Icelandic cough moss: how to apply

By what means do people not try to get rid of the annoying cough! Milk, honey, medicinal plants and essential oils are used. All these traditional methods of treatment have been tested by more than one generation and really help with greater or lesser effectiveness. Much less known and popular is such a remedy as Icelandic moss for coughing. Although it has truly unique properties, which are worth getting to know better.

What it is?

To begin with, Icelandic moss is the unofficial name of the plant. According to the botanical classification, it is listed as the Icelandic cetraria. Belongs to the kingdom of mushrooms and is a variety of lichens, which grow, by the way, not only in Iceland. The plant is widespread in pine forests and tundra, it can often be found in swamps, forest tundra and heather thickets. It can grow on tree trunks or simply creep along the ground.

In places, a cracked dense thallus, which retains moisture well, lies on an almost solid base, from which fairly dense needle-like formations stick out, similar to thorny leaves of a brown, greenish or brown color. So they are collected for the preparation of various medicines at home and even in an industrial way.

The healing properties of the plant are due to the peculiarities of its structure and chemical composition. Almost 70% Icelandic moss consists of a kind of thick mucus, in which various organic compounds are in dissolved form. In its composition it contains:

• a large amount of iodine;
• up to 70% carbohydrates and amino acids;
• plant enzymes;
• vitamins A, B1 and B12;
• natural wax;
• organic acids.

These acids are the biggest secret of Icelandic moss. Some of them: usnin, proto-lyhesteric, lichesteric and others have pronounced bactericidal properties and have a detrimental effect even on such tenacious pathogenic microorganisms as staphylococci and streptococci.

Indications for use

It is thanks to its unique composition that Icelandic moss not only helps to quickly get rid of cough as a symptom, but also to eliminate the very cause of the disease that provoked the cough. Most often, Icelandic moss is used to treat:

• SARS, acute respiratory infections and influenza;
• inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
• infectious diseases: tuberculosis, whooping cough, etc .;
• relief of attacks of bronchial asthma;
• purulent sore throat;
• acute or chronic pneumonia.

And these are only diseases directly related to the throat. Additionally, Icelandic moss has a tonic effect on the entire body, regulates the thyroid gland, and has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect.

Icelandic moss is recommended for coughs for children and adults with weakened immunity, anemia and during the recovery period after a long illness or surgery.

The best recipes

Icelandic moss cough syrup can sometimes be found in pharmacies or on the Internet. This tool is not cheap, but really very effective. True, it has a high sugar content, so it cannot be used by those who suffer from diabetes. It is easier (and cheaper) to buy dry Icelandic moss and prepare a medicine from it yourself at home:

1. Simple decoction. It relieves severe coughing attacks, removes pain and inflammation in the throat, but does not have a strong healing effect, since it prepares quickly and the moss does not have time to give all its healing properties to the water. It can be used as an ambulance for a harsh and unproductive cough. Pour a tablespoon of chopped moss with a glass of clean cold water, put on low heat and bring to a boil. Strain through a sieve or several layers of cheesecloth and drink warm. The dosage for adults is up to 3 glasses a day.
2. Quick tincture. It already contains a higher concentration of nutrients in comparison with the broth. Helps with coughs against the background of bronchitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis. Start cooking in the same way as the broth. Bring to a boil and pour into a thermos or cover, wrap and leave for at least 30 minutes. This medicine can be drunk no more than 1 glass per day, divided into 5-6 doses about 20 minutes before meals.
3. Slimy broth. It has an excellent enveloping effect, due to which it relieves pain and inflammation very quickly. Promotes softening and excretion of phlegm. Its only drawback is its pronounced bitter taste, so this option is more suitable for treating adults. For the broth, you need two tablespoons of moss, filled with a liter of cold water, bring to a boil over low heat. And then leave to cook for about an hour. Readiness is easy to determine visually - the broth will look like jelly. Remove from heat and strain. Store in the refrigerator, and take a teaspoon 5-6 times a day.
4. Alcohol tincture. An effective cough suppressant (and not only), intended exclusively for adults. Dilute medical alcohol with clean cold water to 60-70%. Place two tablespoons of moss in a tightly closed glass container. Pour a glass of diluted alcohol, cork thoroughly and place in a dark, dry place at room temperature. Insist for at least 10 days. Strain before use. A single dose of 10-15 drops, which can be dissolved in a tablespoon of warm water or milk. Take no more than 10 days, after which it is imperative to take a break for two weeks. For the treatment of chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract, the course of treatment can be repeated two to three times with the same intervals between them.
5. Broth in milk. It is especially useful for those who are tormented by coughs mainly at night. Has an excellent antitussive effect, will allow you to sleep peacefully. Can be given to children from 5-6 years of age. Pour a tablespoon of chopped moss into an enamel saucepan, pour a glass of milk (preferably homemade) and bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally so that the milk does not burn. After half an hour, remove from heat and drain well. Drink in small sips, warm (you can add honey) and immediately go to bed. There is no diaphoretic effect, therefore, after such a decoction, the child usually does not sweat and falls asleep quickly.

You can search the Internet for other recipes for Icelandic moss cough suppressants. But to one degree or another, they will be only variants of the basic ones described above, to which some additional ingredients are added.

An allergic reaction to Icelandic moss is extremely rare. But if you or a child are prone to allergies, then it is better to make a very low concentration for the first time, which, after a few steps, must be gradually brought to the recommended level.

Features and contraindications

Has Icelandic cough moss and a number of contraindications for use due to its high biological activity. Its use is not recommended for:

• pregnancy and lactation;
• diabetes mellitus at any stage;
• autoimmune diseases.

Only by agreement with the doctor can it be used by patients with cancer, especially during periods of active treatment. Icelandic moss is highly absorbent and can weaken the effect of drugs. But during the period of remission, it is an excellent tool that can significantly alleviate the effects of chemotherapy.

The dosage recommended by the instruction should also not be exceeded.This will not enhance the therapeutic effect, but it can cause an allergic reaction. Any biologically active drugs should be used very sparingly and for a certain period of time.

If after a week of treatment with Icelandic moss there is no significant relief, you should consult with your doctor and connect more effective medications. The maximum period for receiving Icelandic moss is 14 days, then you need to take a break.