Icelandic moss, which in science is called "cetrarium", grows in the extreme North, as well as in the mountains of America, Europe and Asia. This perennial shrub, which is both algae and fungus, looks like a deer antler due to the special shape of the leaves. Icelandic moss has a mass of medicinal properties and contraindications.
Composition of the herb Icelandic moss and its medicinal properties
The herb cetrarium grows only in ecologically clean places and acts as a kind of indicator of the ecological situation. Lihenin, vitamin B12, minerals - titanium, iron, iodine, manganese, copper, as well as gum, wax, proteins, bitter, tannic substances, complex of organic acids, polysaccharides, etc. have been found in its composition. Lycheline - this starchy gelling agent refers to carbohydrates and has a high nutritional value. Organic acids cause antibacterial properties of moss, and polysaccharides are characterized by an enveloping effect.
Astringent taste of the plant is due to tannic substances, but vitamin B12 , which in the human body produces certain bacteria living in the intestines, activates the immune system, improves the absorption of fats and proteins, and has a beneficial effect on the condition of the hair and skin. The Icelandic moss is responsible for its therapeutic properties from coughing with usnic acid. This magnificent natural antibiotic kills a wide variety of pathogenic microorganisms, including Koch's wand, which is the causative agent of tuberculosis. Traditional and non-traditional preparations based on this lichen are used in the therapy of asthma, whooping cough, influenza and ARVI, bronchitis, pneumonia, sore throats, etc.
The first include pastilles from cough and sore throat "Isla Mint" and "Isla Moos", and to the second all kinds of infusions, decoctions and tinctures. Due to the ability to envelop the walls of the stomach, cetrarium is used to treat the gastrointestinal tract, and compresses from the moss well tighten the wounds, while killing the infection and pulling pus. Icelandic moss and its properties have been used since ancient times to combat nausea and vomiting, toothache, gallbladder insufficiency, various inflammations, diarrhea and constipation.
Recipes from Icelandic moss with healing properties
There are a lot of recipes, but we picked up some of the best:
- To improve the process of digestion, getting rid of pain, flatulence and heartburn prepare the following tea: 1 tbsp. l. dry raw materials with a small slide to brew freshly boiled water in a volume of 1 liter and wrap it, and as soon as it cools, pass through the filter and drink warmly during the day. Brewing 1 tsp. lichen with a cup of steep boiling water and using as a tea, adding honey, you can accelerate recovery for colds, flu, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. Such therapeutic properties of Icelandic moss can also benefit children.
- With tuberculosis, 20 g of raw material is brewed with a glass of steep boiling water, the container is placed in a water bath, after 10 minutes it is removed, cooled, passed through a filter and drunk 250 ml 6 times throughout the waking period.
- To strengthen the immune system, prepare a healing kissel, and so that it does not bitterly moss plates are first soaked in a bucket of water with the addition of 8 tbsp. l. soda. After 12 hours, remove, wash and put in clean water for 4-5 hours. After that, the grass can be crushed and put on a stove, adding water. Boil until the consistency becomes viscous. Add the taste of berries and fruit, sugar.
Contraindications
Icelandic moss does not have contraindications and side effects, which can be appreciated by pregnant women who have caught flu or ARVI because traditional medicines can not be taken for treatment. You can treat cetraria and children, but not younger than 3 years, besides, you should always remember the risk of individual intolerance and allergic reactions.