What is a plant like cetraria (Icelandic moss)? Where does it grow? In what areas does it find its application? We will try to answer all these questions in our publication, as well as tell you what the Icelandic moss has medicinal properties and contraindications.
Historical reference
The first mention of Icelandic moss, cetraria, dates from the Middle Ages. Already at this time, the healing plant was widely used by traditional healers. Applied leafy lichen doctors in the Scandinavian countries, such as Norway, Iceland, Sweden. Initially, cetraria was considered as a raw material for the preparation of infusions from bronchitis, colds. Then it was found that the plant helps to eliminate constipation, indigestion, destroys the causative agents of dysentery.
The properties of Icelandic cetraria were first described in medical treatises of the 17th century. A century later, the famous doctor Luiken revealed the possibility of using the plant in the fight against tuberculosis. This researcher wrote that the antiseptic properties of such an agent are not comparable to any known pharmacological drug.
At the beginning of the 20th century, domestic scientists E. Tishchenko and A. A. Elenkin prepared a monograph entitled “Icelandic Moss and Other Useful Lichens of the Russian Flora”. The publication was being prepared for publication. However, it did not see the light, because the institution where the researchers worked was liquidated. Subsequently, on the basis of this monograph, articles began to be published whose content affected the features of the practical application of 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 in order 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 called the inhabitants of the northern regions only 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, in the territory of numerous European states. You can see such a lichen in Asia, Africa, Australia. This is because Icelandic cetraria acts as a typical representative of barren wastelands, forms a substrate of pine forests.
The plant prefers to grow in high mountain regions, occupying open areas at an altitude of one and a half kilometers above sea level. Most often, Icelandic cetraria can be found on rocky areas covered with grass. Peat is also a suitable soil for lichen. Occasionally, a 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 grow only in regions with clean air. For this reason, such a lichen acts as a kind of environmental indicator.
Plant description
Icelandic moss belongs to the category of perennial lichens. Externally, the plant has the appearance of stunted bushes, the height of which can reach 15-20 centimeters. Cetraria shoots are formed by flat ornate ribbons. The sizes of such processes and their shade depend on the environment in which the lichen develops. In arid conditions, Icelandic moss can take on a brownish or red tint, and become greenish when humidity is high. However, in one case or another, the underside of the plant's blades is always covered with bright spots.
Chemical composition
Starting a conversation about the chemical composition of 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 the raw materials are polysaccharides. When preparing water-based decoctions, an abundance of glucose and other nutrients are released into the liquid.
Cetraria contains chitin, which acts as a natural sorbent that can absorb toxins. Lichen is rich in organic acids, which give the plant a bitter taste. Icelandic moss is also rich in B vitamins, proteins, ascorbic acid. In the structure of the plant there is gum, wax, minerals indispensable for the human body.
Billet
In order to harvest the Icelandic cetraria, a thallus is collected. The optimal period for going for a medicinal plant is traditionally considered the end of summer. You can also collect lichens in early autumn, but only in dry weather.
When harvesting, the thallus of the plant is torn from the soil. The latter is thoroughly cleaned of soil. Then the cetrarium is dried. Lay out thalli under coverings that are well ventilated. Prepared raw materials are placed in a thin layer on the litter of fabric or paper. A plant is considered ready for use when its thalli begin to crumble with light squeezing. Alternatively, commercial dryers may be used for the preparation of cetraria.
Storage
The use of Icelandic tetraria is possible for several years after harvesting. However, in order for the use of lichen for medicinal purposes to give a result, some storage conditions must be observed.
Dried thalli are recommended to be placed in closed containers. The latter should be placed in a cool, dry room. At the same time, the shoots are often shifted with paper, which helps protect the lichen from moisture. After all, Icelandic moss absorbs liquids like a sponge.
Raw materials are considered suitable for consumption, which have a dried structure and are distinguished by a pronounced bitter taste. After brewing a lichen, the consistency of the composition should resemble a rather thick mucous jelly.
Pharmacological properties
We turn to the consideration of 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 thin out sputum, it has a softening effect on the mucous membranes with a dry cough. Lichen-based drugs are often used during anti-tuberculosis therapy. Cetraria is an excellent way to eliminate the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis. The active substances in the plant contribute to the protection of the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs from the effects of negative environmental factors.
Plant-based drugs are used to eliminate the inflammatory processes that develop in the oral cavity. The tool makes it possible in a short time to cure stomatitis, relieve pain. In such situations, cetraria is used not only for rinsing the oral cavity, but also used inside. Such therapy is absolutely safe for both adults and children.
Icelandic moss is effective in treating diseases of the intestines and stomach. The mucous structures that stand out from the lichen envelop the walls of the digestive organs, soothing the inflamed tissues. With ailments of a ulcerative nature, cetrarium makes it possible to remove discomfort after eating. An excellent solution is the use of the drug in case of diarrhea. In addition, the organic acids in the lichen improve appetite and stimulate high-quality digestion of food.
Icelandic moss is an excellent natural antibiotic. Active substances in the composition of the plant slow down the activity of pathogens of biological infections, in particular, destroy streptococci and staphylococci. Externally, the drug is used to disinfect wounds, eliminate the manifestations of dermatoses.
Decoctions based on Icelandic cetraria are recommended to be used in order to stop the growth of malignant tumor cells. This is facilitated by the presence of usnic acid in the lichen structure, which prevents the formation of free radicals and acts as an excellent natural antioxidant.
Icelandic moss helps women to normalize the work of the endocrine system, to get rid of toxicosis. Often, plants resort to the use in order to combat overweight. After all, the tool makes it possible to improve digestion and produces a mild laxative effect on the body.
Icelandic cetraria: recipes for traditional medicine
The healing plant is used in folk medicine for the preparation of the following products:
- An extract with a laxative effect - about a hundred grams of dried collection of cetraria is poured with a liter of liquid. The composition is insisted throughout the day, then carefully filtered through gauze or a fine sieve. The product is kept in a water bath until half of the liquid from the original volume remains. 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 tool is drunk after cooling to room temperature. The medicine allows you to eliminate the symptoms of colds, pneumonia, bronchitis in a short time.
- Broth with impotence - take a collection of cetraria, lemon balm, flax 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 in a few glasses a day.
- Icelandic cetraria for tuberculosis - about one teaspoon of dried lichen harvest is poured with a glass of boiling water. The composition is boiled for 10 minutes over low heat. With tuberculosis, the drug is taken 6 times a week in one glass.
- Decoction with a stomach ulcer - 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 for several minutes over low heat, and then carefully filtered. Take a decoction with ulcerative manifestations of about half a glass half an hour before meals.
- Means for the prevention of vitamin deficiency - a tablespoon of dry collection is brewed in half a liter of boiling water or hot milk. The composition is boiled for several minutes in a water bath. Then filter and insist. With vitamin deficiency, the indicated volume of liquid is completely drunk on the first day. Gradually, the dose is reduced to one glass over the course of a week. It is especially reasonable to resort to the use of such a tool in early spring, when the body most often lacks vitamins and essential microelements.
Cetraria-based preparations
Nowadays, Icelandic moss is used as the main ingredient in the production of such highly effective preparations:
- "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, syrup is taken in a tablespoon several times a day.
- Bronchialtee 400 - granules for adding to tea that contain Icelandic moss, fennel fruits, thyme, sage, linden flowers. The tool is used in the treatment of colds and the elimination of unpleasant symptoms of chronic bronchitis. Take this medicine in one cup 2-3 times a day.
- Salus Bronchial-Tee No. 8 - the preparation is made on the basis of cetraria, mullein flowers, primrose, linden, nettle, thyme, fennel fruits, raspberry leaves. The product is characterized by thinning 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 tool in the form of tea, one glass several times a day.
- Isla-Mint Pastillen is a lozenge drug. 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 absorbing the 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 functions. Usually, when using Icelandic moss, the appearance of severe pain in the corresponding area indicates this.
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 persons who suffer from acute ailments of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, Icelandic moss is prohibited for use in the case of gastritis with high acidity.
Finally
So we examined what the healing properties and contraindications of Icelandic moss are. As you can see, the plant is distinguished by a whole mass of healing qualities. After all, it is not for nothing that northern peoples traditionally consider the remedy as a panacea for a wide variety of diseases.
At the same time, one should not too lean on self-medication. When eliminating any ailments using cetraria, it is better to consult a doctor once again, which will avoid unnecessary troubles.