Irish moss is a unique algae with medicinal properties. In folk medicine, it is used to make medicinal decoctions for coughs, diseases of the stomach, and thyroid gland. In cooking, its cartilaginous stems are valued by chefs as a healthy spice with a pleasant aftertaste. In Ireland, natural beer is brewed from the plant, which has an unusual “sea” aroma.
Description
Irish moss, cetraria, bryozoan, carrageenan - red-brown algae has many names. It is common on the northwestern coast of Europe and grows in the cool climates of Sweden and Iceland.
Low grass spreads along the ground, clings with its root system to the surrounding stones and soil, and receives nutrition from neighboring trees. In Russia, it can be found in the foothills of the Caucasus, Crimea, and in the Karelian forests.
The medicinal plant is a ground-blooded plant and prefers places open to sunlight. Low stems bend to the ground, have miniature leaves no more than 0.5 cm. During the flowering period from May to August, the moss is covered with hundreds of white flowers, emitting a delicate aroma. Bryozoans are increasingly used to decorate landscape areas and alpine slides.
Regular people researching the ingredients of plant-based recipes often confuse Irish and Icelandic moss. The latter is a perennial lichen and is also used in the treatment of colds, acute respiratory viral infections, and pneumonia.
Chemical composition
The healing properties of Irish moss have been known for over a thousand years. The stems of the plant contain many useful substances:
- organic iodine;
- B vitamins;
- tocopherol;
- ascorbic acid;
- mineral compounds of magnesium, sodium, calcium, potassium, iron;
- amino acids;
- zinc;
- chromium;
- natural glucose, galactose;
- lichenin.
Irish moss is a real vitamin cocktail containing beneficial polysaccharides, proteins, and tannins. They are easily absorbed by the human body with minimal risk of allergies and complications.
Beneficial features
Due to its high vitamin content, Irish moss is considered a natural immunostimulant. It accelerates metabolism, stimulates the regeneration and restoration of tissues, nerve fibers, and normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems. Preparations based on it can be used for stress, chronic fatigue, and overwork.
But the main purpose of Irish moss in medicine is the production of drugs for the treatment of colds and inflammatory diseases. The plant contains tannins, amino acids, and phytoncides, which give it the following properties:
- antibacterial;
- antimicrobial;
- antifungal;
- antioxidant;
- anti-inflammatory.
The stems of Irish moss are used in the manufacture of medicines with a choleretic and expectorant effect. Studies have proven the ability to slow down the growth of cancer tumors, metastases, and quickly restore immunity after chemotherapy, surgery, and severe inflammation.
Healing bryozoan is used in the treatment of the following diseases and conditions:
- inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, nasopharynx;
- pneumonia, bronchial asthma, laryngitis;
- avitaminosis;
- pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract;
- inflammation of the gallbladder;
- stagnation of bile in the ducts;
- intestinal infections, diarrhea, stomach ulcers;
- nervous exhaustion;
- exacerbation of herpes;
- atherosclerosis;
- skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis).
Find out more: Properties of Agave americana: medicinal uses
Preparations made from moss are effective for anemia, improve the composition of blood and lymph, remove toxins in case of poisoning, kidney and liver dysfunction.
Application and recipes
Medications can be prepared at home. But the plant extract has a specific bitter taste, so the compounds are mixed with honey, wine, alcohol and fermented milk products. Before starting treatment, you should test for an allergic reaction, which often occurs when there is an excess of iodine in algae.
From the plant you can prepare decoctions for oral administration, alcohol tinctures, lotions for rubbing and compresses. During the treatment of intestinal disorders, ulcers or diarrhea, it can be added to dishes to reduce intoxication, cholesterol levels or dysbiosis, and improve blood composition in anemia.
Recipes for cough treatment
The stems of Irish moss contain a large amount of the protein substance carrageenan, which is similar in structure to agar-agar. It gently envelops the membranes of the bronchi and alveoli, and stimulates the removal of inflammatory exudate. This helps to cough without pain, reduces the risk of complications from pneumonia, tracheitis, laryngitis.
Irish moss for coughs can be used for children and adults in the form of milk tea. For this, 1 tsp. dry plant is poured with hot milk, infused in a thermos for 30–40 minutes. After taking it, expectoration begins and mucus removal accelerates. Therefore, it is better to give the drink 1–2 hours before bedtime.
No less effective recipes for bronchitis and ARVI:
- Brew 1 tbsp. l. moss 0.5 liters of boiling water, wrap in a towel, leave. Drink with honey like regular tea 2-3 times a day (a dose of 100 ml is recommended for a child).
- In case of exacerbation of whooping cough, you can mix a spoonful of cetraria, thyme, linden, and boil in a water bath in 0.5 liters of clean water.
- For bronchial asthma, mix dried pine buds, moss, orris, boil slowly in a water bath, take 1-2 times a day before meals.
The natural preparation can be used as an independent cough remedy, or combined with Gerbion, Pectolvan, Ambrobene syrups.
If the patient uses antibiotics, a decoction of moss prevents diarrhea and dysbacteriosis, removes accumulated toxins, and reduces the negative effect of the chemical drug on the intestinal mucosa.
In case of reduced immunity after suffering from the flu, a bath with a decoction of the plant is recommended. A glass of dry raw materials must first be boiled in a saucepan, strained and mixed with bathing water. It relieves muscle pain well, removes toxins, and normalizes sleep.
Treatment of thyroid pathologies
Lack of iodine provokes metabolic disorders and hypothyroidism. A person’s production of certain hormones decreases, which negatively affects overall well-being:
- irritability and insomnia develop;
- weight gain occurs;
- forgetfulness appears, attention deteriorates;
- rashes and redness are observed on the skin, and excessive activity of the sebaceous glands is activated.
Find out more: Medicinal properties and contraindications of burdock root
In folk medicine, an infusion of Irish moss is used for thyroid goiter, iodine deficiency, and nodules. A large amount of microelement normalizes hormone balance and prevents cancer. Treatment is carried out with tea, which must be drunk 2 times a day for 4 weeks.
Losing weight with bryozoan
Carrageenan as part of the plant has unique properties: when it enters the stomach or intestines, the fibers absorb water, significantly increasing in volume. They fill the cavity, eliminate the feeling of hunger, and help cope with increased appetite. A person eats less food and loses weight comfortably and correctly.
Iodine and B vitamins have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system and thyroid gland. Taking Irish moss diet pills during a diet speeds up metabolism and supports the immune system. The mucous membranes of the stomach are restored, and intestinal motility is normalized.
Irish moss in cosmetology
Algae extract is used in the manufacture of facial and body skin care products. A series of creams, lotions and ointments have the following properties:
- moisturize;
- relieve irritation and dryness;
- normalize lipid balance;
- clears rashes.
In cosmetology, carrageenan is highly valued, as it penetrates into the upper layer of the dermis, retaining water and nutrients. After using the mask, the network of fine wrinkles decreases, pores become invisible.
An interesting way to use Irish moss in cosmetology is to wrap problem areas. To do this, 2-3 tablespoons of dry or fresh raw materials must be brewed with boiling water in a 1:1 ratio, mixed thoroughly until a paste is obtained. You can add a few drops of lemon, orange, peppermint oil, and a pinch of red pepper to the product.
After a course of 7–8 procedures, volumes decrease, excess fluid comes out, and the epidermis becomes smoother, more even, and elastic.
Contraindications for use
Before using medicine from Irish moss, you need to know the medicinal properties and contraindications that can worsen the patient’s condition. Algae in any form is prohibited for the following diseases:
- allergies to iodine and seafood;
- pathologies of the hematopoietic system;
- chronic hypotension;
- blood clotting disorder;
- with the thyroid gland removed.
Natural preparations are not recommended for use during pregnancy at any stage and in the following categories of patients:
- women who are breastfeeding;
With caution, doctors recommend treatment for people over 55–60 years of age who have hidden inflammatory processes, pathologies of the cardiovascular system, and hormonal imbalances during menopause.
The instructions for use warn that moss-based formulations should not be taken simultaneously with anticoagulants - blood thinners. When consuming large doses, there is a risk of side effects: stomach discomfort, indigestion, bowel dysfunction.
Find out more: The series - medicinal properties and contraindications
Irish moss in brewing
Algae with a medicinal effect is used in the production of light beer varieties. In home production, non-professionals rarely manage to prepare a clear drink without impurities and cloudy sediment. Adding moss extract avoids the process of pasteurization, filtration or saturation with chemicals for clarifying.
For small volumes of home brewing, you can buy dry raw materials or ready-to-use concentrate in tablets at an affordable price at the pharmacy. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-4 years, using as needed. The instructions recommend adding the substance as follows:
- Soak the dried stems in clean warm water to swell for 5 minutes.
- The tablets should be ground into powder before use.
- 10 minutes before the end of brewing, add a natural clarifier at the rate of 0.75 g per 20–25 liters of wort.
The fiber and carrageenan act as a filter that traps tannins in the boiling beer. They bind proteins that give turbidity and turn them into sediment. The composition is healthy, enriches the drink with vitamins, minerals and valuable amino acids.
Collection, preparation and storage
The medicinal plant must be collected in an ecologically clean area, away from the road and industrial enterprises. The best period for collection is mid-summer, after the rains: during drought, the plant loses moisture and contains less healing mucus and nutrients.
Collection and preparation is not difficult:
- the stems are carefully cut with a sharp knife near the ground;
- the raw materials are washed under running water 2–3 times;
- placed in hot water for 48 hours to dissolve harmful impurities;
- the seaweed is dried in a shaded place in the open air.
After grinding, parts of the plant are placed in glass jars, airtight containers or bags and placed in a dark closet or on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Medicinal raw materials must be protected from sunlight and heat.
The use of Irish moss to treat coughs, colds and other diseases has many positive reviews. The therapy is gentle, with minimal risk of side effects, and is recommended for young children. But we should not forget about following the recommended dosage, storage rules and preparation of home medicines, so as not to encounter complications.
Source: https://floradoc.com/katalog-rastenij/irlandskij-moh
Irish moss for cough
Icelandic moss, whose second name is Cetraria Icelandica, is a ground lichen from the Parmeliaceae family, not related to mosses (a symbiosis of algae and fungus). Found in Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia.
Grows well in pine forests, heaths, swamps, tundras and forest-tundras of Siberia, Alai, Karelia and the Caucasus.
Found on the bark of tree stumps or directly on the soil, it prefers unshaded areas where it can form entire thickets.
A special feature is that it grows only in unpolluted air. If there is insufficient moisture supply, the lichen dries out and enters a state of suspended animation, in which it can remain for up to several years in a row.
With sufficient moisture supply, it takes on its previous appearance in just a few hours. Lichen instantly reacts to a polluted environment and acts as a natural indicator of the ecological cleanliness of the area.
If an imbalance occurs in the natural ecosystem, the lichen gradually dies out.
The medicinal properties and contraindications of Icelandic moss have long been known to people, which allows the plant to be used both in medicine and in cooking. It has a bitter taste - Eskimos add it as a spice to fish dishes, beer, and baked goods. It contains mucus, so the broth, after cooling, has a consistency similar to jelly. Animals also feed on lichen.
The literature describes that in 1918 in Moscow, when there was a food shortage, pharmacies had a supply of dry lichen, which they began to use for baking bread. The raw materials were soaked in a soda solution, then dried and ground to a powder, mixed with rye flour 1:1 and baked.
Morphological description
The lobes are narrow and flat, with dark short cilia and raised edges. Depending on the incidence of light, the outer surface of the blades has a brown or greenish color. Attaches to soil or bark using rhizoids.
The fruiting bodies are formed on the terminal parts of the expanded lobes and have a saucer-shaped flattened shape 1.5 cm in diameter, colored brown.
Collection and preparation
The thallus is harvested in the summer in dry weather, which is torn from the substrate and cleaned of dirt (cannot be washed). Dry either in the sun or in a ventilated area. Store in linen bags for 2 years.
Chemical composition
- carbohydrates (isolichenin, glucose, lichenin, galactose, sucrose);
- proteins;
- bitterness;
- fats;
- gum;
- vitamins B and A;
- starch;
- odorous volatile substances;
- enzymes;
- minerals: iodine, sodium, nickel, titanium, chromium, boron, copper, manganese, molybdenum;
- iridoid cetrarine;
- lichen acids (protolichesterolic, fumarprotocentral, lichesteric, usnic);
- mucus (up to 70%).
Use of Icelandic moss for medicinal purposes
The use of Icelandic moss for health benefits was first described in the folk treatises of Norway, Sweden, and Iceland: the Scandinavians used lichen for colds, to strengthen the body, and treated skin with healing infusions for cracks, burns, and wounds. Only in the twentieth century were the antibacterial properties and the possibility of using it to treat tuberculosis patients studied. Today it is included in the pharmacopoeia of a number of countries, including Russia.
Treatment with Icelandic moss is effective for a number of diseases, since it has expectorant, antiseptic, antibacterial, tonic, enveloping, antimicrobial, laxative, anti-inflammatory, wound healing and choleretic effects. It is considered a powerful natural antibiotic.
- Since ancient times, lichen has been used as an effective antiemetic and cough suppressant. Icelandic moss helps with cough, strong and painful, accompanying severe diseases of the bronchopulmonary system (pneumonia, pleurisy, whooping cough).
- Usnic acid has a detrimental effect on the tuberculosis bacillus and other bacteria, so lichen helps with diseases of a bacterial nature, including the respiratory system (bacteriostatic effect and blocking oxide phosphorylation reactions in the body of bacteria).
- Antiviral effects have also been proven against rhinovirus, adenovirus, cytomegalovirus and influenza virus.
- The anti-inflammatory effect is provided by the carbohydrate lichenin, the aqueous extract of which stimulates the synthesis of the cytokine IL-10, which eliminates inflammation and its causes.
- Traditional healers recommend cetraria preparations for general exhaustion of the body, dystrophy, and premature aging due to the action of specific carbohydrates and microelements. It is a powerful general strengthening agent, which is indispensable at the recovery stage after serious illnesses, operations, prolonged bed rest, etc.
- Prescribed for skin diseases: acne, purulent processes, boils, burns, trophic ulcers.
- Effective for all gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, ulcers), functional intestinal disorders, both constipation and diarrhea due to the presence of mucus (enveloping effect), enzymes and bitterness.
- Prescribed for inflammatory processes in the mucous membranes of the mouth, pharynx, stomach and intestines.
- Icelandic moss is indicated for children for whooping cough, bronchitis, when severe coughing attacks occur, and topically for treating rashes due to dermatitis and burns.
- In folk medicine it is used to increase potency in men and treat mastopathy in women.
- Recommended for weight loss.
The medicinal properties and recipes of Icelandic moss allow it to be used for a wide range of diseases, but it is better to do this after approval by the attending physician.
Scientific research on Cetraria Icelandica
Experimental treatment with lichen and preparations made from it was carried out just before the collapse of the USSR at the Institute of Phthisiapulmonology of the then city of Leningrad.
A strong drug was created, which, according to the memoirs of Doctor of Medical Sciences M.V. Pavlova, showed good results in the treatment of tuberculosis patients.
However, with the collapse of the USSR, research and use of the drug were suspended.
In the 90s, scientists again turned their attention to the once forgotten plant organism: the biochemical mechanisms of action of Icelandic moss were actively studied in scientific laboratories in the USA, Iceland, Austria, and Japan.
Thus, Japanese doctors discovered that lichen mixed with green tea and some pharmacologically active plants is a drug for the prevention and treatment of cancer. This is possible due to the joint action of carbohydrates and lichen acids, which suppress enzymes involved in the metabolism of cancer cells.
A little later, the powerful antioxidant effect of cetraria was discovered, which promotes the restoration of the body and stops its premature aging: the plant body is 10 times more active than vitamin E.
Traditional medicine recipes
Medicinal recipes help with strict adherence to the rules for preparing Icelandic moss preparations and the frequency of their use - this should be remembered by all patients.
- Tea for whooping cough. Take ½ teaspoon of moss and thyme, pour 250 ml of boiling water and leave for 5 minutes, strain. Take 250 ml up to 3 times a day.
- Cough recipe. which can also be used for children. Take 2 tbsp. dry moss and pour 200 ml of cold water, boil in a saucepan and cook over low heat for about 1 hour - the consistency of the broth should resemble jelly. Take 2-3 sips during the day, warm. Since the taste of the product is not the most pleasant, you can add honey to the broth. Store in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days.
- Decoction for stomach ulcers. Mix moss, marshmallow root and flax seed. Take 1.5 tablespoons of this mixture, pour 500 ml of boiling water and put on fire for 7 minutes. Next, strain the broth and cool. Take 70 ml 30 minutes before meals, five times a day.
- Alcohol tincture for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. poor appetite, suffocating cough. Take 40 grams of moss and add a glass of 60% alcohol, leave to infuse for 7 days. Take 10 or 15 drops every day, 2 times a day.
- Decoction for the treatment of tuberculosis. Take 4 tablespoons of moss and pour 500 ml of boiled, cooled water, put on the lowest heat for 5 minutes, strain. Take 2 sips 3 times a day. in a cooled state.
- Decoction for stomach atony. Take 3 tbsp. l. raw materials and mix with 750 ml of water, put on low heat for half an hour. After cooling, you will get a decoction similar to jelly, which should be consumed at once. Take this amount for 3-5 days in a row.
- Medicine for bronchitis. as well as a cough prescription. Place 1 glass of milk and 1 tbsp in an enamel bowl. dry crushed raw materials. Place on the lowest heat for half an hour and close with a lid. Take 2 sips hot before bed.
- Extract for the treatment of constipation. Take 1 liter of cold water and pour this volume into 100 grams of dry raw materials. Leave for 24 hours, filter and place in a water bath until the volume has evaporated by half. Take half an hour before meals three times a day.
- Universal decoction. which can be used for all diseases for which lichen is indicated, as well as for treating the skin. 1 tbsp. pour dried raw materials with 2 cups of boiling water and boil in a water bath for 5 minutes, strain. Take 1 tbsp. 3-5 times a day.
- Collection for chronic runny nose. Take 1 tbsp. spoon of Icelandic moss, Japanese sophora, St. John's wort herb and add 2 tbsp to the mixture. l. sage herbs. Pour all 1 liter. water, boil for 30 minutes, cool until warm, strain. Before going to bed, you should rinse your nose with a decoction using a bulb or a syringe without a needle.
- Allergy decoction. Take a handful of dry moss, add cold water and leave for 2 hours. Then drain the water and add half a liter of boiling water to the raw material, boil for 25 minutes over low heat. Drink 100 ml on an empty stomach.
- A drug for the treatment and prevention of oncology. Take 2 parts of moss, celandine, knotweed, St. John's wort, add 3 parts of water pepper, plantain and nettle leaves, mix with 100 parts of green tea. Stir and make a decoction of 4 tsp. mixture of plants and 4 glasses of hot water, leave for 60 minutes, strain and drink 1 glass 4 times a day, warm.
- In cosmetology, a cold decoction of moss is used as a wiping lotion for problem skin with acne and boils, for rinsing with weak and thin hair, and with the active appearance of signs of skin aging.
Pharmacy drugs
The following preparations with Icelandic moss are produced in Russia and the post-Soviet countries:
Icelandic moss syrup (Herbion, Pectolvan)
It also contains other active components of plant origin and is prescribed for an obsessive, dry cough that accompanies bacterial infections of the lower respiratory tract. It has enveloping, softening and expectorant effects. It is not prescribed for children under 1 year (Gerbion) and 12 years (Pectolvan) and has a number of other contraindications.
Isla-moos lozenges
Source: http://samzdorow.ru/irlandskij-moh-ot-kashlya.html
Irish moss for cough instructions for use
This moss is a perennial lichen that grows on a variety of trees. You can find it in the tundra zone, as well as forest-tundra. The origin of moss is exactly this. If such moss grows somewhere, this is clear evidence that the environment is clean and safe from an environmental point of view.
It grows in the Russian Federation and some Northern European countries. Most often it can be found in areas where there is an abundant amount of sunlight and moisture. Northern peoples have used this plant for a huge number of years as a kind of food additive.
Since ancient times, it has been famous for its good restorative qualities, which made it easier to eliminate the consequences of some serious diseases. Even then, the moss thallus was crushed and then boiled. It was customary to boil the components of the plant until the broth became thick, a little like mucus.
The plant contains a fairly large amount of various vitamins, microelements and other useful components. For example, there is a fairly large number of:
- Healthy fats and proteins.
- Manganese.
- Zinc.
- Copper.
- Gland.
- Molybdenum.
- Vitamin B12.
- Vitamin C.
- Usnic acid.
- Sodium salt.
Thanks to the content of such excellent components, moss can be used to treat a variety of diseases.
What makes the composition unique?
The main component is the plant itself. Additional components may be used to enhance the effect. The composition includes moss thalli.
Due to the presence of some acids in its composition, the taste is bitter, but it has a good tonic effect. Because of this, it also has tonic properties.
Lichen can be used to prepare a variety of decoctions.
Icelandic cetraria, as this plant is called, is distinguished by its rich mineral and vitamin composition. It contains a lot of carbohydrates and medicinal mucus, which has a beneficial effect on the respiratory tract, especially during coughing.
Icelandic moss contains a lot of enzymes, wax, and acids. By the way, the latter need to be mentioned separately. The acids contained in this natural medicine tone the body and have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.
Cetraria successfully copes with many viruses and bacteria and significantly strengthens the immune system.
Medicinal properties of cetraria
A special feature of Cetraria is its ability to survive only in ecologically clean areas. It does not grow in contaminated soil and is therefore completely non-toxic. This makes the use of Icelandic moss safe for health.
During growth, moss accumulates nutrients, making cetraria beneficial for the entire body. Thus, Icelandic moss contains:
- organic acids that have an antibacterial effect;
- food enzymes that normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- mucilage (90% of the plant), which improves the removal of phlegm from the lungs;
- vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system.
Cetraria acts on the body in a complex manner, helping to cope with various pathological conditions:
- viral and bacterial infection;
- weakened immunity due to lack of vitamins and previous diseases;
- inflammation of the nasopharynx;
- dry throat;
- stomach diseases - gastritis, ulcers.
Cetraria speeds up metabolism, improves digestion and promotes the conversion of fats into energy, which helps to lose weight. You can also take moss during high physical activity to improve metabolism, prevent cell oxidation and active growth of muscle mass.
But the main purpose of the plant is to treat cough. It is recommended to take moss for various respiratory diseases:
- flu and colds;
- bronchitis;
- pneumonia;
- whooping cough;
- tuberculosis;
- allergy;
Moss relieves coughing attacks, moisturizes mucous membranes and makes coughing productive. It becomes easier for the patient to cough, and overall health improves.
Taking the plant becomes an additional method of treatment and should not replace the main therapy prescribed by the doctor.
Icelandic moss is a lichen whose thallus is attached to a tree or ground with its rhizoids. The height of the bush is about 12-15 cm. Regarding the color palette, the plant has a brown-green thallus, green on top, brown below.
The medicinal qualities of moss have been known for a long time. Medicine has recognized the plant as suitable for curing all kinds of ailments, especially colds and the consequences of a cold.
One of the optimal herbal antibiotics that significantly improves immunity is Icelandic moss. It contains 70% mucus, organic acid, which has an antibacterial effect on the body.
In addition, due to the special type of sodium found in the plant, it is used in the treatment of tuberculosis.
Today, moss is used in official medicine - to make medicines, and in folk medicine - to prepare ointments and tinctures. In pharmacies you can see dried moss leaves or preparations based on it.
Iceland moss
The healing effect is explained by the rich chemical composition of the plant. In popular medicine, its antibacterial qualities are valued. The composition, rich in vitamins and microelements, contributes to:
- strengthening the immune system
- reducing inflammation of the mucous membrane during colds or gastrointestinal problems
- reducing cough symptoms
- improve digestion
- active use in the treatment of whooping cough
A course of treatment with herbal tinctures will also help cure sinusitis, ulcers, acne on the face, influenza, and ARVI. Thanks to the antibacterial properties, moss-based ointments are used to treat scratches and cuts.
No side effects were found during use. Preparations based on Icelandic moss are considered absolutely safe.
Icelandic moss is a great help for colds
The exceptions are autoimmune diseases and pregnancy, in these cases you should still consult a doctor. And if, after consulting with a doctor, there are no contraindications to the use of drugs, then moss will help you.
This plant has long been used in official pharmacology for the preparation of special food additives. There it can be supplemented with other plant components, for example, thyme, chamomile, sage and others. Thanks to its unique medicinal properties, moss has become widespread.
It is used not only in traditional, but also in folk medicine. It contains a large number of useful substances, including unique lichen acids. They are characterized by excellent antibacterial properties.
With the help of these qualities, it is possible to eliminate bacteria and microbes from the body and have a positive effect on its strengthening.
It also contains other interesting substances that make moss an ideal option for relieving coughs.
The mucous substances that are present there have special enveloping properties. This allows you to treat not only cough, but also some other problems with the body, for example, gastritis, colitis, chronic constipation and everything else. Preparations based on this type of moss have good anti-inflammatory, choleretic, and antimicrobial effects.
Cetraria is one of the most amazing plants. Moss grows only in environmentally friendly places and does not absorb harmful toxins, remaining “clean” and safe for humans. This lifestyle promotes the accumulation of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Cetraria contains lichen acids, polysaccharides and other elements.
The plant has a complex effect on the body, helping in the treatment of cough:
- lichen acids have an antibacterial effect, helping to cope with the cause of pneumonia and whooping cough;
- plant enzymes normalize metabolism and help the body recover faster after an illness;
- Vitamins and minerals tone the body and strengthen the immune system.
Release form
This drug is available in the form of syrup and tablets. Based on a unique plant, high-quality suspensions and tablets are created. They can be used for a variety of ENT diseases. The tablet is dissolved or swallowed.
You can also use it by inhalation, for which you must first crush it to obtain a powder. Then it is inhaled into the nostrils one by one. This type of therapy can be quite effective during the treatment of sinusitis or rhinitis.
This drug contains components that provide a good antibacterial effect. The tablets can be used to relieve coughs that are caused by whooping cough or bronchitis. The medicine has a general strengthening effect on the body during the recovery period after various diseases.
The tablets contain not only Icelandic moss, but several other plants:
- Calendula. It is an effective anti-inflammatory agent that is useful for healing a variety of wounds.
- Sage. It is characterized by effectiveness in the fight against cough. It is actively used for colds.
- Black elderberry has a positive effect on the body if it is necessary to treat inflammatory diseases of chronic origin that attack the respiratory tract. The component allows you to reduce elevated temperature, as well as eliminate cough, gradually suppress it.
The suspension is another form of this drug. It is used to relieve cold cough. Active components allow you to form a special film to protect and eliminate inflammatory processes from the mouth, nose, and pharynx. The syrup also has a good general strengthening effect on the body. It does not contain cane sugar or alcohol.
For what diseases can it be taken?
The safe composition of the plant makes it possible for children to take it. Cetraria is considered one of the most effective remedies for the treatment of cough and associated pathologies:
- inflammation of the nasopharynx;
- viral infection;
- pleurisy;
- asthma;
- pneumonia;
- bronchitis;
- tuberculosis;
- whooping cough.
Lichen speeds up the body's recovery after illness and strengthens the immune system. It is allowed to be taken to prevent respiratory diseases during the flu season.
What are the contraindications for children and adults?
Herbion syrup based on Icelandic moss is an excellent remedy for inflammatory processes. It is used if the following symptoms are present:
- dry cough
- dry mucous membranes
Source: https://onsmeta.ru/irlandskiy-kashlya-instruktsiya-primeneniyu/
Natural and effective cough remedy - Icelandic moss
Cetraria Icelandica or Icelandic moss is a lichen known for its healing properties since ancient times.
One of the most common areas of its application is diseases of the respiratory system accompanied by cough.
With such pathologies, Icelandic cough moss acts comprehensively, eradicating the very cause of the disease, simultaneously eliminating the symptoms and allowing the body to cope with the disease and recover as quickly as possible.
Medicinal properties for cough
Icelandic cetraria has strong healing abilities, which allows it to be used in the treatment of various diseases.
More information about the healing abilities and options for using the plant for various pathologies can be read in the article “Icelandic moss: what medicinal properties and contraindications does it have?”
Icelandic moss contains substances that have a healing effect in treating coughs:
- Lichen contains up to 70% mucus, which envelops damaged tissues and protects them from further irritation and has a calming effect.
- The anti-inflammatory abilities of the plant act on the source of inflammation, stopping it and preventing it from spreading to nearby tissues.
- Moss contains usnic acid, a natural antibiotic that has a strong antimicrobial effect (active against streptococci, staphylococci), allowing you to cope with the cause of infection.
- The cleansing properties of the plant help remove toxins and waste products from the body.
- Vitamins significantly strengthen the defense system, promote rapid recovery of the body, increase resistance and prevent the development of new diseases.
The rich complex of medicinal substances in the plant allows you to cope with a variety of diseases accompanied by a cough - from a simple cold to tuberculosis.
Indications for use for cough
The range of diseases for which lichen is used is very wide:
- ARVI;
- flu;
- allergic cough;
- whooping cough;
- laryngitis;
- pharyngitis;
- angina;
- bronchitis;
- bronchial asthma;
- pneumonia;
- tuberculosis;
- pleurisy.
What cough is Cetraria best for? Moss-based products best eliminate dry coughs, since the plant helps thin mucus and improves its discharge. To combat debilitating attacks of bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, etc., decoctions and infusions of healing lichen are used.
Dried moss for brewing drinks can be purchased at a pharmacy. There are also ready-made antitussives based on Icelandic cetraria - capsules, tablets, lozenges, syrups.
Contraindications
There are situations when you cannot take products based on Icelandic moss:
- Individual hypersensitivity (intolerance), allergies;
- children under one year of age;
- heat;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract during exacerbation.
Expectant and nursing mothers, as well as those with cancer, should take this antitussive herbal remedy with caution. In these cases, you must first consult your doctor in detail.
Don't forget about overdose. By violating the recommended dose, taking the drug in large quantities, you can get a negative result and side effects - severe diarrhea, pain, heaviness in the liver, nausea .
How to brew Icelandic moss for coughs
There are different ways to prepare Icelandic cetraria; it is very important to know how to properly brew the raw material when treating a particular disease accompanied by a cough. Let's take a closer look.
Cough tea
This cooking method is considered the simplest. At the same time, tea is not inferior in effectiveness to other healing products based on Icelandic moss. This drink is suitable for treating colds, ARVI, flu, laryngitis, and asthma. Tea is used as supportive and preventive measures after the main treatment of bronchitis, whooping cough, and pneumonia.
To prepare, you need to pour a teaspoon of dried lichen into a mug of boiling water, close the lid and leave for 5 minutes. To make the taste less bitter, add 1 tsp. honey Adults are recommended to drink 3 cups of tea per day. The drink should be warm.
Important! We add honey only to a warm drink, since at high temperatures the bee product releases a carcinogenic substance.
Cetraria decoction according to the classic recipe
The product is used for any type of bronchitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, sore throat, flu, acute respiratory viral infection.
There are only two components of the drink:
- dried moss - 1 tbsp;
- water – 1 mug (250 ml).
Prepare the product as follows:
- Fill the dried raw material with water and place it on the stove.
- Bring the liquid to a boil and simmer over medium heat for 60 minutes.
- Then let it cool and strain.
The healing decoction should be drunk in small sips throughout the day.
Concentrated decoction
The product has a strong healing effect and allows you to quickly cope with cough. The downside of this drink is its strong bitterness.
To prepare the decoction you need:
- Pour 2 tbsp. dry plant with a liter of water and place on high heat.
- Bring the liquid to a boil and reduce the heat to low, simmer for 40 minutes.
- Remove the mixture from the stove and strain.
The product is suitable only for adults; it can be drunk up to 7 times a day . A single dose is a teaspoon.
Important! The finished drink can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than two days.
Icelandic moss in milk
The milk drink relieves dry cough in complicated conditions of pathologies of the respiratory system. The drug is used in the treatment of obstructive and acute bronchitis, pneumonia. With the help of the drink you can eliminate painful attacks of whooping cough.
We use the following cough recipe:
- Pour a tablespoon of dried plant with a cup of milk.
- Boil over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring all the time.
- Then remove from heat, strain and let cool.
- If desired, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of honey to the finished milk drink.
It is best to drink a cup of the product at night to ensure restful sleep. After the first dose, the frequency and intensity of attacks will decrease, and the cough will become less debilitating.
Water infusion
A similar drink will help with bronchitis, tonsillitis, and laryngitis. The product is prepared as follows:
- Take a tablespoon of dried crushed lichen and pour a cup of water.
- Place on the stove over low heat and bring to a boil.
- As soon as the liquid boils, remove the product from the stove.
- Pour the drink into a thermos or wrap it up. Leave for half an hour.
The finished infusion should be divided into 6-7 parts and drunk throughout the day . The product is taken on an empty stomach; you can eat 20 minutes after drinking the drink.
Vodka tincture
This product is only suitable for adults; it should not be given to children. The tincture is used not only at the onset of the disease, but also in the most advanced cases, and it is also a strong immunostimulant.
Preparing the product:
- You need to pour 2 tbsp. dried lichen 250 ml (use vodka or alcohol 60%).
- Let it sit for a week.
You need to take 15 drops diluted in water or washed down. The duration of treatment is ten days. If the disease is chronic, courses are repeated up to 3 times. After each 10-day course you need to take a break for 2 weeks.
Herbal infusion for whooping cough
The drink is one of the most powerful remedies against illness. To prepare you need:
- Mix half a tsp. dried raw materials of thyme and cetraria.
- Pour a cup of boiling water and leave for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain and drink the entire glass at once. The number of receptions during the day is three.
Icelandic moss for tuberculosis
The healing drink is used as an additional treatment to the main course of medication. To prepare the decoction you need to brew 4 tbsp. dried moss with 1.5 cups of boiling water and simmer over low heat for half an hour. You need to drink the product in small sips throughout the day.
Icelandic moss: how to take for coughing for adults
Let's find out how to drink the drug depending on the dosage form.
Dosage form Dose and frequency of doses (per day) Duration of therapy (number of days)Decoction (classic) | One glass is divided into several doses (up to 10) | 14 |
Concentrated decoction | Per tsp. up to 7 times a day | 7 |
Infusion | A mug of drink is divided into 7 parts, which are drunk throughout the day. | 10 |
Milk decoction | A glass of the product before bed. For severe attacks - half a mug 2 times a day (in the morning and before bed) | 5-10 |
Alcohol tincture | 15 drops | One course – 10 days. For chronic diseases – 30 days with a two-week break every ten days |
Pills | Starting from 16 years of age, 1 tablet is allowed (up to six times a day). Between doses you need a break of at least 3-4 hours. | 7-10 |
Syrup | Take 15 ml of the product up to 4 times a day | 5-10 |
Tea | You need to drink one mug of tea three times a day | 10 days. If your condition improves, you can drink tea once a day. |
The mixed herbal infusion for whooping cough should be taken for a week. The number of appointments per day is 3. In the treatment of tuberculosis, the total duration of herbal medicine with Icelandic cetraria is 36 days. We drink the decoction for 12 days, then stop for ten days so that there is no overdose. After a pause, we resume drinking the drink.
Icelandic moss for coughs for children
Icelandic cetraria is one of the most useful plants in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system of varying severity, accompanied by cough in children. Plant-based products can be given to a child from 12 months.
If you brew dried raw materials, you need to start with a minimum dose of the product: a teaspoon of milk broth or half a tsp. tea, diluted in the child’s favorite drink.
This scheme is needed to identify individual intolerance to Icelandic moss. After giving your child the minimum dose, you need to monitor him throughout the day.
If there is no pain in the abdomen or loosening of the stool, you can increase the dosage to the recommended daily dose.
If you want to cure a child’s cough, you must strictly follow the dosage and know when taking the drug is prohibited:
- You should not give children a concentrated decoction and alcohol infusion - these drugs will cause serious poisoning.
- Classic decoction - a quarter of a mug 2 times a day. The product is diluted in a third of a glass of warm boiled milk with 1 tsp. honey The average duration of treatment is ten days.
- Tea is allowed from one year onwards. Dosage – a third of a cup twice a day. You can drink tea for two weeks.
Important! Ready-made tea can be bitter, so your child can add it to juice, compote, and dilute honey in a medicinal drink.
- Syrup. Allowed for admission from one year onwards. From 12 months up to 4 years – 2.5 ml per day; up to ten years – 5 ml; up to 16 years – 10 ml. The frequency of doses per day for a child (from one year to 16 years) is up to 4 times. The duration of treatment is from seven to ten days.
- Lozenges. They can be given to children from 3 years of age, since at an earlier age there is a danger that the child will choke . The daily dose from 3 to 16 years is half a tablet. The frequency of doses is up to 6 times (there should be a break of at least 4 hours between them). You can give tablets for 7-10 days.
- Milk decoction. The recommended dose is half a cup. We give it to the child in the morning and before bedtime. If the condition improves, it can be given only at night. Duration of therapy is 5-7 days (2 times a day). Another five days only at night with a decrease in the frequency and intensity of attacks.
- Infusion. Divide the glass into 10-15 doses. Before each use, add a small part of the infusion to a third of a glass of juice, compote, or sweet tea. The total duration of herbal medicine is a week.
Icelandic moss will be a real salvation if you or your child is tormented by a cough. A unique remedy will help to quickly “pacify” severe, debilitating attacks, restore health and significantly strengthen the immune system. Trust ancient recipes, take natural products and be healthy!
Irina Krasnoselskaya
All materials on the Priroda-Znaet.ru website are presented for informational purposes only. Before using any product, consultation with a doctor is MANDATORY!
Olga Koroleva
- Chief Editor
Source: https://priroda-znaet.ru/islandskiy-moh-ot-kashlya/