Reindeer Moss – Uses & Health Benefits

Islandmoos

Reindeer moss is not only found on the Nordic island, but also throughout Europe. From a botanical point of view, the name is incorrect, since the plant is not moss but a lichen. Icelandic moss is particularly effective against inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat and has been a recognized medicinal plant since 2014.

General overview

Icelandic moss was first used in Iceland. At that time it was assumed that the discovered plant was moss. Hence it got its name. Icelandic moss is a symbiosis of fungi and algae. The fungus represents the framework, whereas the alga is responsible for the energy supply through photosynthesis. Botanically Icelandic moss is a shrub lichen that grows up to 4-12 centimeters tall. Their growth form is cushion-like.

occurrence and cultivation

Shrub lichen does not only grow in Iceland but is widespread throughout Europe. Icelandic moss is found on lowlands and sandy soils, but also prefers high elevations. Therefore it also grows in the Giant Mountains, in the Bavarian Forest, in the Thuringian Forest and in the Swiss Alps. The plant can also be found in southern Europe, such as in France and Spain. It prefers to thrive at higher altitudes. In Iceland, the lichens form a particularly thick cushion that spreads up to 20 centimeters.

The Icelandic Moss can pose a hazard to hikers there as it can cover the crevasses of lava fissures. Typically, the lichen is widespread in bogs and light pine forests. The pads of lichen are collected in late summer and into fall. Large collecting areas are the Balkan states, the countries of Scandinavia and Russia. Harvesting is preferably carried out in dry weather. The cushions of the yield of the collection should first be dried in a dark place. In this way, the valuable ingredients of the lichen can be protected.

application and effect

The above-ground part of the plant, also called the thallus, is used for medicinal purposes. Icelandic moss is usable as a tea . The tea can be prepared pure or mixed with other beneficial medicinal herbs and has been proven to have a positive effect on dry coughs. The lichens are not yet an ingredient in available finished medicinal products. However, dried Icelandic moss is available in many pharmacies. The shrub lichen contains up to 70 percent mucilage . These reduce irritation and have a calming effect on the upper respiratory organs. Therefore, the Icelandic moss is used to treat inflammation of the mucous membranes and dry cough.

The lichen is also used for general sore throats and hoarseness. Mucous membranes and their natural protective function are supported by the lichen mucus. It also contains the polyketide usnic acid. This acid is naturally slightly antibiotic and has a germicidal effect. The bitter substances it contains have a bronchial stimulating effect and increase appetite . Furthermore, the Icelandic moss is said to have a stimulating, strengthening and nausea-reducing effect. In addition to the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, it is also used for nausea and vomiting.

What does reindeer moss help against?

importance to health

Shrub lichen has been approved as a recognized medical product since November 2014. This was decided by the Committee for Herbal Medicinal Products of the European Union. In medicinal use, Iceland moss is primarily used to treat irritation of the mouth and throat . Contained mucilage covers inflamed areas in the mouth and throat and thus seals the sore spots. This can calm dry coughs as a result of inflammation of the mucous membranes.

Furthermore, the ingredients of the moss have a slight antibiotic effect. A breeding ground for pathogens is therefore no longer provided after ingestion of the lichen. In addition to calming the mucous membranes, the mucilage strengthens the immune system . They put a protective film over inflamed areas in the throat and mouth. This means that foreign substances that are exhaled and inhaled through the breathing air can no longer easily attach themselves to inflamed areas and pass through problematic areas without sticking.

Due to the lichen acid it contains, Icelandic moss also has an appetizing effect. It could be used in people with eating disorders or those undergoing chemotherapy to increase their hunger pangs. Bitter substances contained in the lichen acid stimulate the production of saliva in the mouth. This signals to the body that food is about to be eaten and triggers a feeling of hunger.

Furthermore, more gastric juices are produced, the muscles of the stomach contract more often, and hunger sets in. Iceland moss is not yet available either as a single preparation or in combination with other active ingredients as a finished medicinal product. Above all, its soothing effect on the mucous membranes makes Icelandic moss very valuable in the treatment of dry cough and diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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