Iceland moss

• TeaWhole plantInternalTraditional use

  Main use (EMA monograph, 'traditional use'): the water-soluble mucilage polysaccharides lichenin and isolichenin form a protective film over the irritated mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, soothing the feeling of irritation and the associated dry irritating cough. This is a traditional use whose plausibility rests on long-standing experience - not a clinically proven ('well-established') effect.

  Preparation & dosage

  Demulcent (soothing) use: prepare about 1-2 g of finely cut Iceland moss with 150 ml of water, several times a day. For the purely demulcent mucilage effect the thallus is made as a COLD MACERATE (steep for 10-15 minutes in cold water, then warm briefly) - this preserves the soluble mucilage and reduces the bitter taste. If needed, sip warm 3 times daily. The mucilage extract is also made into pastilles and lozenges that should dissolve slowly in the mouth to coat the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.

  Dry amount

  1–2 g

  Doses per day

  3×

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 6 years — Demulcent use according to the EMA monograph for adults, adolescents and children from 6 years of age. For younger children only after medical advice.

  Sources: [1] [2] [3]

• TeaWhole plantInternalTraditional use

  Second EMA-recognised traditional use: for temporary loss of appetite. The bitter lichen acids (including cetraric and fumarprotocetraric acid) act as a bitter tonic (amarum) and reflexively stimulate the digestive juices. This too is a 'traditional use' indication, not a clinically established proof of efficacy.

  Preparation & dosage

  Appetite-stimulating (bitter) use: pour about 1-2 g of Iceland moss with 150 ml of boiling water as a HOT INFUSION, steep for 10-15 minutes, then strain. Unlike the cold macerate, this deliberately extracts the bitter-tasting lichen acids. Drink a cup of the bitter infusion about half an hour before meals, up to 3 times daily. The bitter stimulus promotes the formation of saliva and gastric juice.

  Dry amount

  1–2 g

  Doses per day

  3×

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Use for loss of appetite according to the EMA monograph is for adults only (from 18 years), as the basis of experience for this indication is limited to adults.

  Sources: [1] [2] [3]

Iceland moss is generally well tolerated at the usual dosage. Because of its high content of bitter substances it can cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea or irritation in sensitive people or at high doses. Since lichens accumulate pollutants from their surroundings, unchecked wild-collected material from polluted areas can contain lead and other heavy metals - use only material from clean sites or of tested pharmaceutical quality. Very high or very prolonged intake is not recommended because of isolated reports of possible liver strain; use should remain time-limited. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist for more than a week or worsen (e.g. persistent cough, shortness of breath, fever, purulent sputum).