Iceland Moss
OTHER NAME(S): Centraria, Eryngo-leaved Liverwort, Iceland Lichen, Lichen d'Islande, Lichen Islandicus, Liquen de Islandia, Mousse d'Islande, Cetraria islandica, Musgo de Islandia, Mousse D'islande
Overview
Iceland moss is a lichen. Lichens are made of algae and fungus growing together. Lichens draw their nutrients from the environment and are easily contaminated. They grow well in Iceland because it is one of the least polluted countries in the world.
Iceland moss is used for treating irritation of the mouth and throat, loss of appetite, common cold, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Iceland moss seems to have a soothing action. It might also reduce the growth of bacteria.
Iceland moss seems to have a soothing action. It might also reduce the growth of bacteria.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Dry cough.
- Loss of appetite.
- Common cold.
- Bronchitis.
- Indigestion.
- Fevers.
- Lung disease.
- Kidney and bladder problems.
- Irritation or swelling (inflammation) of the mouth or throat.
- Wound healing, when applied to the skin.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Iceland moss for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Iceland moss is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken short-term. It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in large amounts for a long time, because the dried plant can be contaminated with lead.
Iceland moss is regulated in the United States, and is allowed only as a flavoring agent in alcoholic beverages.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Iceland moss is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken short-term. It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in large amounts for a long time, because the dried plant can be contaminated with lead.
Iceland moss is regulated in the United States, and is allowed only as a flavoring agent in alcoholic beverages.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE to take Iceland moss when pregnant or breast-feeding. Iceland moss can be contaminated with lead, and this can be harmful to the mother and baby.
Ulcers in the stomach or small intestine: Iceland moss can irritate the lining of the digestive tract. Don't take it if you have stomach or intestinal ulcers.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Iceland Moss overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of Iceland moss depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Iceland moss. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
- Tyler VE. Herbs of Choice. Binghamton, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1994.
- Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine. Terry C. Telger, transl. 3rd ed. Berlin, GER: Springer, 1998.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. 1st ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp., 1999.
- Kello M, Goga M, Kotorova K, et al. Screening Evaluation of Antiproliferative, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of Lichen Extracts and Secondary Metabolites In Vitro. Plants (Basel) 2023;12(3):611.