Ointment Icelandic moss medicinal properties. The effectiveness of Icelandic moss

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, and also tell you what medicinal properties and contraindications Icelandic moss has.

History reference

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. 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, and 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 researcher wrote that the antiseptic properties of such a remedy are not comparable with any known pharmacological drug.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Russian scientists E. Tishchenko and A. A. Elenkin prepared a monograph entitled "Icelandic moss and other beneficial lichens of the Russian flora." The publication was being prepared for publication. However, it never saw the light of day, because 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 called by the inhabitants of the northern regions nothing more than grain moss.

Cetraria Icelandic: 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 barren wastelands, it forms the substrate of pine forests.

The plant prefers to grow in high mountainous regions, occupying open areas at an altitude of up to one and a half kilometers above sea level. 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.

plant description

Icelandic 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.

Cetraria contains chitin, which acts as a natural sorbent that can absorb toxins. 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.

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In order to harvest Icelandic cetraria, thallus is collected. 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 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, it is necessary to observe certain storage conditions.

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.

Raw materials that have a dried structure and are distinguished by a pronounced bitter taste are considered suitable for consumption. After brewing the lichen, the consistency of the composition should resemble a rather thick slimy jelly.

Pharmacological properties

Let us turn to the consideration of the pharmacological properties of the 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 contribute to the protection of 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.

Icelandic 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. With ailments of an ulcerative nature, 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 high-quality digestion of food.

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 tool makes it possible to improve digestion and produces a slight laxative effect on the body.

Cetraria Icelandic: traditional medicine recipes

The medicinal plant is used in folk medicine for the preparation of the following remedies:

1. An extract with a laxative effect - about a hundred grams of dried cetraria is poured into a liter of liquid. The composition is insisted for a day, then carefully filtered through 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.
2. 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.
3. A decoction for impotence - they 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.
4. Icelandic cetraria from tuberculosis - about one teaspoon of dried lichen collection is poured with a glass of boiling water. The composition is boiled for 10 minutes over low heat. With tuberculosis, the remedy is taken 6 times a week, one glass each.
5. A 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 of about half a glass half an hour before meals.
6. 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 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 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.

Preparations based on cetraria

Today, Icelandic moss is used as the main ingredient in the production of such highly effective preparations:

1. "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.
2. Bronchialtee 400 - granules for adding to tea, which contain Icelandic moss, 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.
3. 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 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.
4. Isla-Mint Pastillen is a medicine 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.

Finally

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 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 unnecessary trouble.

Iceland moss, or Icelandic Cetraria

What is Icelandic moss and how to use Icelandic moss for treatment

The name "Icelandic moss" is now, I think, on the lips of many, because this lichen is now experiencing a peak in popularity: it is used not only for treatment, but even in cosmetology. In science, Icelandic moss is called Icelandic cetraria; it is a characteristic representative of ground lichens growing in pine forests, swamps, and tundra in northern Europe and North America. Among the people, it is also called reindeer moss, deer moss, lopastyanka, birch, dry forest and hazel grouse moss.

There are many biologically active substances in the cetrarium: these are carbohydrates, sugars, and various trace elements, including iron, copper, manganese, titanium, chromium, iodine and nickel, ascorbic and folic acid, vitamins A1, B1, B2 and B12, proteins and fats … It also contains rare usnic acid, which has a strong antibacterial effect against staphylococci, streptococci, subtilis bacteria, and mycobacteria. The sodium salt of usnic acid has bacteriostatic properties even at a dilution of 1:2000000! And in a more concentrated form, it even kills tuberculosis bacteria. Back in the 19th century, this plant was officially recognized as one of the "outstanding medicines."

Cetraria bush looks like deer antlers

The thallus of the cetraria outwardly looks like a loose, low, splayed bush (up to 10 cm), formed by flat, in places grooved folded, lobes resembling deer antlers. The upper surface of these lobes is brown or greenish-brown, shiny. The lower surface is lighter in color, it is light brown, almost to white, with numerous white spots and ruptures in the bark, which serve to penetrate the air.

In folk medicine of different countries, cetraria is used to treat mastopathy in women, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, against coughs, skin diseases and diaper rash, various problems with the thyroid gland, anemia and hemorrhoids, as well as an active immunomodulator. It has been proven that Icelandic moss, or Icelandic cetraria, increases the production of protective proteins, has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and expectorant effects.

To prepare medicine 1 table. a spoonful of Icelandic moss is poured into 200 ml of boiling water, insisted for 2 hours, filtered and taken 1/3 cup 3 times a day.

Icelandic moss is collected at the end of summer and autumn, carefully picking off the whole plant, air-dried, and stored in a dark place. Icelandic moss is used to add to teas or make medicines and healing drinks.

Iceland moss for coughs and colds

Northern peoples have long been treated with cetraria for coughs, colds, and intestinal problems. For this they prepared special "kissel" from Icelandic moss , or “jelly”: 100 g of fresh Icelandic moss, crushed into pieces or powder, was poured with a liter of water, the mixture was infused for two hours, a teaspoon of baking soda was added. Then the water was drained, the moss was again poured with 0.5 liters of boiling water and boiled for half an hour, filtered, cooled. This remedy was taken for a long time to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, get rid of coughs, remove toxins from the body, restore strength after physical overload and serious illnesses.

Iceland moss decoction prepare as follows: 1 table. a spoonful of crushed raw materials is brewed with 0.5 liters of boiling water or milk, boiled over low heat or in a water bath for 5 minutes, allowed to stand for 30 minutes and filtered. The decoction is drunk a day in three divided doses 30 minutes before meals. The course of treatment depends on the complexity of the disease. You can take 3 months without a break, if necessary, after a month break, continue treatment.

For external use, a decoction of Icelandic moss is prepared only on water. With purulent wounds, microbial skin lesions, pustular rash, burns and boils, lotions and washings are made. The bandage is changed 3-4 times a day.

The use of cetraria for treatment

Icelandic cetraria (Icelandic moss) is also used to treat other diseases:

For wounds, boils, ulcers 1 table. pour a spoonful of dry chopped raw materials with a glass of boiling water, cook over low heat for 30 minutes, cool, strain. Make lotions, washing 3-4 times a day.

With chronic bronchitis, emphysema, tuberculosis 1 table. pour a spoonful of dry moss with a glass of milk, boil under the lid, cool and strain. Drink hot before bed. In the morning on an empty stomach, you will need to drink tea from Icelandic moss and coltsfoot in equal parts: 1 table. brew a spoonful of the mixture with a glass of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes.

When coughing bring a glass of milk to a boil, add 1 table. a spoonful of crushed moss, boil for 3-5 minutes, strain, drink warm 2-3 times a day.

For constipation pour a glass of chopped dry moss with 2 liters of cold water, leave for a day, then add water to half the volume. Take 0.5-1 cup 3 times a day before meals. The course of treatment is 10-15 days.

Cleansing the body of toxins and toxins : take 2 table. spoons of fresh cetraria, pour a glass of apple cider vinegar and leave for 2 days. Drink at night for 1 teaspoon. a spoonful of infusion, diluted in a quarter cup of warm water for two weeks.

Can be made special burn lotion - pour a glass of dry moss with a liter of water, leave for 20-30 minutes, then pour out the water and boil the moss for another 30 minutes. Next, squeeze the moss, pour the mixture into a bowl and refrigerate. Wipe your face with this lotion.

From age spots got rid of the decoction: pour 2 tables. tablespoons of moss 0.5 cup boiling water, boil for 10 minutes, cool, strain, take 1/3 cup after meals. With acne, they drank another decoction: 2 tables. spoons of dry moss pour a glass of boiling water, cook for 10 minutes, insist, take 3 times a day for 0.5 cups.

What is most important Icelandic moss has practically no contraindications: the substances contained in it (if there is no individual intolerance) do not cause negative side effects.

Iceland moss in cooking

More than three hundred years ago, the Icelanders began to actively add dried moss to bread - it turned out tasty and healthy. Their reindeer moss can also be used to cook marmalade, to extract soft gelatin. In Karelia and Finland, thick jelly and jelly are cooked from a decoction of cetraria with berry juices.

Kissel medicinal from Icelandic moss: 3 cups chopped cetraria, 2 cups cranberries, 0.5 cups sugar, 1 liter water. Wash the moss and boil for two hours. Strain the broth, add cranberry juice, sugar and bring to a boil. Serve hot or cold. Instead of cranberries, you can use another berry, mashed with sugar.

Icelandic Moss Snack: Boil 1 kg of moss in a liter of water for two hours. Wash mushrooms mushrooms or chanterelles, sprinkle with salt and soak for 2 hours, then pour them with cooked hot broth. Cool in the refrigerator to make a jelly.

Swamp healers - sphagnum and cuckoo flax

Sphagnum (above) and cuckoo flax have many medicinal properties.

For medical purposes, other types of moss are also used, for example, common sphagnum moss- sphagnum magellanic, papillose and marsh. This moss has long been used in medicine as a dressing material, since it is many times more hygroscopic than cotton wool. In addition, sphagnum has a bactericidal effect on the microflora of purulent wounds, perfectly absorbs pus from them, contributing to their rapid tightening and healing. The bactericidal properties of sphagnum are determined by the presence in it of a special substance - sphagnol, which inhibits the growth and vital activity of Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, Staphylococcus aureus, etc. In everyday life, dried sphagnum can be used to store vegetables and fruits. It is necessary to be friends with sphagnum and flower lovers. The bactericidal properties of sphagnum greatly increase the likelihood of rooting, survival and preservation of the plant, which is especially important when propagating capricious, rare and new varieties. When the plant rots from waterlogging, you can remove the damaged area by sprinkling the cut with activated charcoal, and then boldly plant the dying plant in live chopped moss.

Well known to most of us cuckoo flax - a pretty moss with flax-like “hairs” sticking up, which are actually boxes with seeds, is an inhabitant of wet forest dwellings and swamps. An aqueous infusion of this moss in folk medicine has long been used to treat coughs. But its main strength is “cosmetic”: it is an excellent remedy for hair loss.

Iceland moss is widely used for coughs, since its content of about 70% mucus provides its soothing and enveloping properties, which are excellent for irritated and inflamed airways.

The medicinal properties of the plant

Moss polysaccharides stimulate the immune system. Lichen acids have a high antibacterial effect (they can even fight streptococci and staphylococci). In addition, the plant contains iodine, vitamins A, B1, B12, plant enzymes and natural wax.

Dosage form

Icelandic cough moss

You can find Icelandic moss in pharmacies both in the form of ordinary raw materials for brewing, and in the form of tablets or capsules, cough syrup and lozenges for resorption.

Tablets and capsules are a biologically active food supplement and are used not only to treat coughs, but also for problems with the digestive tract and skin. For the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract (laryngitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis), tablets containing Icelandic moss (Citrasept) and lozenges (Isla-moos) dissolve, and for various types of sinusitis and rhinitis, the tablets are inhaled through the nose (they are first crushed into powder ).

There are age restrictions for taking pills - they are prescribed to patients at least 14 years old.

Dosage:

• Icelandic cough moss in syrup can be used for children from 1 year old. It has a pleasant taste, so kids take it without problems;
• children from one year to 8 are given 1 tsp. syrup twice a day with meals;
• after 8 years, you can give it 3 times a day;
• adults take the remedy three times a day for 1 tbsp. l.

Treatment with Iceland moss syrup should be continued for 2-3 weeks. In addition to the treatment of cough, the remedy has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. You can find moss among the components of other syrups ("", "").

Types of coughs for which Icelandic moss can be used

Icelandic moss preparations are best suited for treatment, since moss perfectly stimulates the liquefaction and sputum discharge. Cough with tuberculosis, whooping cough, asthma can be treated with decoctions and infusions of this plant.

Due to its high antibacterial properties, Icelandic moss is used for most infectious diseases:

• flu
• angina;
• with rhino- and adenoviruses.

Moreover, it is used even as part of the treatment of acute and chronic pneumonia.

Depending on the disease, the type of medicine is selected (syrup, tablets, infusion, etc.), its dosage and duration of administration. In the treatment of tuberculosis, the plant is used as an aid. Most often use a decoction of 4 tbsp. l. raw materials, boiled over low heat in 2 cups of water. The patient takes such a remedy several sips throughout the day.

Whooping cough is relieved with a mixture of Icelandic moss and thyme:

• for such an infusion, take an equal amount of these two ingredients (half a teaspoon);
• pour them with a glass of boiling water and insist for 5 minutes;
• drink the whole glass warm at once (after filtering). This can be repeated up to 3 times a day.

With bronchitis, it is better to use a decoction in milk and take it before bedtime. No less effective is a remedy made from a mixture of moss and (½ tsp of both components per glass of water), which is drunk, on the contrary, in the morning. This helps to make coughing fits less pronounced and promotes sputum discharge.

A neglected paroxysmal cough should be treated with an alcohol tincture of Icelandic cetraria (the official name of the plant).

With allergies, it reduces the number of attacks and weakens them with a mucous decoction of Icelandic moss. It also helps well with colds, at the same time increasing immunity and accelerating recovery in general.

You can brew Icelandic cough moss in water or milk.

Types of decoctions on the water:

• Simple. Fast cooking does not allow the moss to release all the beneficial substances into the water, it is used only as a symptomatic remedy.
• Slimy. It has an excellent healing effect. Liquefies and removes phlegm, but has a bitter taste.
• Quick tincture. Less bitter than slimy decoction and more effective than plain decoction. Helps with a debilitating cough.

There is also a broad-spectrum alcohol tincture, and a simple Icelandic moss tea, which is good for relieving dry coughs, including asthma.

Recipes for making water decoctions

For a simple water decoction, take 1 tbsp. l. crushed moss and a glass of ordinary cold water. Pour the raw material with water and bring to a boil over low heat. Switch off immediately after boiling. Let cool to a warm state, filter and drink. Adults are recommended to take before meals (15 minutes) a glass, and children half a glass up to 3 times a day. If the child does not like the taste of such a product, you can dilute it with water.

Preparation of a mucous decoction of Icelandic moss for coughing takes more time:

1. 2 tbsp. l. raw materials are poured with a liter of cold water;
2. the resulting mass is brought to a boil over low heat and warmed up for another 30 minutes to an hour;
3. the result should be a jelly-like texture;
4. the mass is removed from the fire, filtered;
5. stored in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days.

Suitable for adults, taken 5-6 times a day, 1 tsp.

Tinctures

A quick tincture of water helps with bronchitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis. It is prepared in the same way as a simple broth, but after boiling it is poured into a thermos or simply wrapped well. The mass should remain hot for at least half an hour, after which it can be cooled and filtered. 1 glass of such a remedy is divided into 6 equal parts and drunk during the day (each serving 20 minutes before meals).

Alcohol tincture from Cetraria is suitable only for adults. In addition to being used for coughs, it can be used as an immunostimulant and applied externally for burns and wounds.

Cooking:

• 2 tbsp. l. dry moss is poured with vodka or 60% alcohol (250 ml);
• insist for a week;
• take 10-15 drops orally, diluted or washed down with water.

The course of admission is no more than 10 days. In the treatment of chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract, courses can be repeated three times, with a pause of 2 weeks between them.

A decoction in milk is used to treat complicated conditions with a cough, including pneumonia and bronchitis. Such a remedy for a week turns a dry cough into a wet one and promotes recovery. The decoction is also effective against debilitating night attacks (with whooping cough). Approved for use in children from 5 years of age.

Cooking:

• 1 st. l. dry raw materials are poured with a glass of milk (preferably homemade);
• boiled over low heat for half an hour;
• it is important to stir the contents all the time so that the milk does not burn;
• after removing from the heat and cooling for a short time, the broth is filtered and drunk warm in small sips;
• if desired, before use, you can add to it.

It is good to drink such a remedy before going to bed, this will allow you to quickly fall asleep without coughing.

Contraindications

Cough syrup is contraindicated in diabetes mellitus. You should also refrain from treatment with Cetraria in autoimmune diseases. Some dosage forms of Icelandic moss have age restrictions.

Contraindications to the use of Cetraria in any form:

• pregnancy;
• lactation;
• children's age up to 1 year;
• individual intolerance.

With caution and after the obligatory consultation of a doctor, Icelandic moss is used for oncological diseases. The plant, due to its high adsorbing properties, can reduce the effect of drugs.

Instructions for use:

Cetraria Icelandic or Icelandic moss is a perennial lichen belonging to the Parmeliev family.

Description

The plant is a symbiosis of two microorganisms - algae and fungi. Both microorganisms are so closely related to each other that they represent a single holistic organism.

Cetraria moss outwardly represents upright bushes with irregularly ribbon-shaped lobes, narrow, leathery-cartilaginous, reaching 0.3-0.5 cm in width and 10 cm in height, greenish-brown in color, with short dark cilia. The edges of the blades are slightly wrapped up.

Sometimes at the ends of the lobes develop apothecia, or fruiting bodies, plate-shaped with a slightly serrated edge, brownish in color. Spore bags develop in apothecia. Spores are colorless, unicellular, epileptic in shape, 8 pieces in each bag.

Distribution of Icelandic cetraria

Cetraria moss is widespread in Australia, America, Asia and Europe. It is found in Central and Northern Europe, in the forest zone and tundra of Siberia, in Ukraine - in the Carpathians. In Europe, it grows in the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Balkans. In the northern part of Russia, it is more common in the European part. It grows in the mountains of the Far East, Sayan, Altai and the Caucasus. It is a typical representative of barren open spaces and pine forests. It grows in the tundra, in the highlands (up to an altitude of 1500 m above sea level and above), on grassy and rocky areas, in mountain forests, high-mountain glades.

Cetraria prefers sandy unshaded areas, forming pure thickets. It can be found in heather thickets, where it grows in small groups, and in swampy areas.

Collection and preparation of medicinal raw materials of cetraria

For medicinal purposes, dried thallus of cetraria is used. It has a bitter-mucilaginous taste and a slight peculiar smell. Dry the thallus in the shade or in the sun, laying it out in a thin layer on cloth or paper. Harvesting of raw materials is carried out mainly in the summer.

Raw materials are stored in tightly closed jars or in boxes with paper lining in a dark, dry, cool place.

Chemical composition

The study of the chemical composition of cetraria began several hundred years ago, and today it is quite well studied.

The thallus consists mainly of carbohydrates, among which isolichenin, lichenin, umbilicin, mannitol galactomannate, chitin, sucrose, erythritol, hemicellulose and others are present.

The thallus of the Icelandic moss is capable of accumulating up to 80% of polysaccharides, which, when extracted with hot water, dissolve, forming a thick mass. When hydrolyzed, lichenin yields glucose.

Cetraria moss contains organic acids, which are called lichen acids. It is the acids that give the plant a bitter taste and determine its antibiotic and tonic properties.

In addition to acids, the thallus contains proteins, gum, wax, fats, ascorbic acid, vitamin B12, pentacyclic triterpene fridelin, naphthoquinone (juglone), minerals and pigments.

An interesting fact is that cetraria moss contains antiscorbutic vitamin C in an easily digestible form, and it is stored in a dried plant for three years.

The use of Icelandic cetraria in folk medicine

There is evidence that the plant was used for medical purposes in ancient Egypt, two thousand years BC.

In the Middle Ages, Icelandic cetraria was widely used in folk medicine in the countries of Northern Europe - Sweden, Norway, Iceland. It was used as an enveloping remedy for bronchitis and colds.

In the form of decoctions and infusions in the Scandinavian countries, the plant was used to stimulate appetite, as well as a tonic, nourishing and emollient.

Icelandic cetraria was widely used in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, laryngitis, whooping cough, bronchial asthma, bronchitis and other bronchopulmonary diseases.

Cetraria moss was used for malignant neoplasms, for bleeding, and also as a remedy that can suppress excessive sexual excitability in women.

Externally, in the form of lotions, cetraria was used for ulcers, wounds, burns, abscesses, acne, boils, microbial eczema.

The use of Icelandic cetraria in official medicine

As a medicinal raw material, the use of Icelandic cetraria began in the 17th century. During the second half of the 18th and the first half of the 19th centuries, the use of cetraria moss in official medicine was very common. This plant was a traditional remedy in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, and the thallus was part of many medicines.

The first pharmaceutical product based on lichen acids was created in Germany in the 50s of the 20th century and was called Evozin. It had antimicrobial activity due to the presence of usnic and evernic acids in it. It was prescribed for the treatment of lupus erythematosus and other diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms.

Against pulmonary tuberculosis, German scientists proposed the drug Eosin-2, which, in addition to usnic and everrnic acids, included such lichen acids as caperic, physodic, atronaric.

A mixture of streptomycin and usnic acid has been successfully used for skin diseases and tuberculosis.

An antibiotic agent from cetrarium has been developed in Japan and is used in the treatment of actinomycosis.

In therapeutic practice, Icelandic cetraria has also found application, due to its expectorant and softening properties, due to the high content of mucous substances in it. It is used for many bronchopulmonary diseases.

In Finland, a method for obtaining a remedy for the common cold, cough and asthma is patented from cetraria, using dandelion, extracts from yarrow herb, cinquefoil rhizomes, coltsfoot herb, willow bark, bearberry leaves, juniper fruits.

In the USSR in 1956, a preparation of sodium usninate based on usnic acid was obtained, which was used as an antimicrobial agent in the treatment of cracks, burns and wounds. On the basis of sodium usninate, the drug Balsam Binan was released.

Many other medicines are also known, which include cetraria:

• Bronchical plus for children (cough syrup);
• Bronchialtee 400 (a tea drink used for colds);
• Isla-Mint Pastillen (cough lozenges);
• Salus Bronchial-Tee (tea for inflammation of the respiratory organs);

Contraindications to the use of Icelandic Cetraria

The use of Icelandic cetraria and preparations containing it is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, with stomach ulcers, and also with gastritis with high acidity.