2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Iceland lichen or Cetraria islandica is a perennial talus plant resembling a small shrub composed of fungus and algae. The herb belongs to the Parmeliaceae family. The thallus of Iceland lichen is cartilaginous - skin, attached by means of filamentous growths to the soil.
It is leafy, branched, erect, up to 15 cm high, with curved stripes along its edges, at the edges of which are brown, rounded and slightly concave spore-like organs, resembling a shield, whence the Latin name of the plant (cetra - shield).
The upper surface of the talus is brownish green and the lower surface is whitish. Iceland lichen is basically reddish brown. In the fresh or wet state, the talus is soft and the dry talus is brittle.
Iceland lichen occurs in temperate and cold zones of the northern hemisphere - Europe, North and Central America, North and Central Asia and elsewhere. In Bulgaria it grows only in the high wooded areas of all higher mountains and this may be the reason for the weaker knowledge of this species in our country.
History of Icelandic lichen
Since ancient times, Iceland lichen has been used as an herbal cough medicine. For the first time in 1673, Danish pharmacists became acquainted with medicinal applications of Iceland moss, and since then the plant has been a traditional antitussive.
During the famine of 1807-1814 in Norway, Iceland lichen was used as a staple food. During the Second World War in Russia they made thick juice from the plant.
Composition of Iceland lichen
Iceland lichen contains usnic acid, the highly bitter substance cetrarine, fatty oil, waxes, pigments, vitamins B1 and B12, carotene, a little essential oil, mineral salts, iodine, folic acid. The main component of the talus (80%) consists of polysaccharides. Half of this percentage falls on lichenin - a highly swollen mucous substance that is easily absorbed by the body and determines the nutritional value of the drug.
Collection and storage of Iceland lichen
The whole talus of the Iceland lichen (Lichen islandicus) is used, which is collected throughout the year, preferably in the summer months. The collected talus is cleaned of sticks, other types of lichens, soil mosses, stones and more. The collected and cleaned material is dried in ventilated rooms or in dryers at a temperature of up to 60 degrees, spreading in a thin layer on frames or mats.
The dried Iceland lichen it must have retained its natural appearance. The smell of the herb is specific and its taste is bitter. 1.4 kg of fresh lichen usually produces 1 kg of dry lichen. Dried Iceland lichens are stored in dry and ventilated rooms, protected from direct sunlight. The herb absorbs moisture very easily, which in turn quickly reduces the quality of the drug.
Benefits of Iceland lichen
Iceland lichen is highly valued by modern herbalists as a useful antibiotic and emollient. Therapeutic use of Iceland lichen includes its use as a tonic for recovery after illness, sedation of the gastrointestinal tract and treatment of catarrh of the upper respiratory tract.
Decoctions, extracts and gargles of the plant are used to treat colds, whooping cough, asthma, diabetes, nephritis, as well as for recovery after tuberculosis. Cetraria islandica is traditionally used to relieve vomiting resulting from irritation and inflammation of the stomach.
The drug is a natural remedy in the treatment of diseases such as malnutrition, weakness and anorexia. In small doses it stimulates the appetite, helps digestion and general nutrition. Iceland lichen is also used to treat boils, vaginal discharge and impetigo. The plant helps with inflammation of the oral cavity, pharyngitis, accompanied by a dry cough and loss of appetite.
Due to the mucous substances it contains, the drug Iceland lichen is extremely effective in diseases of the mucous membranes of the lungs and gastrointestinal tract - gastritis, colitis and others. Bulgarian folk medicine also recommends it for whooping cough, stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer.
Iceland lichen It is also used externally for the treatment of purulent wounds, boils and in gynecological practice. Decoction of the herb is an effective solution for heaviness in the stomach, intestinal pain, lung disease, goiter, inflammation of the urinary tract, dysentery, whooping cough. Iceland lichen ointment is used to relieve purulent wounds, dermatitis, burns or other skin problems.
As it has already become clear, Iceland lichen has bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, laxative and choleretic effects and stimulates the body's defenses. It is also used for severe exhaustion and fatigue. Usnic acid, which is part of it, has an antibiotic effect.
Scientists have found that the sodium salt of usnic acid found in Iceland lichen, in turn, inhibits the development of tuberculosis and other pathogens. Alcoholic and oily solutions of the sodium salt of usnic acid are used as an external remedy for purulent wounds and burns.
Iceland moss is also used in cosmetics (especially creams and ointments), medicines and food supplements. In the past it was used to dye wool.
An interesting fact is that to this day in the north of Siberia, Iceland lichen is used for food in the form of porridge or as an additive to bread flour, pre-separating its bitter substances. It is also used to feed deer.
Folk medicine with Icelandic lichen
Iceland lichen is an old folk remedy. It is used mainly as a gastric, expectorant for bronchial, inflammation, diarrhea, stomach disorders, gastric and duodenal ulcers, for appetite in exhausted bodies and others.
Make Iceland lichen tea by pouring 1 tablespoon of finely crushed drug with 1 teaspoon of water. Stir the liquid and strain it after it cools. The prepared dose is for one day.
Iceland lichen It is also used in a decoction, which can be prepared in two ways: In the first case, 2 teaspoons of chopped lichen are poured with 2 cups of cold water and then boiled. In the other - 20 to 50 g of Iceland lichens are poured with 3/4 liter of boiling water, then boiled for 1/2 hour. In both cases there is a thick, sour-like mass, which is drunk in one day.
When dizzy a handful Iceland lichen pour 1 liter of boiling water and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain and after cooling, sweeten the decoction with 3 tablespoons of sugar. Take one glass of wine 3 times a day, 30 minutes before eating.
Mix 2 tsp. Iceland moss and chamomile flowers, 1 tsp. snake pepper roots, bilberry fruits and 3 tsp. plantain leaves. The mixture is poured with 500 ml of boiling water. Boil for 10 minutes, leave for 30 minutes, drain and drink 1/3 cup 3 times a day after meals.
Icelandic lichen in cooking
Iceland moss has a strong bitter taste when used in teas and infusions. However, if mixed with milk, its bitterness softens. Cough syrups can also be prepared from the plant by grinding and mixing it with a little honey.
Milk soup with Iceland lichen
Necessary products: Iceland moss - 2 handfuls, fresh milk - 1 liter, brown sugar - 3 tablespoons, salt - 1 USD.
Preparation: Clean the lichens well. Wash them with cold water and cut them. Bring the milk to a boil and add the chopped lichens. After 3-4 minutes, season with spices, stir and remove from the heat.
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Culinary Traditions In Iceland
Due to the harsh northern climate, people in Iceland did not have a choice of products and were content with their livelihood. The livelihood in Iceland today is mainly fishing and sheep farming. For some time now, with the help of natural energy and heat, geysers have been growing greenhouse vegetables.
