Iceland Moss as an Herb

(Cetraria islandica)

Iceland Moss is a common plant that reaches a maximum height of around 4-inches and grows in northern countries and in the mountains of warmer countries.

Iceland Moss is a lichen. A lichen is algae and fungus growing together in a symbiotic relationship.

Iceland Moss contains water-soluble polysaccharides (lichenin and isolechenin), galactomannans, glucans, lichenolic acids and aliphatic lichen acid.

Medicinal Uses for Iceland Moss

Iceland Moss has been used for centuries to treat most respiratory ailments. Iceland Moss is also used to nourish the weak, elderly, and weakly children.

This is a strongly antibiotic herb that is a cooling expectorant. It soothes irritated tissues and controls vomiting.

Extracts of this herb are also added to throat lozenges to ease a dry cough and soothe a sore throat.

Koflet is an all-natural formula that helps soothe bronchial mucous membranes and sore throats. It also supports the body's normal immune function against common allergens.

Iceland Moss is used internally to treat gastroenteritis, food poisoning, tuberculosis and bronchitis, as well as for loss of appetite. It is often used in cough medication.

Externally, Iceland Moss is used for vaginal discharge, boils and impetigo and is also used on slow healing wounds.

Culinary

Iceland Moss is dried and ground into flour to make bread, gelled and mixed with lemon, sugar, chocolate or almonds to make confections.

Ground, it can be mixed with chocolate or cocoa.

Cautions

Iceland Moss must be powdered and soaked in lye or filtered through ash in order to extricate lichen acids.

Studies have shown that poorly prepared Iceland moss can contain toxic levels of lead.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.