Iceland moss
Scientific names: Cetraria islandica
Family: Parmeliaceae
Alternate names: Centraria, Eryngo-leaved Liverwort, Iceland Lichen, Lichen d'Islande, Lichen Islandicus, Liquen de Islandia, Mousse d'Islande, Musgo de Islandia
Background
Iceland moss is a lichen. Lichens are made of algae and fungus growing together. Lichens draw their nutrients from the environment and are easily contaminated. They grow well in Iceland because it is one of the least polluted countries in the world.
Iceland moss is used for treating irritation of the mouth and throat, loss of appetite, common cold, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Iceland moss is used for treating irritation of the mouth and throat, loss of appetite, common cold, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Iceland moss is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken short-term. It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in large amounts for a long time, because the dried plant can be contaminated with lead.
Iceland moss is regulated in the United States, and is allowed only as a flavoring agent in alcoholic beverages.
Ulcers in the stomach or small intestine: Iceland moss can irritate the lining of the digestive tract. Don't take it if you have stomach or intestinal ulcers.
Iceland moss is regulated in the United States, and is allowed only as a flavoring agent in alcoholic beverages.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE to take Iceland moss when pregnant or breast-feeding. Iceland moss can be contaminated with lead, and this can be harmful to the mother and baby.Ulcers in the stomach or small intestine: Iceland moss can irritate the lining of the digestive tract. Don't take it if you have stomach or intestinal ulcers.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Dry cough.
- Loss of appetite.
- Common cold.
- Bronchitis.
- Indigestion.
- Fevers.
- Lung disease.
- Kidney and bladder problems.
- Irritation or swelling (inflammation) of the mouth or throat.
- Wound healing, when applied to the skin.
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of Iceland moss depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Iceland moss. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Iceland Moss interacts with any medicines. Before taking Iceland Moss, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Iceland moss seems to have a soothing action. It might also reduce the growth of bacteria.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 30/04/2023 10:00:00 and last updated on 04/11/2020 00:59:09. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
