Synonym(s)
Cetraria islandica
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Iceland moss is a lichen, lichens develop through the symbiosis of fungus and algae. Iceland moss or Icelandic moss (Cetraria islandica or Lichen islandicus) is a 4-12 cm high shrub lichen (Parmeliaceae) that grows in Iceland, but also in Arctic regions and in Central European mountains. The brown to brown-green colored, forked or antler-like branched shoots of the Iceland moss are leaf-like but also rolled up like tubes. The lichen has a bitter taste.
The whole or crushed lichen body is used phytotherapeutically.
Cetraria islandica is the parent plant of Lichen islandicus, the extract used in naturopathy.
The whole or crushed lichen body = thallus(Lichen islandicus - Icelandic moss/Icelandic lichen) is used phytotherapeutically.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer
Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles