Icelandic Moss Cut & Sifted Cert. Organic (Cetraria islandica) 1 lb: C
This is Starwest's nitrogen-flushed double wall silverfoil pack. Used as a decoction and tincture. The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Icelandic Moss for: ''(a) Irritation of the oral and pharyngeal mucous membranes and accompanying dry cough. (b) Loss of appetite. Average daily dosage: 4 - 6 g of herb; equivalent preparations. Mode of Administration: (a): Comminuted herb for infusions and other galenical formulations for internal use. (b): Comminuted herb, preferably for cold macerates and other bitter-tasting preparations for internal use. Actions: Soothing; Mildly antimicrobial'' Although Iceland moss is abundant in Iceland, it is not a moss at all, but a lichen. Like all lichens, Iceland moss is made up of two types of symbiotic plants, a fungus and an alga. Centuries ago Iceland moss became known as a remedy for many kinds of respiratory ailments. Iceland moss consists of large amounts of a starch called lichenin, and when boiled, it forms a mucilage-like substance that is especially soothing to irritated mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Iceland moss also contains bitters, which stimulate the appetite. This, together with its food value, accounts for its use as a tonic for convalescents. Because of its high carbohydrate content, Iceland moss has sometimes served as a food, particularly in cold northern countries where the lichen flourishes. When used as a food, the boiled extract was sometimes flavored with wine, sugar, or lemon to make it more palatable. Strongly demulcent, Iceland moss soothes the mucous membranes of the chest, counters congestion, and calms dry and paroxysmal coughs, being particularly helpful as a treatment for elderly people. Iceland moss is also very bitter and, within the gut, has both a demulcent and bitter tonic effect -a combination almost unique in medicinal herbs. It is thus of value in all kinds of chronic digestive problems -for instance, irritable bowel syndrome. Iceland moss also gently expels worms, and, in view of recent European research, could prove useful for certain digestive infections. As a soothing demulcent with its high mucilage content, Iceland moss finds use in the treatment of gastritis, vomiting and dyspepsia. Iceland moss is often used in respiratory catarrh and bronchitis. In addition its nourishing qualities contribute to the treatment of cachexia, a state of malnourishment and debility. Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': In spite of its name is not a Moss but a lichen. Found in Great Britain in barren stony ground, abundant in the Grampians, and in the Welsh hills, in Yorkshire, Norfolk, etc. 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 coc