Natural healing power from the Nordic nature

What is Icelandic moss?

Icelandic moss is a shrub-like lichen with the scientific name Cetraria islandica, often mistakenly referred to as both a “moss” and as typically Icelandic. In fact, it is not a true moss but a symbiotic partnership between an alga and a fungus. This particular lichen grows in cushion-like mats that can reach a height of four to twelve centimetres.

The shape of the branched shoots resembles a small antler and changes with moisture levels: when dry, the lobes curl up and take on a whitish-green colour. The lichen’s colour directly reflects light conditions: specimens growing in shade remain lighter, while those in sun-exposed sites develop dark, sometimes brownish-black pigments to protect themselves from UV radiation.

Icelandic moss is widespread in cool and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in arctic, subalpine and high-mountain zones of Europe, Asia and North America. It prefers nutrient-poor soils, such as those found at high elevations, in bogs or tundras. Due to its high sensitivity to air pollutants, it is increasingly absent from urban or industrial areas.

What does Icelandic moss taste like?

Icelandic moss is characterised by a pronounced bitterness, attributable to certain compounds it contains. Many perceive this bitterness as intense and rather unpleasant, so the herb is not easily compared to typical teas or culinary herbs. Those who use it often take measures to moderate or reduce this distinct taste, as the strong bitterness can be off-putting to sensitive palates.

What active constituents are found in Icelandic moss?

Icelandic moss contains numerous valuable constituents that are especially appreciated in naturopathy and phytotherapy. The main portion consists of plant polysaccharides, which can make up to half of the dry mass. These include lichenin, isolichenin, galactomannans and various glucans. They are known to form a gel-like substance on contact with liquid, which can coat and protect the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat and stomach.

Another important group are the lichen acids, which are responsible for the bitter taste and the antimicrobial properties. Fumarprotocetraric acid is particularly noteworthy for its relatively high concentration. Usnic acid, cetraric acid and other members of this substance group are also present. These compounds are known for anti-inflammatory and mildly antibiotic effects.

In addition, Icelandic moss has been shown to contain specific fatty acids such as lischesterinic and protolischesterinic acids, which round out the plant’s overall profile. A special feature is the relatively high natural iodine content of this lichen, making it a rather rare botanical source of this trace element.

How does Icelandic moss work?

Icelandic moss exerts multiple effects and is highly valued in naturopathy. Its mucilaginous constituents form a protective film over irritated mucous membranes in the mouth, throat and stomach. This can relieve irritation from coughing or throat inflammation and help loosen tenacious mucus in the bronchi, making expectoration easier. In the stomach, these mucilages bind excess gastric acid and thus protect the stomach lining from irritation.

Besides this soothing property, Icelandic moss also has positive effects on digestion. The bitter compounds it contains stimulate the production of digestive juices and thus support gastrointestinal activity. It can counteract feelings of fullness, reduce loss of appetite and help with occasional constipation.

Topical application to the skin also has beneficial effects: Icelandic moss is calming, anti-inflammatory and hydrating. For skin irritations, sunburn or redness it can have a cooling, soothing effect and support skin regeneration. Furthermore, the lichen supplies the body with numerous vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, iodine, folic acid and vitamin C. This combination can positively influence the appearance of skin, hair and nails by preventing brittle nails and hair loss and improving skin tone.

Icelandic moss can also be useful for general states of weakness, for example after excessive alcohol consumption. It relieves nausea, moistens dry mucous membranes and, thanks to its bitter components, stimulates the appetite – a helpful aid for a “hangover”. Early studies also suggest that the lichen acids of the plant possess antimicrobial properties and could stimulate the immune system, which may be beneficial particularly in bacterial infections.

What side effects can Icelandic moss have?

According to current knowledge, Icelandic moss is well tolerated. No reports of undesirable side effects have been documented so far. Nevertheless, individual reactions can vary, especially in people known to be hypersensitive to lichens or herbal preparations in general.

What is preserved moss?

Preserved moss is a natural product made permanently durable through a special process, without losing its soft, fresh feel. Immediately after harvesting it is thoroughly cleaned and treated with a mixture of glycerine and colour pigments. Through this so-called preservation process, the natural plant juices are replaced by a moisture-retaining solution that keeps the moss supple while preserving its bright colour – all without care, water or light.

Unlike dried moss, which becomes brittle and discoloured over time, preserved moss remains soft, colour-stable and shapely for years. It is available in various colour variants, allowing great creative flexibility for decorations, wall coverings or arrangements. As it does not require watering or fertilising, it is ideal for maintenance-free interior designs in both private and public spaces.

Additionally, preserved moss offers practical advantages: it is fire-retardant, requires no care and is excellent for sound absorption, especially in the form of moss pictures or moss walls. Such moss walls not only look natural but also create a pleasant indoor climate without dust or maintenance effort. Only a suitable location away from direct sunlight, moisture and large temperature fluctuations is required.

How to use Icelandic moss: useful tips

• For a sore throat, prepare a soothing tea by pouring 1.5 g of dried Icelandic moss over 150 ml of boiling water, let it steep for ten minutes and then strain. Drink 2–3 cups daily.
• If you wish to avoid the bitter taste, pour boiling water over the herb first, stir briefly and discard the first infusion immediately. Then brew again with hot water and let it steep as usual – this yields a milder cough tea.
• For loss of appetite use a cold extract: place 3 tsp of the dried lichen in 450 ml of cold water, let the mixture stand for 1–2 hours with occasional stirring and then strain. Heat the extract briefly before straining and drink it 30 minutes before a meal.
• Drink Icelandic moss tea for irritative cough or hoarseness, as the resulting mucous film soothes the mucous membranes and facilitates expectoration. Use freshly prepared infusions when possible.
• To reduce inflammation in the mouth and throat you can also use gargles made from the tea. Let the tea cool and gargle several times a day.
• Use Icelandic moss or reindeer lichen in the form of lozenges, tablets or candies to relieve mucous membrane irritation of the airways. Choose products of verified quality. Lozenges remain in contact with the mucous membrane longer and are therefore often more effective than tea.
• Pay attention to timing when taking medications, as the mucilage of the moss can delay the absorption of other active substances. Maintain at least a one-hour interval from medicinal products.
• If you want the full mucilage content, prepare the moss preferably as a cold extract, since heat can partially destroy the active substances.
• Use the lichen as a traditional soup ingredient by boiling it with milk and wine. This yields a nourishing moss soup that was formerly used as a home remedy for infections.
• For coughs you can make your own syrup by boiling the second, debittered infusion down 1:1 with sugar until a thick, brown consistency forms. If bottled hot, the syrup keeps through the winter.
• Also use the lichen for skin care: soak compresses or wraps with a strong tea infusion and apply them to weeping wounds, eczema or pressure ulcers. The soothing effect of the moss can support healing.
• Use Icelandic moss externally in deodorants or shower gels as well, since its tannins reduce sweat production and its antibacterial action reduces unpleasant odours.

Whether as tea, cold extract or lozenge – Icelandic moss is versatile for soothing irritations of the throat and pharynx. Thanks to its natural action, it is a valued remedy in the herbal home pharmacy.