Icelandic moss (lichen): indications for use, reviews, medicinal properties, contraindications, how to drink, photo

Medicinal properties and contraindications of reindeer lichen have been studied by representatives of homeopathy for a long time. Anti-tuberculosis and antibacterial properties of moss are of particular value in folk medicine. It is often used as a natural alternative to antibiotics. But, despite the many useful properties, it must be used with caution.

What does Icelandic moss look like and where does it grow?

Icelandic moss is a type of lichen that deer eat. The botanical name of the plant is cetraria. It is a low-growing shrub belonging to the Parmeliad family. Depending on the habitat, the plant can have a branched or creeping stem. Instead of leaves, the shrub is covered with leathery blades, on the surface of which villi are located. At the base, the blades are red, and on the seamy side they are covered with whitish spots.

In origin, lichen is something in between mushrooms and algae. It is considered an epiphyte without a pronounced root system. As it grows, the shape of the lichen can change. If the plant does not have enough light or moisture, its blades will become narrow and elongated in length.

Icelandic moss doesn't like dry areas. It is most often found in the northern regions. The most favorable places for its growth are pine forests, peat bogs and open tundra areas. On the territory of Russia, the plant is represented in Siberia, the Caucasus and the Far East.

In most cases, lichen is formed on the bark of trees.

Chemical composition

The Icelandic moss herb is in demand in alternative medicine. This is due to the content of nutrients. It includes dietary fiber, fatty acids, and phenolic compounds. Due to this, the plant is often used to normalize digestion. Some components in Icelandic moss are active against tubercle bacillus. Due to the content of mineral substances, the plant effectively copes with diseases of the thyroid gland.

The reindeer reindeer contains the following components:

• starch;
• polysaccharides;
• vitamins of groups B, C and A;
• tannins;
• slime;
• natural wax;
• micro- and macroelements (iodine, iron, copper, manganese, silicon, tin, lead, nickel, molybdenum);
• proteins;
• fatty acid;
• chitin;
• phenolic compounds.

The vitamin and mineral composition of lichen is of particular value. Due to it, the immune system is strengthened.The mucus present in the moss has an enveloping effect. It helps to cleanse the digestive system and normalize stools. Phenolic compounds have antioxidant effects and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

What helps the healing properties of Icelandic moss

Reindeer moss moss was nicknamed due to the fact that the components in its composition are 70% of the deer ration. That is why it is especially valuable when used as animal feed. Yagel has significant benefits for the human body. It is rich in vitamins and minerals involved in vital processes.

Icelandic moss is often used as a more harmless alternative to medicines. Due to its natural origin, it is less likely to provoke side effects. In some cases, moss is used as part of complex therapy.

The medicinal properties of reindeer moss (lichen) include:

• choleretic effect;
• anti-aging effect;
• regulation of blood sugar levels;
• acceleration of regenerative processes;
• antiseptic effect;
• elimination of cough;
• hemostatic effect;
• relief of pain syndrome;
• strengthening the body's defenses.

The effectiveness of reindeer lichen is observed even in cases when drugs are powerless. In case of damage to the skin and mucous membranes, it accelerates the healing process and prevents the addition of a secondary infection. Sometimes lichen is used to stop bleeding. He is able to cope with a sluggish inflammatory process and ulcers in the stomach.

The body of Icelandic moss is called a thallus.

The ability to enhance protective functions allows lichen to be used as an immunomodulatory agent. Icelandic moss treats the following conditions:

• cough;
• indigestion;
• burns and purulent wounds;
• genitourinary infections;
• gastritis and gastric ulcer;
• bronchitis and asthma;
• atherosclerosis;
• skin diseases;
• stagnation in the bile ducts;
• avitaminosis;
• nervous exhaustion.

For women

The beneficial properties of lichen moss are widespread in gynecology. Lichen is effective in inflammatory processes and infectious diseases. In addition, he is able to activate the work of local immunity. In case of neoplasms in the mammary glands, lichen inhibits the growth of malignant cells. During menopause, he eliminates the discomfort by leveling the hormonal background. Dermatological and cosmetological problems are eliminated by transdermal application of a therapeutic agent.

For men

The Icelandic brain also has a positive effect on the male body. The antitumor properties of lichen are of paramount importance. It prevents the development of neoplasms in the prostate gland. At the same time, lichen improves erection and increases the physical endurance of men. In some cases, the plant is used to prevent cardiovascular disease.

For children

Icelandic moss is approved for children over the age of 7 years. At the same time, a single dosage is reduced by 2 times. If there is a suspicion of the development of an allergic reaction, phytotherapy is immediately abandoned. Moss helps children to endure colds and avoid the occurrence of vitamin deficiency.

How to take Icelandic moss properly

There are several recipes for making Icelandic moss. Each of them implies a specific application scheme. In order for a drug to meet expectations, the manufacturing algorithm must be followed. It is equally important to take into account the ratio of the components. After the treatment course, you need to take a short break. Repeat the treatment if necessary.

Infusions

Vitamin infusion is considered an excellent remedy for the prevention of colds and infectious diseases.It strengthens the immune system and relieves inflammation. To obtain a stable therapeutic effect, it is taken for at least 3-4 weeks.

Components:

• 4 tbsp. l. reindeer moss;
• 500 ml of water.

Cooking steps:

1. Dried lichen is poured over with hot water.
2. For 10 minutes, the drink is infused under the lid.
3. The drug is filtered and taken in the required volume.

The shelf life of the finished infusion in the refrigerator is 3 days

Tinctures

Reindeer tincture is recommended to be taken after an illness or in the postoperative period. It strengthens the body's defenses and prevents the development of complications.

Ingredients:

• 50 g dry Icelandic moss;
• 250 ml 60% alcohol.

Recipe:

1. The raw materials are placed in a dark glass container and filled with alcohol.
2. The drink is infused in a cool place for a week.
3. Filter the medicine before use.
4. The tincture is taken 15 drops 3 times a day.

The tincture must be taken only in diluted form.

Decoctions

Components:

• 2 tbsp. boiling water;
• 1 tbsp. l. reindeer moss.

Cooking process:

1. Dry raw materials are poured with water and put on fire.
2. After boiling, the medicinal product is boiled for 5 minutes.
3. After removing from heat, the drink is insisted for another 20 minutes under a lid. Then it is filtered.
4. Reception is carried out in 1 tbsp. l. 3-5 times a day.

Dried lichen decoction copes with pain

Body ointments and creams

In medicine, lichen can be used in the form of creams and ointments. The easiest way is to buy a ready-made product at a pharmacy. But you can also make it yourself. The base is beeswax and petroleum jelly. They are melted and mixed with lichen broth. Other herbs and base oils can be used as additional components.

The healing properties of the obtained funds are especially relevant in the treatment of skin diseases. Icelandic moss creams and ointments accelerate skin regeneration and relieve pain. In some cases, they do an excellent job with cosmetic problems.

Icelandic moss cream can be used for joint pain

Tea

Components:

• 1 tsp reindeer moss;
• 300 ml hot water;
• honey to taste.

Cooking steps:

1. Icelandic moss is poured into a kettle and filled with water.
2. After 10 minutes, it is poured into small cups. Honey is added directly to each of them.
3. Tea is taken no more than 3 times a day.

To enrich the taste, you can add cinnamon or lemon to lichen tea.

Syrup

The syrup with lichen is sold at the pharmacy. It is intended to treat coughs. The syrup promotes the discharge of phlegm and relieves pain in the throat. It is recommended for dry coughs. The dosage regimen for each individual drug is different.

Before using the syrup, you need to carefully study the instructions for use.

How to Brew Icelandic Cough Moss for Adults

Icelandic moss is especially beneficial for human health in treating coughs. To expand the lumen of the bronchi and remove phlegm, it is recommended to take it in tea. Dried moss is mixed in equal proportions with ordinary tea leaves. Then the resulting mixture is poured with boiling water and insisted. Tea is taken 2 times a day. Drinking tea in the evening not only relieves coughing, but also prevents the development of insomnia.

How to brew Icelandic cough moss for children

Children should drink Icelandic cough moss in combination with milk. The resulting drink has a mild taste and a rich content of nutrients. At 1 st. milk will take 1 tsp. dried raw materials. Then the drink is cooked over low heat for 15 minutes. Filter the drink before use. You need to take it in 2 tbsp. l. 3 times a day.

How to brew Icelandic moss for bronchitis

For diseases of the bronchial system, Icelandic moss is taken together with honey. First, the drink is prepared in a water bath for half an hour. For 500 ml of hot water, 1 tbsp. l. dried reindeer lichen. After removing from the heat, the medicine is insisted under the lid for another 20 minutes. Add 1 tbsp to a chilled drink. l. honey. The resulting product is heated again before use and taken in ½ tbsp.

How to take Icelandic moss for tuberculosis

Yagel is highly effective against tuberculosis. It cleans the lung cavity of phlegm and rid the body of the infectious agent. During the brewing process, the moss produces mucus. Once in the throat, it has an enveloping effect and neutralizes pain. For the treatment of tuberculosis, it is recommended to take a lichen broth prepared in a water bath. They drink it in 2 tbsp. l. 6 times a day. Reception is carried out 20-30 minutes before meals.

How to take Icelandic moss for weight loss

Icelandic moss is often used for weight loss. He is able to start metabolic processes, thereby accelerating fat burning. For the effect to be effective, it is necessary to limit the intake of high-calorie foods while taking reindeer lichen. In order to lose weight, most often, they use their moss jelly. The yagel is poured over with water and cooked over low heat until it is completely dissolved. The consistency of the resulting product must be uniform. You need to take it in 1 tbsp. in a day.

Antibiotic and fungicidal properties of lichen are achieved due to the content of naphthoquinone

How to properly brew Icelandic moss for the stomach

For the treatment of the stomach, a longer method of preparing reindeer lichen is practiced. ½ tbsp. Icelandic moss should be filled with 1 liter of hot water. The drink is infused throughout the night. The next day it is taken in 1 tbsp. 3 times a day. Such a regimen of reception ensures the normalization of the stool and the elimination of discomfort.

Contraindications and side effects of Icelandic moss

Icelandic moss can be not only beneficial, but also harmful to health. That is why it is extremely important to study the contraindications to it.

They are as follows:

• lactation and gestation period;
• age under 3 years old;
• allergic reaction;
• period of exacerbation of chronic gastrointestinal diseases;
• high body temperature.

An overdose of lichen is fraught with the appearance of side symptoms. The most pronounced of these include diarrhea and nausea. Some people get dizzy. Treatment in this case will be aimed at eliminating the symptoms.

Collection and preparation of grass

The collection of Icelandic moss is carried out by hand. The best time for it is August. This month, the concentration of nutrients in the lichen reaches its maximum. For blanks, moss is used that is not covered with mold and traces of rot. Such instances should be disposed of. It is advisable to collect it in warm dry weather.

The harvested plant does not need to be washed before drying. But it is extremely important to manually clean it from dirt and dust. Cut the moss into small pieces before drying. The lichen is brought to the desired state in a dryer at a temperature of 60 ° C. You can also dry in a room with fresh air. The moisture content of the finished raw material should be no more than 10%. For storing dried moss, paper bags or glass jars are recommended. It should be remembered that moss perfectly absorbs moisture, therefore it is strictly forbidden to store it in the basement. It is also advisable to avoid exposing the raw material to direct sunlight. The shelf life of the blank is 2 years.

Conclusion

Medicinal properties and contraindications of reindeer lichen are essential in alternative medicine. Despite its unpresentable appearance, lichen contains many useful substances.In order to get the maximum benefit from it, you should follow the rules for the procurement and use of raw materials.

Reviews of indications for the use of Icelandic moss