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Botanical  Name: Cetraria islandica (ACH.)
Family: N.O. Lichenes/Parmeliaceae
Synonyms: Cetraria, Iceland Lichen.Eryngo-leaved liverwort.
Other Names:  Cetraria Islandica, Centraria, Consumption Moss, Iceland Lichen, and Lichen Islandicus.
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Ascomycota
Class: Lecanoromycetes
Order: Lecanorales
Genus: Cetraria
Species: C. islandica
Part Used:  Lichen.
Habitat: A common plant in northern countries and in the mountainous part of warmer countries. It grows abundantly in the mountainous regions of northern countries, and it is specially characteristic of the lava slopes and plains of the west and north of Iceland. It is found on the mountains of north Wales, north England, Scotland and south-west Ireland. In North America its range extends through Arctic regions, from Alaska to Newfoundland, and south in the Rocky Mountains to Colorado, and to the Appalachian Mountains of New England.

Description:
In spite of its name it is not a Moss but a lichen whose erect or ascending foliaceous habit gives it something of the appearance of a moss, whence probably the name. It is often of a pale chestnut color, but varies considerably, being sometimes almost entirely greyish white; and grows to a height of from 3 to 4 in., the branches being channelled or rolled into tubes, which terminate in flattened lobes with fringed edges.

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It contains about 70 per cent of lichen starch and becomes blue on the addition of iodine. It also contains a little sugar, fumaric acid, oxalic acid, about 3 per cent of cetrarin and 1 per cent of licheno-stearic acid. Iceland Moss is in fact a foliaceous lichen with variable uneven. Its thin, branched thalli are fringed with minute papillae, rarely more than 5mm wide, the whole being quite tough and springy. The undersurface is paler than the upper surface and is covered with depressed white spots.

As met with in commerce it is a light-grey harsh cartilaginous body, almost destitute of color, and having a slightly bitter taste. It contains about 70% of lichenin or lichen-starch, a body isomeric with common starch, but wanting any appearance of structure. It also yields a peculiar modification of chlorophyll (called thallochlor), fumaric acid, lichenostearic acid, and cetraric acid (to which last it owes its bitter taste).

Uses:
It forms a nutritious and easily digested amylaceous food, being used in place of starch in some preparations of cocoa.

It is not, however, in great demand, and even in Iceland it is only occasionally used to make folk medicines, and in a few traditional dishes. In earlier times, it was much more widely used in breads, porridges, soups etc. Cetraric acid or cetrarin, a white micro-crystalline powder with a bitter taste, is readily soluble in alcohol, and slightly soluble in water and ether. It has been recommended for medicinal use, in doses of 2 to 4 grains (0.1 to 0.25 grams), as a bitter tonic and aperient. It is traditionally used to relieve chest ailments .

Medicinal Action and Properties: Demulcent, tonic, and nutritive when deprived of its bitter principle. Excellent in chronic pulmonary troubles, catarrh, digestive disturbances, dysentery, advanced tuberculosis. Decoction, B.P. 1885, 1 to 4 OZ. Ground, it can be mixed with chocolate or cocoa.

Cetraria is rich in mucilages and its demulcent action is of value in the treatment of gastritis, gastric ulcer, hiatus hernia, reflux oesophagitis, vomiting and dyspepsia. It helps to contain vomiting arising from irritation and inflammation of the stomach.  It is indicated in cases of low-grade stomach infections seen when there is low stomach acid production, but it is also useful in ameliorating the effects of excess stomach acid secretion. In addition, its nutritive qualities contribute to the treatment of malnourishment, debility, and anorexia.

Cetraria is often used in the treatment of  respiratory catarrh and bronchitis, especially in constantly recurring acute irritation in the elderly. It generally soothes the mucous membranes. It is useful for coughs and hoarseness, and is sometimes given for tuberculosis, since it acts to dissolve mucous congestion and it is believed that the lichen acids hinder the growth of the tubercle bacillus.

Combinations: For the treatment of nausea and vomiting, Cetraria may be combined with Ballota.

Preparation and Dosage: (thrice daily)

Dry lichen: 1-2g in decoction
Tincture: 1:5 in 40% alcohol, 1-1.5ml.

Caution: Excessive doses or prolonged treatment can cause gastrointestinal irritation and liver problems.

Additional Comments: Iceland moss contains up to 70% starch and has long been used as an emergency food in desolate places.

Warnings:
Before taking Iceland Moss, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Side Effects:
Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.

*Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest
*Chest pain
*Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin

Other Side Effects:
You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider .

Resources:

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/m/mosice52.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iceland_moss

http://www.purplesage.org.uk/profiles/icelandmoss.htm

http://www.pdrhealth.com/drugs/altmed/altmed-mono.aspx?contentFileName=ame0289.xml&contentName=Iceland+Moss&contentId=449

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