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Iceland Moss Herb - Uses And Side Effects

Iceland Moss ( Cetraria islandica ) is a common plant in northern countries and in the mountainous part of warmer countries. In spite of its name, Iceland Moss is not a Moss, but a "lichen". It rarely fructifies, but the lichen varies in size, amount of division, and flares, as well as color. Iceland Moss is sometimes very curled. The lichen may be gathered throughout the year but is most abundant between May and September. After the moss is cleaned and dried, the whole plant is used for extraction. Iceland Moss, a lichen, has been used for centuries to treat all kinds of respiratory ailments. It is used to nourish the weak, elderly, and weakly children.

Iceland moss has been exported to manufacturers of herbal medicines (particularly in Germany) and has been used in European medicines to treat minor ailments. Iceland is one of the least polluted countries in the world, and the purity of its plants is desirable. Iceland moss is grown organically and fertilizers aren't used where many of these plants are found. However, lichens lack roots, making Iceland moss susceptible to contamination by radioactivity and heavy metals. Fallout from the Chernobyl accident contaminated lichen in most of Europe. Fortunately, Iceland's radioactivity level was almost negligible.

Common doses of Iceland moss

Iceland moss comes as throat lozenges, capsules, and creams. Some experts recommend the following doses:

• As a decoction, mix 1 teaspoonful of shredded moss in 1 cup of cold water, boil for 3 minutes, and take orally twice daily. Or take 1 to 2 milliliters of the tincture orally three times daily.

Uses of Iceland moss herb

Iceland Moss is used in the treatment of gastritis, vomiting and dyspepsia. It is often used in respiratory catarrh and bronchitis, soothing mucous membranes. Its nourishing qualities contribute to the treatment of cachexia, a state of malnourishment & debility. Specifically, iceland moss may help to :-

• Asthma
• Cough
• Digestive disorders, such as gastritis (stomach inflammation).
• Stoxach ulcers
• Throat irritation
• Tuberculosis

Side effects of Iceland moss

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any unusual symptoms when taking Iceland moss. Large doses or prolonged use may lead to:

• digestive tract irritation
• liver damage
• nausea

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you're taking.

Important points to remember

• Don't use Iceland moss if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.
• Know that medical experts don't recommend this herb for any use because it hasn't been adequately tested on people.
• If you use Iceland moss, watch for poisoning symptoms abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, and changes in urine, stool, or skin color.

What the research shows

Iceland moss derivatives show promise as immune system and anti-tumor drugs. Someday, they may playa role in treating Helicobacter pylori, an infection linked to stomach ulcers and inflammation. Although more human studies must be done, the extracts seem to be relatively safe when used in small amounts.

Other names for iceland moss : -

Other names for Iceland moss include Cetraria, consumption moss, Iceland lichen, and Lichen islandicus.

A product containing Iceland moss is sold as Iceland Moss.