The perennial shrub Cetraria islandica, which grows in Bulgari in high mountainous regions 1500 meters above sea level, does not seem to receive the attention it deserves. Its valuable composition makes it an excellent remedy for a number of diseases and ailments.

Especially now - on the eve of the cold months of the year, when viral diseases affect almost every member of the family, Iceland lichen can become a valuable friend. It has no contraindications and you can use it without consulting a doctor. It is suitable for both adults and children and pregnant women. In practice, Iceland lichen is used to make decoctions, extracts, gargle solutions, teas, syrups and even in cooking.

Iceland lichen contains usnic acid, cetarin, fatty oil, waxes, pigments, vitamins B1 and B12, carotene, essential oil, mineral salts, iodine and folic acid. It also contains many polysaccharides, including the valuable mucous substance lichenin.

The plant has a strong anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effect. In addition, it has anti-cancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and absorbent effects on the human body. Thanks to the mucous substances it contains, Iceland lichen reduces irritation and soothes the inflamed mucous membranes of the stomach, intestines, oral cavity and throat. The specific composition of the plant makes it an ideal tool for restoring strength after strenuous exercise and severe illness and for regulating the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

All parents are worried about colds affecting the throat and respiratory tract, as young children find it difficult to cope with coughing and clearing the airways. Thanks to the polysaccharides contained in the talus, Iceland moss is successfully used in the treatment of coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough, bronchial asthma, colds, runny nose, tuberculosis and others. What is more, lichen has a beneficial effect on appetite and the digestive system, and also normalizes the secretory function of the gastric glands.

Iceland lichen is also used for the treatment of diseases such as:

- gastritis and ulcers of the stomach and duodenum;

- constipation;

- burns and purulent wounds;

- streptococcal and staphylococcal infections;

- skin rashes and allergies;

- diarrhea;

- inflammation of the gums, tonsils and oral cavity;

- exhaustion after an infectious disease;

- varicose veins;

- metabolic problems;

- thyroid problems. According to Eastern medicine, the intestines play an important role in the absorption and distribution of iodine. Hence the understanding that there is a connection between the condition of the intestine and the work of the thyroid gland.

- mastopathy;

- cancer; Japanese scientists have recently found that the use of Iceland lichen in combination with green tea and other herbs is a good practice for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Fun facts: The beneficial properties of Iceland lichen were known to the ancient Egyptians, and in the Middle Ages the plant was widely used in Norway, Sweden and Iceland. A curious point in the practices of the northern peoples is that they used lichen as a panacea and as a dietary supplement in years of poor harvest. They crushed the Iceland lichen and boiled it - thus obtaining a thick mucous decoction, which is easily absorbed by the body. Northern peoples also use Iceland lichen to make healthy bread. They add the plant ground in the flour.