulcer

Iceland moss should be taken in equal proportions, as well as marshmallow root. Pour a spoonful of the finished mixture with two glasses of hot water. Boil all this for 7 minutes on low heat, strain. Drink a third of a glass 5 times a day.

Purulent wounds, boils, burns, ulcers

So, from this article we learned how to brew But how to use it for such skin diseases? For this, lotions from a decoction applied to the wound, as well as washing, are suitable. Dried moss powder can be used as a powder.

Iceland moss is not just a well-known plant. Its thallus has many medicinal properties that are actively used for medical purposes.

Icelandic moss, or Cetraria islandica (Icelandic cetraria), is a plant of the Lichen family. The area of ​​distribution of this species is very extensive: from the tundra zone to mountainous regions. It grows well on peat bogs, in pine forests, dunes, in high-mountain moss-lichen tundra.

It occurs both on the soil and on the bark of old trees, on stumps. The thallus of moss, up to 15 cm high, looks like loose turf, forming a continuous carpet on the soil. The leaves are dense, twisted, reminiscent of deer antlers. In a humid climate, they acquire an olive color, and in a dry climate, the plant turns brown.

More than two hundred years ago, Icelandic moss was very popular in medicine in many countries. Then, when the first information appeared about such classes of organic substances as alkaloids, to which the healing effect of many medicinal plants was attributed, Cetraria islandica gradually fell out of medical use as a plant that did not contain active substances known to medicine, and was used only in folk medicine.

And only in 1947 antibiotic properties were discovered in the plant, i.e. the ability to kill many types of pathogenic microorganisms, including tubercle bacillus. It turned out that lichen acids have antibiotic properties in moss.

Collection and preparation

For therapeutic purposes, the thallus of the plant is widely used, which is harvested throughout the summer period. Raw materials are torn off from the soil, tree bark by hand or with a wooden rake. Then it is cleaned of impurities: other lichens, mosses, sand.

You can dry the plant in the sun or in dryers with good ventilation. You can store the dried thallus in a paper bag in a dry place. Shelf life - from 1 to 2 years.

Medicinal properties

Many useful substances for the human body are contained in the thallus of Icelandic moss: 3-5% organic acids, 80% carbohydrates. The plant contains up to 2% fat, 3% protein, 1% wax, 3.6% gum. It contains a lot of vitamin B12, which is responsible for immunity, protects against stress, strengthens hair and nails.

In domestic folk medicine, the thallus of Icelandic moss was used for bronchial asthma, colds, whooping cough, laryngitis and pulmonary tuberculosis. The presence of biologically active components determines the various uses of the thallus.

In the form of decoctions or infusions, it is used for diseases of the stomach, intestines, respiratory organs, to increase appetite, as a tonic. Often medicinal raw materials are used for digestive disorders.

Before undertaking the preparation of medicinal decoctions, infusions and alcohol tinctures, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Only a specialist will determine the dosage of the drug that you need. And, of course, you can not engage in herbal medicine, not knowing the exact diagnosis of your disease.

Pharmacy preparations

Some pharmacy medicines from Icelandic moss are allowed to be “prescribed” by yourself, but many of them require medical advice. We offer you a small cheat sheet.

Decoctions

With diarrhea, chronic constipation, diseases of the stomach. First way. Prepare a decoction of dried raw materials as follows: pour 50 grams of thallus into 750 ml of hot water, boil for half an hour at minimum heat, filter after cooling, drink the decoction all day, divided into several doses.

The second way: pour the crushed raw materials with cold water, then heat to a boil. Drink the prepared broth all day in small sips.

For sore throat, cough. The first option: pour twenty grams of raw materials (dry crushed thallus) with water (1 cup), heat by placing the container in a water bath (30 minutes). Remove from the stove, stand for 10 minutes, filter the broth, then bring to the original amount by adding warm boiled water. Drink two tablespoons 6 times a day before meals. The second cooking option: pour two teaspoons of raw materials with two glasses of chilled boiled water, then bring to a boil. Distribute the intake of the resulting jelly-like liquid throughout the day.

To increase appetite. Decoction to drink ¼ of a glass before meals 3 times a day. Cooking: dry raw materials (20 g) pour water (220 ml), put on fire (10 min.). Cool the infusion, filter, season with honey to taste.

With varicose veins. Take the infusion 3 times a day for ½ of a glass. Cooking: in an enamel bowl, combine chopped oak and birch bark, horse chestnut seeds - all 20 grams each. Add thallus of Icelandic moss, field horsetail - 50 grams each, rhubarb root - 30 grams. Pour boiling water (0.5 l) collection of medicinal herbs (2 tablespoons), soak for 1 hour, filter.

When quitting smoking. Drink a decoction after eating a third of a glass (3-4 times). Cooking: you will need a thallus of moss, horsetail, pikulnik, gills - two parts each, three parts of nettle, 1 part of highlander bird. Take a handful of herbal collection, pour boiling water (0.5 l), keep on minimum heat for no more than 10 minutes, then leave for 60 minutes.

infusions

Infusion of Icelandic moss is drunk for colds, diseases of the oral cavity, diarrhea.

For the treatment of periodontal disease. Infusion externally taken for rinsing the mouth. Carry out the procedure half an hour before meals. Cooking: pour 1 handful of raw materials with boiling water (400 ml), soak for 30 minutes, filter.

From chronic constipation. Pour 1 cup of crushed raw materials with 2 liters of water, soak for 24 hours. Take 200 ml 3 times a day.

For the treatment of the common cold. Pour water over one tablespoon of moss, sage, St. John's wort, leave for 3 hours. In the evening (before going to bed) rinse your nose, gargle. You can make an inhalation, breathe over the hot infusion until it cools, no more than 10 minutes.

Tinctures

Along with decoctions, tinctures prepared in 40-degree alcohol are used. They perfectly restore strength, improve the speed of metabolic processes in the body.

For the treatment of diseases of the stomach. Forty grams of moss thallus pour 200 g of alcohol, leave for a week. Take 10-15 drops 2 times a day.

For the treatment of dry cough. Pour crushed raw materials (10 g) with 100 g of alcohol, leave for 10 days in a tightly closed container in a warm but dark place. Drink 10 drops 3-4 times a day. For gargling, the infusion should be diluted with boiled water in a ratio of 1:10.

To deal with insomnia. Pour crushed moss (100 g) with vodka (200 ml), leave for 14 days in a cupboard. Take 10 drops 3 times a day.

The use of Icelandic moss in cosmetology

A sufficient amount of tonic components allows the widespread use of Icelandic moss in cosmetology. Cleansing lotions, natural soap are prepared from it.

From acne, with weakened hair and the first signs of skin aging. Wipe face with lotion 2 times a day, rinse hair after washing.

Cooking: dry crushed lichen (40 g) pour boiling water (200 ml). Keep on fire for 10 minutes, cool and filter. Store the lotion in a glass bottle with a tight stopper on the refrigerator shelf.

Soap for cleansing and restoring the skin. Make shavings from baby soap with a grater, melt it in a water bath. Make a milk-based decoction by adding chopped thallus. Pour the prepared broth into the melted soap. Remove from the stove, pour into molds, adding a little essential oil and pharmacy glycerin. Spray the top of the soap with alcohol. Leave to harden.

Contraindications for use

The idea of ​​taking drugs with Icelandic moss will have to be abandoned if you have had, have, or, according to doctors, are possible in the near future, these diseases:

• disruption of the digestive system;
• liver disease;
• bronchial asthma;
• cholecystitis and pancreatitis;
• gastritis and ulcerative colitis;
• too "active" intestines;
• spastic constipation.

It is impossible to consider Icelandic moss and medicines from it as drugs for therapy. They are contraindicated in autoimmune diseases, tuberculosis, malignant tumors and pneumonia. Use with extreme caution during pregnancy, lactation and in childhood.

You can learn about the medicinal properties of Icelandic moss and how to prepare decoctions from the following video:

The article selected the most effective decoctions, infusions and tinctures of Icelandic moss. They improve the condition with asthma, flu, diseases of the throat, respiratory tract, various intestinal and digestive disorders. Useful infusion is used for dry cough, sore throat, colds and flu as a diaphoretic and diuretic.

Outwardly, a decoction of the thallus is used for rinsing with inflammation of the gums, stomatitis, periodontal disease, and also with tonsillitis. Pharmaceutical preparations such as Gerbion syrup, lozenges for resorption, warming cream are very popular.

In contact with

Now, when many do not have much confidence in medicines, they are increasingly turning to the healing properties of plants. There are in folk medicine both popular remedies and unfairly forgotten ones. The last group includes Icelandic moss. This lichen has long been used as a herbal medicine for the treatment of a number of diseases and ailments. Now they are talking about him again and for good reason. People who have experienced its healing power, leave only positive feedback about it. So, Icelandic moss - medicinal properties.

What is Iceland moss?

Icelandic moss (cetraria), according to taxonomy, belongs to lichens. In fact, this is a mini ecosystem, a symbiotic unity of algae, fungi and microorganisms. Externally, the plant is represented by a small bushy growth, up to 15 cm in height, consisting of flat and trough-shaped lobes. The color range of color varies from brownish-brown to yellowish and green, with a transition to a very light, whitish tone. Cetraria thickets can be found in swamps and highlands, in pine forests and mixed forests, in the tundra strip, in the forest tundra and moorlands in the expanses of Africa, Eurasia and Australian lands.

The genus Cetraria, to which the Icelandic moss belongs, is part of a group of lichens known as reindeer moss - it is the basis of the diet of reindeer (caribou, sokzha). This product is very nutritious, because it contains a lot of carbohydrates. In terms of calories, it is three times higher than potatoes. The raw material harvested from lichen is environmentally friendly, since the Icelandic cetraria grows exclusively in an unpolluted environment.

Beneficial features

Icelandic lichen has an interesting composition. About 75% of its mass is a mixture of polysaccharides: lichenin and its derivative isolichenin. They are not absorbed by the human body, but when dissolved in boiling water (lichenin) or cold water (its variety), they break down to glucose, which ensures the nutritional value of the decoction. In this case, a gelatinous mass is formed due to the release of the mucus contained in the cetraria. This property is sometimes used to make jelly and jelly.

Although the plant contains simple sugars such as galactose and glucose, it is quite bitter due to the presence of cetrarin and specific acids (usnic, etc.) in it. These acidic compounds were found only in lichens and are not present in other plants.

Of the vitamins in moss, only cobalamin, better known as vit. AT 12. The mineral complex here is represented by copper, manganese, zinc, cadmium, lead, titanium, and iodine. Also in the lichen there is a certain proportion of vegetable fats, gums, pigment and tannins, protein. For a long time, Icelandic moss has been used in folk medicine - its medicinal properties and positive effect on the body are provided by the composition described above. Back in the 19th century, doctors recognized the healing properties of lichen and began to widely use herbal remedies based on it in their practice.

TOP - 10 medicinal properties

1. Wound healing - stimulates the regenerative function of the skin-muscle layer.
2. Antiseptic and antimicrobial - helps to get rid of infectious and viral lesions.
3. Enveloping - protects the mucous surfaces of the digestive tract.
4. Thinning - thins the mucous secretions and promotes their excretion.
5. Anti-inflammatory - an effective fight against inflammation of various etiologies.
6. Antiemetic - relieves nausea and vomiting.
7. Astringent -.
8. Absorbable - used in the prevention of the development of neoplasms.
9. Tonic - improves general tone and stimulates appetite.
10. Immunomodulatory - helps to strengthen protective mechanisms.

Indications for the use of Icelandic moss

Due to the widest range of medicinal properties, Icelandic cetraria is used to cure diseases, relieve acute conditions, prevent a number of diseases and improve the general condition of the body.

Product shown at:

• Intestinal and stomach diseases.
• infectious attacks.
• The presence of foci of inflammation.
• Dermatological problems (acne, diaper rash, wounds, ulceration, burns, bedsores).
• Manifestations of colds and other respiratory diseases (including tuberculosis and pneumonia).
• General weakness, low immunity and lack of appetite (including dystrophy and anorexic symptoms).
• Vomiting, diarrhea.
• Disorders of the thyroid and parathyroid glands.
• Desire to lose weight.
• Sleep disturbances, increased anxiety.

Contraindications

The conducted studies did not reveal any significant contraindications. The use of Icelandic moss externally, as well as ingestion, does not cause any specific reaction. Therefore, the raw material can be used by both adults and young patients. The product also has no contraindications during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Even vice versa. For example, its reception is indicated for toxicosis.

The only “but” for using cetraria is autoimmune problems. In this case, it is strongly recommended to consult a specialist. As with any herbal preparation, the risk of non-specific individual reactions and taste aversion of the product by individuals cannot be excluded.

Iceland moss for cough - Isla Moos tablets

For bronchitis - soak the lichen in cool water (1:20) for an hour, then boil the mixture for 5-15 minutes, drain. Drink unhot three times a day after meals. You can add moss to the breast collection.

For asthma - combine a glass of whole milk with 1 spoon of a powdered product, boil for a quarter of an hour. Take after meals a glass twice a day.

Moss tincture - pour 40 g of raw materials with half a glass of undiluted alcohol, leave for 7-10 days. Drink 10-15 drops before meals.

You can use Isla Moos cough tablets, which include Icelandic moss extract. They are used for coughing, with hoarseness, when the voice has completely disappeared. Tablets are good for coping with cough and returning voice. Tablets have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunostimulating effects.

Isla Moos tablets are used for pharyngitis, laryngitis, with stress on the vocal cords (lecturers, peppers), with bronchitis. Tablets rarely cause allergies, but in case of diabetes, they should be used with caution, or after consulting a doctor. If necessary, and to achieve a positive effect, use 1 tablet (dissolve) once an hour. For adults, this is no more than 12 tablets, and for children - no more than 6 (4-12 years).

Iceland moss in the pharmacy

Today, in pharmacies, you can buy both Icelandic moss itself (Icelandic cetraria), and all kinds of preparations made on its basis. The product is sold in the form of dried raw materials for the preparation of decoctions, medicinal jelly, and also as part of herbal preparations. In connection with the growing demand for herbal medicine, the production of dietary supplements, extracts, tablets, syrups and cold pastilles, ointments for external application has been launched. Everywhere here one of the main components is Icelandic moss. You do not need a prescription to purchase all of these medicines.

Grass. Available for sale:

• Inexpensive dry lichen, represented by plant thalli.
• Herbal multicomponent mixtures for the preparation of medicinal drinks.
• Herbal tea in filtration bags, convenient for brewing.
• Ready-made decoctions can be used for oral administration, external lotions, rinsing the mouth and throat.

Warming cream. In addition to cetraria, the Icelandic Moss cream contains essential extracts, brown bear fat, known for its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, calendula, St. John's wort, eucalyptus, honey and natural wax.

This remedy is indicated for:

• The presence of bruises and dislocations.
• Pain in the area of ​​the articular joints.
• Colds.
• Muscle soreness.
• Hypothermia.

The warming cream relieves inflammation, gives a pleasant feeling of warmth, relieves pain, heals skin lesions, tones, enhances lymph flow and blood circulation.

Syrup.

1. Herbion syrup, the basis of the composition is Icelandic moss.
2. Syrup Pectolvan, composition: extract of cetraria, as well as tinctures of hyssop, thyme, soapwort root and extract of elecampane rhizome.

These are anti-cold remedies that give expectorant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, enveloping effects. Indicated for bronchitis, pulmonary lesions, acute respiratory diseases, dry cough.

Lozenges for resorption. With the manifestation of symptoms of a cold, lozenges will be an effective help. In some of them, the active ingredient is Icelandic lichen (for example, isla-moos, islamint). And in natur-sept lollipops, in addition to this extract, there are also extracts of other plants: mullein, verbena, sage, aloe, marshmallow root. These funds increase local immunity and stop inflammation. In addition to coughing and throat lesions (laryngitis, pharyngitis, etc.), the drug helps with vocal cord overload, hoarseness, and perspiration.

Instructions for using Icelandic moss

Raw materials purchased at a pharmacy can be used in different ways, based on the instructions included with the purchase. As a rule, infusions and decoctions from the plant are prepared at home. Given the presence of bitterness in the composition of cetraria, it is recommended to prepare decoctions in milk for oral administration. For some cases, it is more expedient to stock up on finished products, produced in the form of capsules, marshmallows, syrups. The basics of their use in various pathologies are presented below.

Iceland moss for cough. With a dry painful cough, a decoction of lichen helps well. To prepare it, you will need a glass of any milk and a large spoonful of chopped raw materials. The broth is cooked over low heat under the lid for at least 20 minutes. It is desirable to use it in the evening, shortly before bedtime. It is very convenient for colds to use soluble tablets in the mouth. They will help relieve cough, soothe sore throat, improve general condition. Antitussive syrups have a pleasant taste and work quite effectively.

For weight loss. The plant improves metabolic activity, has a beneficial effect on the intestinal flora, normalizes digestion, and improves defecation. All these useful properties have found their application in a set of measures for weight loss. But the effectiveness of Irish cetraria is possible only with a systematic approach: diet, moderate exercise, drinking regimen. A decoction to normalize weight is prepared as follows. Pour half a liter of water into the pan and pour a tablespoon of raw materials. After boiling, the liquid is kept on low heat until its volume is halved, taking on a semblance of jelly. This is the daily rate. Consume it three times after a meal.

With tuberculosis. In the course of research, it has been proven that Irish moss has pronounced antibiotic properties and is able to effectively fight various types of microorganisms, including coccal pathogens and tubercle bacillus. In combination with immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory effects, this product is very valuable. For tuberculosis, a decoction is prepared from dry raw materials (2 tablespoons per glass of liquid). Prolonged boiling is not required here - it is enough to hold it on fire for 5 minutes after the start of boiling. To obtain the desired result, a long course is required, up to six months.

Iceland moss for kids

The plant is very effective in whooping cough and colds. But water decoction has an unpleasant taste, so many children refuse to take it. Milk fat somewhat softens the taste characteristics. To prepare it, you need a glass of any milk and a small spoonful of crushed dry lichen. The mixture is boiled under the lid for about 10 minutes. Drink warm without straining. To add sweetness, honey is added to the liquid. But still, with great pleasure, children take cetraria-based syrups and sucking preparations. For babies with a weak appetite, as well as at the stage of recovery from an illness, it is useful to take a decoction before meals. This will help to get stronger, support immunity, improve digestion.

From constipation. To resolve the problem of difficulty defecation, including chronic, the following recipe will help.

1. Dried sheets of Icelandic moss (100 g) are poured with a liter of raw water and left for 24 hours.
2. After the infusion must be kept in a water bath for at least half an hour.
3. The viscous liquid is strained and cooled.

The resulting volume is consumed in one day, divided into several doses. If constipation has been replaced by diarrhea, then the broth is too saturated. The next time the amount of moss is reduced to 2-3 tbsp. l.

From allergies. Lichen broth has soothing, anti-inflammatory and other beneficial properties, which allows it to be used to reduce the manifestations of various types of allergic reactions. The composition is steamed. It will take 2 large spoons of dry raw materials per half liter of liquid. Keep the mixture in a water bath for 20 minutes. The resulting composition is filtered and drunk three times a day, several sips.

How to brew Iceland moss?

The potential of the Icelandic cetraria is truly enormous. Here are a few more traditional medicine recipes where it is involved.

1. from varicose veins. Moss and horsetail are mixed in equal parts, half the number of immortelle flowers, horse chestnut fruits and oak bark are taken. The mixture is poured into 500 g of boiling water and boiled for several minutes. Strained and chilled broth is taken throughout the day.
2. Mix: powder raw materials - 3 tbsp. l., kefir, fermented baked milk or yogurt - 400 ml, honey or jam - to taste. Used as a tonic, tonic.
3. You can cook berry jelly. To remove bitterness, moss is poured with a large volume of water with the addition of soda and soaked throughout the day. The soda solution is drained, and the raw materials are washed. Now it needs to be soaked again, already in clean water. After waiting 4 hours, the lichen is taken out and crushed. After adding a little fresh water, it is boiled, then berries, sugar, mint are put in and boiled. Taken as a means to strengthen the immune system and eliminate anemia.