Knowing about its useful properties, people collect this plant at the end of summer and in the fall, at its beginning. Drying this kind of lichen occurs in the air, but you still need to ensure that the plant is not for a long time in a bright place, as this kills some of its useful substances. Icelandic moss is used, for example, in folk medicine. By the way, you can just add it to the tea.
What is useful in this plant? This lichen consists seventy percent of mucus. It is worth noting that in the Icelandic moss there are some that possess an antibacterial property of organic acids, it contains sodium chloride and killer, which kills the causative agents of tuberculosis. Enzymes, iodine, and also some vitamins (A, B12, B1) and volatile substances are also contained in this plant. In general, all the useful substances of Icelandic moss are aimed at strengthening the immune system.
Due to the high content of mucus, the plant is able to remove irritation, as it can mucus, enveloping the mucous oropharynx, stomach and intestines, calm them and stop the inflammation. For these purposes, Icelandic moss is brewed as tea, which helps to get rid of cough, to remove inflammation of the gums and tonsils (if to rinse their mouth and throat). Decoction of Icelandic moss is also treated with small wounds. By the way, this type of lichen is rather bitter, which is very useful for increasing the tone of the intestines and stomach - it improves appetite and digestion, which can be important in the depletion of the body as a result of infectious diseases. In view of the foregoing, Icelandic moss can be considered very effective for treating various diseases.
The sad fact is that the use of Icelandic moss for treatment is rare. If there is such a disease as pertussis, this lichen is indispensable, as it effectively fights with a cough. The German State Health Service has determined that this plant can be used in cases of irritation caused by catarrh of the upper respiratory organs.
Icelandic moss is also used in folk medicine, and the first mention of it is found in records of the seventeenth century. Then Icelandic moss was treated with asthma, whooping cough, tuberculosis, in general, lung disease. Tea from this plant helped people suffering from acne (which is difficult to cure) and other diseases of the skin. However, acne can be removed only if you have the patience, because you need to drink this tea three cups each day for a long time.
The most interesting is that the Icelandic moss, with all its usefulness, practically does not cause any harm and has no side effects.
This medicinal plant is used to make all kinds of infusions and broths. Here are some of them:
1. Take a half-liter of milk and boiling water, add to this mixture a tablespoon of dry and crushed lichen and give the broth to simmer on low heat. Then leave for half an hour, and after - strain. If you do not plan to take the infusion inside, you can remove the milk from the recipe.
2. Mix 100 g of crushed Icelandic moss in a liter of cold water. Leave for a day, then strain and put the received liquid on a water bath. The broth will be ready when its volume is reduced by half or by one third. The broth prepared in this way is used as a laxative, it needs to be taken three times a day, when half an hour is left before meals. If this tool is too strong for you, then you can reduce the reception. Take the medicine is necessary for a couple of weeks.
From the decoction of the plant, you can make all kinds of lotions, and also wash it in the presence of purulent wounds, skin lesions caused by microbes, as well as boils and burns. Approximately three to four times a day, the dressings must be changed.