Iceland Moss ~ Cetraria islandica

Iceland Moss

Latin name: Cetraria islandica

Family: Parmeliaceae

Part used: lichen

Habitat: barren stony ground in Northern countries

Main constituents: Lichen acids (depsidones); usnic, fumarprotocetraric, lichesteric acids; polysaccharides (lichenin and isolichenin)

Energetics: cold, sweet, heavy

Main herbal actions: polysaccharides: demulcent and healing, expectorant, entiemetic, nutritive; lichen acids: antibiotic; overall soothing on gastric wall

Minor herbal actions: anti-emetic, expectorant

Main medicinal uses: antiviral (Khalsa), gastritis and other irritations and inflammation of the stomach; particularly useful in stomach problems in cachexic and debilitated conditions; respiratory catarrh; bronchitis

Minor medicinal uses: to contain vomiting

Preparations: decoction: 1-2 gm dried lichen; tincture: 1-2ml

Contraindications: gastro-duodenal ulcers due to mucosa irritating property

Toxicity: unknown

Sources: Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Encyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations; http://www.ann.com.au/herbs/Monographs/cetraria.htm

Module 3

Good for Icelandic Flu.  It is a lichen.  Not very effective.