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Forms of lichens and their names. Reindeer moss or reindeer moss: what is it and what does it look like

admin 25.06.2017

Nowadays in the medical world there is still controversy surrounding antibiotics - what is more of them, benefit or harm? But few people know that there is a powerful natural antibiotic, widely used “for a hundred ailments” by our distant ancestors. This is Icelandic moss, or, more simply, reindeer moss. Read about the benefits of Icelandic moss, how to use it for treatment, what contraindications it has, and where you can buy it in this article.

What is Icelandic moss? Where does it grow and what does it look like?

Reindeer moss is a species of lichen of the genus Cladonia, which is very loved by reindeer (therefore there is another name - reindeer moss). Lichens, in turn, are a borderline organism between bacteria, algae and fungi. Reindeer They are very fond of lichens and can eat more than a hundred species, but only twenty of them have significant nutritional value. In cold and snowy winters, reindeer moss can make up up to 80 percent of an animal’s diet.

Of its brothers, moss has greatest height- up to 15 cm - and its shape resembles an unusual small tree. At the base there is a thick trunk, from which thin twisting branches extend. The closer to the ends, the thinner the branches and trunk are, and at the very tip their thickness does not exceed the diameter of a human hair. The lichen has a whitish color, and to the touch it is quite soft and elastic; When dry it becomes hard and brittle. Its small pieces are easily carried by the wind over vast distances, so young individuals grow in new places and take root there.

As you might already guess, Icelandic moss grows mainly in the North. Most of it is found in the tundra, in swamps, in mountainous areas, and in open meadows of the taiga. You can find reindeer moss both in Russia and in Greenland, Canada and, of course, Iceland. The lichen is very resistant to frost or drought, and in general quite easily tolerates any climatic adversity, but at the same time it grows very slowly - only 5 millimeters per year.

Chemical composition of moss

Icelandic moss has been thoroughly studied in the laboratory for a long time. In his chemical composition contains fatty acids, sugars, phenolic compounds, dietary fiber, proteins, as well as many vitamins and microelements. Resin moss is used in the pharmaceutical industry and is included in some medicines. It has been noted that sometimes medicines based on reindeer moss are even more effective than traditional antibiotics.

What are the benefits of Icelandic moss?

People noticed the benefits of moss back in the 19th century. Particularly prominent in it are substances such as copper, iron, glucose and vitamins B12, C, A. Together, these and all other elements give lichen a healing and anti-inflammatory effect. The use of moss-based products helps to restore the body’s youth due to its very high content of antioxidants.

The healing properties of Icelandic moss

In addition to the above beneficial functions, moss has a positive effect on the functioning of the intestines and stomach. Moss is ideal for rehabilitation after a long illness or surgery, and can also play a decisive role in the prevention of cancer.

Uses of Icelandic moss

The presence of starch and a mass of anti-inflammatory substances in the structure of lichen make it a powerful means of healing burns, ulcers and many types of rashes, as well as eliminating inflammation in the digestive organs. Resin moss is widely used in the treatment of asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and colds; can resolve tumors in the chest, relieve nausea and thyroid diseases. In case of weakened immunity, medicines made from reindeer moss work as powerful immunomodulators.

Among other things, lichen perfectly regulates appetite and weight, so it is used both in weight loss and for the treatment of anorexia or bulimia. Since ancient times, the pain-relieving properties of reindeer moss have been known, especially in demand in the field of dentistry. It is noteworthy that moss can also be used in the treatment of young children.

Icelandic moss in folk medicine. Treatment recipes

For the treatment of purulent wounds, burns, boils

A decoction of moss is used to eliminate purulent wounds, severe burns or boils. It is prepared as follows:

Boil a tablespoon of dried and crumbled lichen in half a liter of milk or water for five minutes. Then leave for a maximum of half an hour and strain thoroughly.

For tuberculosis

Soak a couple of tablespoons of lichen 200 ml cold water, put on fire and wait until it boils, then strain. Take 4-5 sips three times a day.

For constipation

Resin moss extract, which acts as an effective laxative:

Pour 100 grams of powdered moss into five glasses of water and leave to infuse for a day, then strain, place in a water bath and evaporate until half of the original volume remains. Drink three times a day thirty minutes before meals. This same decoction will speed up your metabolism.

For your appetite

In case of lack of appetite or problems with the gastrointestinal tract, it is recommended to drink moss tincture. It is very simple to make - pour 40 grams of lichen with 60% alcohol and let it brew for seven days. Take in small quantities, about 10 drops.

For allergies

Pour boiled water over a handful of moss, leave for a couple of hours, then drain the water and add again, only with 500 milligrams of boiling water. Boil for 20 minutes over low heat. After straining, take periodically on an empty stomach.

Impotence

Yagel can help even with such a delicate problem as impotence. To do this, you need to prepare the following tincture:

First, make a herbal mixture (in equal proportions - Icelandic moss, lettuce tubers, toadflax). Next a tablespoon this fee pour one cup hot water, leave for at least two hours and strain. Drink a whole glass three times a day.

Icelandic moss for coughs and bronchitis

There are several ways to treat bronchitis. folk recipes with moss:

Place a tablespoon of moss powder in an enamel saucepan and pour one glass of milk. Boil for 30 minutes, cover with a lid, strain. Consume hot before bedtime.
Pour a tablespoon of reindeer moss with 400 milligrams of cold water, boil, strain and cool. Drink this amount in several small sips throughout the day.
Tea made from Icelandic moss - mix one teaspoon of lichen with a glass of boiling water, infuse, add if it seems too bitter. Drink once a day at night.

Pneumonia and whooping cough can also be treated with moss. For pneumonia, a regular decoction of water and milk is used, and for whooping cough, tea made with the addition of moss and.

Resin moss to restore strength when exhausted

After a serious illness, surgery or prolonged hunger and with a significant lack of body weight, Icelandic moss jelly will help to effectively restore vitality. It is odorless, but has a lot of useful properties. 100 grams of moss should be poured with a liter of water, left for three hours, then add 10 grams of sodium bicarbonate. Drain the water, pour 500 ml of boiling water over the lichen again, cook for half an hour, strain and let cool. You need to eat jelly often and a lot until improvement occurs.

Treatment of skin diseases with Icelandic moss

To treat trophic ulcers, bedsores or other difficult-to-heal injuries, you can prepare Vaseline paste from Icelandic moss. Take layers of lichen crushed to a powder state, and Vaseline or oil for lamps as a base. Mix thoroughly, slowly adding powder to the base. The product should have a fairly thick consistency. Next, the composition is applied to the damaged areas of the skin and bandaged for 4-5 hours with a sterile bandage.

Treatment of the stomach with reindeer moss

To treat gastritis or, you can prepare a jelly-like decoction of Icelandic moss. To do this, take 750 milliliters of water for three tablespoons of lichen and cook for half an hour. This entire amount must be consumed in one day.

Icelandic moss for constipation

To get rid of this unpleasant problem for a long time, you need to carry out a course of treatment with the following infusion: pour a glass of dried reindeer moss with 2 liters of cold water, leave for about 24 hours, add more water. Take half a glass three times a day on an empty stomach for two weeks.

Icelandic moss. Contraindications

There is a widespread misconception that there are no contraindications to the use of reindeer moss, and that it is impossible to overdose. But, according to ancient medical books, the use of lichen is prohibited for purulent tuberculosis and its other severe forms. Be that as it may, before making your own decision about treatment with this moss, it is better to consult with a competent doctor.

Where can I buy reindeer moss?

Icelandic moss can be purchased at one of the many online pharmacies or herbal stores. The average price for 50 grams is 120 rubles.

How is Icelandic moss harvested and stored?

Having learned about this variety of beneficial properties of healing lichen, a person may well wonder - how to collect and store this valuable gift of nature so that it is at hand in case of illness?

Collection must be done as far as possible from the city, where ecological situation better. Store in a dry, warm place, and in order to eliminate unpleasant bitterness, just soak for a while in milk or water with the addition of soda. Thallus harvesting is carried out throughout the summer season, but it is advisable to choose a time after heavy rain, since moss is not easy to collect when dry, it breaks. After collecting the reindeer moss and clearing it of excess debris, you need to dry it thoroughly. In dry form, the shelf life is practically unlimited.

What is Moss Yagel? Why do many people call reindeer moss Icelandic moss? Where in Moscow can you buy Icelandic moss - Yagel moss? How to get acquainted with the useful properties, applications and reviews of moss Yagel - medicinal Icelandic reindeer moss?

Photo: This is what a “cushion” of reindeer moss looks like, called reindeer moss.

Moss Yagel or Iceland moss, the botanical name of Cetraria islandica is a lichen of the Parmeliaceae family, which is a strongly branching bush that looks like miniature trees. After rain or in damp weather they are quite soft, but in dry weather they are hard and crumble easily. Color - from green to brown. Length Icelandic moss- Reindeer moss - reaches 15 cm, but its growth is very slow - from 2 to 4 mm per year. Moss grows in dry tundra, on sandy soil, in coniferous and pine forests.

Application of reindeer moss

In medicine, it is the moss thallus that is used in Icelandic moss. Preparations are made all summer long. First, these bushes are collected by hand, then they are cleaned of impurities and dried on a mat (before drying, it is better to grind them in a meat grinder).

A decoction of moss is still used not only as a general tonic, but also for diseases such as tuberculosis, asthma and other lung diseases, problems with gastrointestinal tract and various types of colds. To prepare such a decoction, you will need: 2 teaspoons of raw materials and 2 glasses of cold water. Pour water over this raw material, bring to a boil and strain. When it cools, it turns into jelly, which is well absorbed by the body. Take in frequent and large portions throughout the day, the dosage depends on the disease. For example, when you cough, you need to drink 1 to 2 liters of this decoction until there is an improvement. When treating tuberculosis - 3-4 liters per day for about 3-3.5 months. If you are suffering from allergies, then your dosage is from 1 glass to 1 liter per day. Also, Icelandic moss - reindeer moss, used externally for the treatment of skin diseases, burns and purulent wounds. To do this, make moss lotions according to the above recipe. I would like to note that moss purchased at a pharmacy is slightly different from moss that you collected in the forest. Therefore, it is better to slightly increase the dose for preparing medicinal drinks.

The lichen tastes like Icelandic moss, very bitter, but still, those who lead healthy image life, it doesn't stop. They systematically add it to their food and cook berry jelly.

Chemical composition of reindeer moss

Yagel moss contains a strong antibiotic - usnic acid. It kills putrefactive bacteria. Even at a time when there were no refrigerators, meat was covered on all sides with such lichen, and it did not spoil for a long time.

It is interesting that the lichen - Icelandic moss - Moss moss is not only suitable for animals, but is also the basis of their nutrition. The main eater is deer. He eats about 10 kg of this food per day. They can get food from under the snow at a depth of up to 100 cm. But if the snow cover is deeper, then deer look for moss on rocks and tree trunks.

Reindeer moss – the name says a lot!

Photo: reindeer are northern “nomads”. In summer and winter they wander around the north and look for their food.

Yagel lichens are food not only for deer, but also for ungulates. These include: elk, roe deer, deer, musk deer, etc. By the way, Icelandic moss is also used as food for livestock. Often reindeer moss is bought (wanted to be bought) for animal feed and prevention in zoos, including zoos in Moscow and the Moscow region.

Photo: It’s not at all easy for reindeer to get northern moss in winter!

So, if you want to preserve your health and that of your animals, then buy Icelandic moss moss in Moscow, you can do it with us! Reviews, advice, recommendations from specialists about the properties and use of this moss in medicinal purposes or as food for animals (deer, elk, roe deer, deer, musk deer), even for insulating reindeer moss and laying it on wooden houses and log cabins - positive.

Where to buy reindeer moss in Moscow?

Feel free to dial our phone number or leave a request for the supply of Icelandic moss in Moscow on the website!

Our warehouse is located in the Shchelkovsky district of the Moscow region. You can buy it on a pickup basis or on a delivery basis to the regions Transport Company"PEC" or "Business Lines".

Reindeer moss, despite its name, is not actually moss. This plant is a representative of the group of shrubby lichens of the genus Cladonia. It consists of a small thallus and branched branches. The peculiarity of this plant is that it is equally likely to be found in both polar and tropical climates.

Varieties of Reindeer Moss

Reindeer moss is a separate type of lichen, which includes more than 40 subspecies. It is interesting to know the correct name for reindeer moss, because, as we have already found out, it is not moss. So, the second name for reindeer moss is moss.

The most valuable subspecies of moss are Cladonia deer, Alpine Cladonia, forest Cladonia, soft Cladonia and unsmoothed Cladonia. All of them are united by the fact that as they grow and develop, their cortical thallus disappears, and also that the lichen resembles a bush with big amount twigs.

As the plant develops, the lower part of the podecium dies and grows upper layer. The abundant growth of biomass makes moss attractive to reindeer.

How does reindeer moss reproduce?

Resin moss is the largest of the lichens. It can reach a height of 10-15 cm. Its propagation is carried out as follows: over time, the branches of the lichen dry out and become brittle, crumble and break off, and since they are very light, they are carried by the wind over long distances.

At the tops and edges of these branches there are round-shaped fruiting bodies of red or Brown. They contain spores, with the help of which the plant successfully reproduces.

Beneficial properties of reindeer moss

The healing properties of moss have been known to people for quite some time. It contains a strong antibiotic that can stop the growth and reproduction of putrefactive bacteria. Northern peoples actively used this knowledge to preserve meat in warm weather.

The acid present in the lichen kills while preserving the intestinal microflora. It is on the basis of reindeer moss that many modern antibiotics have been developed.

In folk medicine, moss is still used for tuberculosis, ulcers, atherosclerosis, cough, gastritis, to cleanse the blood, for varicose veins and diseases thyroid gland.

Due to its nutritional value, reindeer moss is in demand as a forage plant for large cattle and pigs. For comparison, 1 quintal of moss replaces 3 quintals of potatoes.

Reindeer moss, also known as reindeer moss, also known as Icelandic moss, was first discovered in the wild northern nature by deer. Since beneficial substances in the form of vitamins A, B, C, usnic acid, and phenolic compounds were identified in the plant, moss began to be used in folk medicine. Lichen is used to treat many ailments. Its use is especially effective in the fight against serious diseases such as tuberculosis and cancer. Moss preparations do an excellent job of improving performance immune system. The products can be prepared at home. Dry collection can be stored for up to five years.

Description

Reindeer moss is a bushy lichen (Cladonia rangiferina Hoffm.) grows in the Northern Hemisphere and has additional names: reindeer moss and Icelandic moss (. The plant belongs to the genus Cladonia, has a trunk and many twisting branches. Upon careful examination, its shape can be compared to a miniature strange tree white up to 15 centimeters high. Lichen grows very slowly - only up to 5 centimeters per year.

The name “deer” is also no coincidence - this moss has been winter period is the food of picky-eating deer and accounts for up to 70% of the total diet. In some northern countries Resin moss, which has high nutritional value, is widely used as livestock feed. With the help of bacteria in the stomach of animals, the lichen is destroyed and sugar is formed.

Resin moss is harvested in the summer when it is dry. It is carefully cleaned of soil and dried under the sun. The collection can be stored for up to five years in a tightly closed container.

Beneficial features

Main component medicinal plant– usnic acid. This is a powerful antibiotic that prevents putrefactive bacteria from multiplying (extending the shelf life of meat, it was wrapped in moss in the days of no refrigerators). This antimicrobial property is widely used in the fight against staphylococci and streptococci. At the same time, the balance of intestinal microflora is not disturbed. Tuberculosis bacillus is also afraid of usnic acid.

Moss also contains triglycerides, protein, crude fiber, fats, and sugars. Hemicellulose predominates in the lichen composition - 59.7%. Dietary fiber contains about 21%, cellulose - about 3.9%. Phenols were also found in moss growing on the Kola Peninsula.

Lichen also contains vitamins A, B, C and many trace elements: nickel, iron, chromium, iodine and others.

Resin moss has no contraindications. However, rare cases of weak allergic reactions. In this case, its use should be abandoned.

Application

Resin moss began to be widely used much earlier than it received medical recognition. Its powerful effect on a living organism is expressed in the following actions: anti-inflammatory, soothing, wound-healing, hemostatic, antimicrobial. It also promotes the removal of bile. Medicinal properties are manifested in the treatment of colds, pulmonary diseases and in strengthening the immune system.

Traditional healers have discovered that this lichen slows down the growth of cancer cells, and therefore actively use it in the fight against cancer. Moss has proven itself in helping women during menopause. There are many facts about the healing of thyroid diseases. Eating moss helps increase appetite and treats constipation. At the same time, he can save a person from excess weight.

Folk recipes

Cough recipe:

take dried lichen in the amount of two teaspoons;
pour water (two glasses);
heat to a boil, turn off the heat and strain.

Allow the solution to cool in a sealed container and consume up to two liters per day. In cases of treatment of tuberculosis, increase the duration of use and the rate of use of the decoction (up to three to four liters). This remedy also helps with skin problems: ulcers and wounds. Moisten gauze in the solution and apply lotions to the affected areas of the skin. When boiled, moss turns into mucus, which has an enveloping effect in treating the stomach.

By applying lichen to a fresh wound, you can easily stop the bleeding.

How to prepare a remedy for a runny nose:

water - half a liter;
moss, St. John's wort and Japanese sophora, taken one tablespoon each;
sage - two tablespoons.

The mixture is boiled for half an hour. After filtering, rinse your nose with the resulting decoction every day before going to bed.

Remedy for cancerous tumors. Take two tablespoons of lichen, celandine, St. John's wort and knotweed, three tablespoons of nettle, plantain and water pepper, 100 grams of green tea. Mix everything thoroughly. To prepare the product, pour boiling water over four tablespoons of the resulting dry mixture and leave in a container with a closed lid for an hour. You need to drink a glass of warm infusion four times a day.

Remedy for gastrointestinal diseases. Powdered reindeer moss (4 tablespoons) is poured with boiling water (3 cups) and kept on low heat for ten minutes. After straining, the decoction is drunk in three doses during the day. The course of treatment depends on the severity of the disease.

For the treatment of the thyroid gland: daily norm– five spoons of raw material are poured with boiling water (1 liter), settled, filtered and divided into three equal parts, which are taken before meals. This remedy also cleanses the liver well with a course of treatment of 1 month.

For constipation: a glass of dry raw material is infused in two liters of cold water for a day. After filtering, add water until you get two liters and take a glass three times a day before meals. Treatment lasts about 15 days.

In cosmetology (from age spots): Pour 4 tablespoons of reindeer moss into a glass of water and boil for 10 minutes. Take after straining a third of the glass after meals.

Article on the topic: "Moss moss grass - medicinal properties, how to drink moss tincture" from professionals.

Now in the medical world there is still controversy surrounding antibiotics - what is more of them, benefit or harm? But few people know that there is a powerful natural antibiotic, widely used “for a hundred ailments” by our distant ancestors. This is Icelandic moss, or, more simply, reindeer moss. Read about the benefits of Icelandic moss, how to use it for treatment, what contraindications it has, and where you can buy it in this article.

What is Icelandic moss? Where does it grow and what does it look like?

Reindeer moss is a type of lichen of the genus Cladonia, which is very loved by reindeer (therefore there is another name - reindeer moss). Lichens, in turn, are a borderline organism between bacteria, algae and fungi. Reindeer are very fond of lichens and can eat more than a hundred species, but only twenty of them have significant nutritional value. In cold and snowy winters, reindeer moss can make up up to 80 percent of an animal’s diet.

Of its fellows, moss has the greatest height - up to 15 cm - and its shape resembles an unusual small tree. At the base there is a thick trunk, from which thin twisting branches extend. The closer to the ends, the thinner the branches and trunk are, and at the very tip their thickness does not exceed the diameter of a human hair. The lichen has a whitish color, and to the touch it is quite soft and elastic; When dry it becomes hard and brittle. Its small pieces are easily carried by the wind over vast distances, so young individuals grow in new places and take root there.

Chemical composition of moss

Icelandic moss has been thoroughly studied in the laboratory for a long time. Its chemical composition contains fatty acids, sugars, phenolic compounds, dietary fiber, proteins, as well as many vitamins and microelements. Resin moss is used in the pharmaceutical industry and is included in some medications. It has been noted that sometimes medicines based on reindeer moss are even more effective than traditional antibiotics.

What are the benefits of Icelandic moss?

People noticed the benefits of moss back in the 19th century. Particularly prominent in it are substances such as copper, iron, glucose and vitamins B12, C, A. Together, these and all other elements give lichen a healing and anti-inflammatory effect. The use of moss-based products stimulates the immune system and helps restore youth to the body due to the very high content of antioxidants.

The healing properties of Icelandic moss

Uses of Icelandic moss

Icelandic moss in folk medicine. Treatment recipes

For the treatment of purulent wounds, burns, boils

A decoction of moss is used to eliminate purulent wounds, severe burns or boils. It is prepared as follows:

Boil a tablespoon of dried and crumbled lichen in half a liter of milk or water for five minutes. Then leave for a maximum of half an hour and strain thoroughly.

For tuberculosis

Soak a couple of tablespoons of lichen in 200 ml of cold water, put on fire and wait until it boils, then strain. Take 4-5 sips three times a day.

For constipation

Resin moss extract, which acts as an effective laxative:

For your appetite

For allergies

Impotence

Yagel can help even with such a delicate problem as impotence. To do this, you need to prepare the following tincture:

First, make a herbal mixture (in equal proportions - Icelandic moss, lemon balm, salad tubers, toadflax). Next, pour a tablespoon of this collection into one cup of hot water, leave for at least two hours and strain. Drink a whole glass three times a day.

Icelandic moss for coughs and bronchitis

To treat bronchitis, there are several folk recipes with moss:

Place a tablespoon of moss powder in an enamel saucepan and pour one glass of milk. Boil for 30 minutes, cover with a lid, strain. Consume hot before bedtime.
Pour a tablespoon of reindeer moss with 400 milligrams of cold water, boil, strain and cool. Drink this amount in several small sips throughout the day.
Tea made from Icelandic moss - mix one teaspoon of lichen with a glass of boiling water, infuse, add honey if it seems too bitter. Drink once a day at night.

Pneumonia and whooping cough can also be treated with moss. For pneumonia, a regular decoction of water and milk is used, and for whooping cough, tea made with the addition of moss and thyme is used.

Resin moss to restore strength when exhausted

Treatment of skin diseases with Icelandic moss

Treatment of the stomach with reindeer moss

To treat gastritis or stomach ulcers, you can prepare a jelly-like decoction of Icelandic moss. To do this, take 750 milliliters of water for three tablespoons of lichen and cook for half an hour. This entire amount must be consumed in one day.

Icelandic moss for constipation

Icelandic moss. Contraindications

Where can I buy reindeer moss?

Icelandic moss can be purchased at one of the many online pharmacies or herbal stores. The average price for 50 grams is 120 rubles.

How is Icelandic moss harvested and stored?

Collection must be done as far as possible from the city, where the environmental situation is better. Store in a dry, warm place, and in order to eliminate unpleasant bitterness, just soak for a while in milk or water with the addition of soda. Thallus harvesting is carried out throughout the summer season, but it is advisable to choose the time after heavy rain, since it is not easy to collect moss in its dry form, it breaks. After collecting the reindeer moss and clearing it of excess debris, you need to dry it thoroughly. In dry form, the shelf life is practically unlimited.

The most useful articles:

A lichen is an organism that includes a fungus and green algae. In total, there are about twenty thousand species of lichens, which differ in size, shape, color and other characteristics. Based on their morphological characteristics, these organisms are divided into:

fruticose lichens.

Their sizes can range from a couple of millimeters to 30-50 cm. They resemble bushes, erect or hanging, and can be highly branched or unbranched.

One of the types of organisms under consideration are bearded lichens. They have a peculiar shape, reminiscent of a hanging human beard. Their thallus can reach half a meter in size.

crustose lichens;

This category of organisms includes crowded lecidea, varied lecanora, etc. Their body is a crust of varying thickness. In diameter it ranges from a couple of millimeters to 20-30 cm.

leaf lichens;

The lamellar, leaf-shaped body of this kind of lichen is located horizontally on the substrate. As a rule, it has a round outline, which may change with age. Top part The organisms in question differ in color from the lower surface.

Lichens can grow everywhere: on the surface of mountains, stones, the bark of trees, shrubs, and soil. There are also non-attached, that is, nomadic forms of organisms.

Harvesting and storage of lichens

IN medicinal purposes The thallus of lichens is used. Organisms that are not damaged by rot, rust and pests are used for harvesting. They are carefully cut off or scraped off, washed, and debris removed. Lichens are dried in special dryers, outdoors, in a ventilated area. It should be stored in a canvas, paper bag in a dry place.

Use in everyday life

Some types of lichens act as food for livestock and wildlife. In addition, the organisms in question are used in perfumery; various types of dyes for wool and silk are produced from them. Their main color is dark blue. By adding acetic acid, you can get purple, red, yellow tones.

Composition and medicinal properties of lichens

Lichens contain antibiotic substances that have different effects on bacteria and inflammatory processes. That is, lichens have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
Preparations prepared on the basis of these organisms are used to treat boils, staphylococcal, streptococcal infections, lupus erythematosus and other skin diseases. They are also used to eliminate varicose veins and trophic ulcers.
Lichens relieve inflammation, relieve a number of gynecological diseases, and quickly heal burns.
A decoction of lichen is recommended for use by people who have tuberculosis, catarrh, and colds. It has a therapeutic and tonic effect.
Parmelia lichen is used for severe coughs, acute colitis, tuberculosis, and gastrointestinal diseases. It has a calming effect on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and acts as a general strengthening drug. Parmelia decoction is used externally to wash purulent wounds and ulcers (it heals them quickly).
Medicines made from bearded lichen have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, wound-healing, and antiviral effects. They normalize the functioning of the immune system.
Fruticose lichens (cladonia palmate, usnea longissimum, pale ocher alectoria) are prescribed for the treatment of influenza, stomach and colds.
Clumped Lecidea and a variety of Lecanora should be used to get rid of purulent wounds and severe coughs.
Reindeer moss lichen has a laxative, choleretic, wound healing, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory effect. From these crushed organisms, mucus is obtained, which helps to increase the production of gastric juice and normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. They are also used for diarrhea and constipation, tuberculosis, whooping cough, and chronic bronchitis.

The use of lichens in folk medicine

Let's look at some recipes for preparing medicinal compositions based on lichens.

A decoction of reindeer moss that normalizes the functioning of the stomach and intestines

Grind the raw materials and pour boiling water or hot milk over it (for 1 tablespoon of lichen you need to take 500 ml of liquid). Cook the composition in a water bath for 5-7 minutes. After this, it should sit for 0.5 hours. After straining, drink the product in a third of a glass.

Reindeer moss extract, which has a laxative effect

Pour crushed moss (100 g) with cold water (1 l), leave for 24 hours, strain. Then cook in a water bath until the volume of liquid is reduced by half. The product should be taken 3 times a day, 30 minutes before meals. Duration of treatment – 2 weeks.

Icelandic moss decoction used for bronchitis

Finely chopped raw materials (1 tbsp) pour milk (250 ml), boil for 30 minutes, strain. Drink the decoction hot before going to bed.

Icelandic moss decoction used for whooping cough

Dry Icelandic moss (1 tbsp) pour cold water (500 ml), bring to a boil, strain, let the mixture cool. You should drink it in small sips a day, dividing it into 10-12 doses.

Icelandic moss decoction taken for tuberculosis

Pour moss (2 tbsp) with water (250 ml), bring to a boil, remove the slabs and filter. After the product has cooled, it should be taken a couple of sips twice - three times a day.

A remedy based on Icelandic moss, used for stomach and duodenal ulcers

Mix Icelandic moss with flax seeds and marshmallow root in equal parts. Pour a few tablespoons of the resulting mixture with water (500 ml), leave for five hours, boil for 5-7 minutes. After allowing the mixture to cool, strain it. Take a third of a glass of the decoction 0.5 hours before meals 5-6 times a day.

Parmelia decoction to help relieve cough

Pour dry parmelia (1 tbsp) with water (1 l), cook in a water bath (after the liquid boils - 2 hours). Drink the mixture warm 30 minutes before meals (80 ml three times a day). It should be stored in the refrigerator.

Parmelia-based compresses used for purulent wounds and ulcers

Dry lichen (5 tbsp) pour water (500 ml). Having brought the composition to a boil, cook it for another 25-30 minutes over high heat, then let it brew at room temperature (the product must cool). After straining the decoction, apply it to the affected areas.

Contraindications

The composition should not be used by persons with individual intolerance, pregnant and lactating women, and children.

Attention!

The material was prepared specifically for the MagRun.ru forum. When copying, a link to the forum is required.

Reindeer moss. Reindeer moss (Cladonia rangiferina Hoffm.) General information

Reindeer moss (Cladonia rangiferina Hoffm.)

Syn.: moss.

Lichens are probably the most unpretentious plants on Earth. They feel great in the hot desert, in the Arctic Circle, and high in the mountains. In the north of Russia, the Icelandic lichen, also known as Icelandic moss, grows.

People also call it: reindeer moss, moss, lopastyanka, dry bok, birch and hazel grouse moss.

MOSSE or DEER MOSS refers to lichens, which are special, complex organisms that are obtained through the joint union of simple single-celled green algae, nitrogen-equipping bacteria and marsupial fungi. In this cohabitation, fungi supply mineral salts and water, algae get starch synthesis, which allows lichens to exist in places where other organisms cannot do this. Therefore, lichens can grow in places with severe frost and vice versa, in sultry deserts, they tolerate cold and frost. They even grow on metal and glass. However, they cannot tolerate heavy pollution, so they are difficult to find near large and polluted cities. Lichens grow quite slowly, but can have a very decent age, up to half a thousand years. The unusual body structure of this plant and its special features led to the fact that it received an independent group of plants known as lichens.

The most valuable of known species moss are considered: alpine cladonia, soft, deer cladonia, forest and thin. Everyone has listed types moss has a peculiar appearance, which, despite the type of plant, looks like a shrub. The reason for the unusual appearance is considered a secondary thallus, which is significantly more branched compared to other species and almost exactly imitates small branches. Despite this, the above species of reindeer moss completely lack a crustal layer; instead, the plant has a cobweb-like felt surface.

There is a lot of talk about the benefits and harms of antibiotics, but it is very interesting and important to know that moss has a very strong natural antibiotic. Our ancestors used its properties for various healing needs.

Diabetics

Syn.: moss.

Representative of the group of lichens of the genus Cladonia (lat. Cladonia): Cladonia rangiferina, Cladonia alpestris, Cladonia sylvatica, etc. Reindeer moss (moss) is a shrubby lichen consisting of a small thallus and highly branched bush-like branches. Reindeer moss is very popular in folk medicine; it has pronounced antiseptic, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. Resin moss is included in some anti-tuberculosis drugs, dietary supplements and cosmetics.

In medicine

Reindeer moss is a valuable raw material for the production of medicines. A decoction of moss is used as a general tonic for diseases of the upper respiratory tract, tuberculosis, asthma, problems with the gastrointestinal tract and various types cold infections. It is known to use reindeer moss in the treatment of varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.

Contraindications and side effects

Contraindications to the use of this lichen are not yet completely clear. For example, an allergy to some of its components cannot be ruled out. Individual intolerance is also possible. Preparations based on reindeer moss are not recommended for use by pregnant and nursing mothers, as adverse side effects are possible. Before starting a course of treatment, you should consult your doctor.

In cosmetology

Reindeer moss is rich organic substances, vitamin A, B vitamins, it helps to effectively restore skin tone, strengthen and nourish it, stabilize amino acid metabolism, and promote skin renewal. Thanks to its high content of unique usnic acid, reindeer moss promotes active cell regeneration, slows down the aging process, improves skin structure and restores its elasticity.

In cooking

The peoples of the North use reindeer moss as food: they soak it in water to remove unwanted bitterness, add it to soups and main courses as a seasoning, and use it instead of starch when preparing berry jelly. Reindeer moss dried in the sun and ground into powder is used in baking, it is added to dietary dishes from vegetables, into various sauces, marmalade and sweets.

In animal husbandry

Reindeer moss or reindeer moss is one of the prominent representatives a group of species of lichens of the genus Cladonia (lat. Cladonia), which, due to their bushy and highly branched thallus, are sometimes classified into the genus Cladina. Cladonia (lat. Cladonia) is a genus of lichens of the family Cladoniaceae (lat. Cladoniaceae) includes about 300 species, widespread in all plant-climatic zones: from polar deserts to the tropics.

Reindeer moss (lat. Cladonia rangiferina Hoffm.) is a shrubby lichen consisting of a small, soon disappearing thallus and highly branched bush-like branches. Reindeer moss has a double thallus, divided into two parts: primary and secondary. The primary consists of scales or tubercles, varying in size (from 1 mm to 3 cm) and shapes. They are formed on a substrate, which can be wood, soil, etc. Sometimes they form a thick cover, which loses its density during the aging process or disappears altogether. From the primary, a secondary vertical thallus develops in the form of bushy, awl-shaped, horn-shaped, goblet-shaped podecium. Podecia have dense or sparse branching. Each of them has a cavity inside, and the outer layer of bark is formed by densely intertwined hyphae. In rare cases, the outer layer of bark is missing. An obligatory element of the walls of the podecium is the algal layer.

The dimensions of the secondary thallus usually range from 2-5 cm to 20 cm. Scales (phyllocladia) cover the podecium from the outside and thus increase their assimilation surface. At the tops and edges of the branches of the podecium, fruiting bodies are formed - apothecia of a rounded shape. They are red or brown in color, less often they can be yellow or brown. They contain several unicellular or multicellular spores, with the help of which reindeer moss reproduces.

Reindeer moss is an extremely frost-resistant lichen that can grow in conditions of little snow cover. It is distributed in Greenland, North America, in the Arctic part of Eurasia, in the Himalayas, Tibet, found in cold areas South America(for example, in Patagonia and the upper Andes mountains). In our country, the growing zones of moss are mountain and lowland tundras, forest-tundras and taiga. Reindeer moss is found in the northern part of the Urals, in Western Siberia(for example, on the Yamal Peninsula) and on Far East. Yagel adapts very easily to harsh conditions tundra and successfully competes with other species of local plants, for example, mosses. Lichen can grow between moss bushes, obscuring sunlight. Because of this, the area of moss thickets is constantly decreasing under the “pressure” of moss and giving way to vast territories.

Regions of distribution on the map of Russia.

Reindeer moss is harvested throughout the summer. When dry, lichen is difficult to collect because its branches are very brittle. Therefore, raw materials are usually collected after heavy rain. First, the moss is collected by hand and cleaned of impurities, then the reindeer moss is thoroughly dried. Proper drying allows you to store reindeer moss for an almost unlimited time: it is not subject to deterioration or rotting. The nutritional value of reindeer moss is very high: 1 centner of reindeer moss replaces 3 centners of potatoes.

Reindeer moss contains 21% dietary fiber, free fatty acids; triglycerides, hexa-hydroxyisovalerate, ribitol; hydrocarbon compounds: n-alkanes, antheiso-alkanes, methylheptadecanes. In Finland, moss contains protein 2-3.2%, crude fiber 6.4%, fat 1.4-3.3%, sugars 0.4-1.8%; in Russia it contains 1.5% sugar, 18.8% lichenin, 59.7% hemicellulose and 3.9% cellulose; l-usnic acid 1.1%. Reindeer moss, along with other lichens, synthesizes specific secondary metabolites, the so-called lichen substances (the most common are usnic acid and other representatives of the classes of depsides and depsidones), related to phenolic compounds. On the Kola Peninsula, 0.40 mg/g (4%) of phenolic compounds were found in reindeer moss.

Pharmacological properties

Reindeer moss is used as a valuable medicinal raw material for the production of usnic acid. Usnic acid is effective against a wide variety of gram-positive (G+) strains of bacteria, including multidrug-resistant (resistant) strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus and Mycobacteria. Usnic acid, obtained from reindeer moss, has a selective effect against mutating streptococcus without causing side effects, negatively affecting the oral saprophytic microflora. It has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties; drugs containing usnic acid are actively used to combat tuberculous mycobacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics. Other recognized characteristics of usnic acid are its preservative properties and its ability to absorb ultraviolet light.

Use in folk medicine

Resin moss is widely used in folk medicine due to its numerous beneficial properties and high content of usnic acid. A healing decoction is made from reindeer moss, which turns into jelly after cooling. It is used to treat coughs in tuberculosis; it is used to treat purulent wounds and burns (in the form of lotions and applications).

To prepare a decoction of moss, you will need: 2 teaspoons of dried reindeer moss and 2 cups of cold water. Pour water over the dry raw materials, bring to a boil, filter and cool until a jelly forms. Jelly is taken in frequent and large portions throughout the day, and the dosage depends on the disease. For example, when coughing, drink 1 to 2 liters of this decoction per day until improvement occurs. Treatment of tuberculosis: 3-4 liters per day (for a long time). If you have allergies, you need to take a decoction of reindeer moss with great caution and in minimal doses!

Since ancient times, the Nenets and other indigenous inhabitants of the North have used reindeer moss to make healing decoctions, lotions, powders. They also used it in shamanic rituals and as a natural antiseptic. In times when there were no refrigerators, they covered meat on all sides and it did not spoil for a long time.

1. Garibova L.V., Dundin Yu.K., Koptyaeva T.F., Filin V.R. Algae, lichens and bryophytes of the USSR. Publishing house Mysl, M., 1978, 365 p.

2. Mashkovsky M. D. Medicines: In 2 volumes. T.2.-14th ed., revised, corrected. And additional M. Publishing house "New Wave", 2000. 608 p.

4. Moiseeva E. N. Biochemical properties lichens and their practical significance. Publishing house of the USSR Academy of Sciences, M-L. 1961. 82 p.

5. Great Soviet Encyclopedia. – M.: Soviet encyclopedia 1969-1978

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