Witnessed by: Western
Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica), of the Parmeliaceae family. Branching grey-brown foliose lichen forming loose tufts on the ground; native range: heaths, moors and mountain slopes of northern and arctic Europe. Globally recognized as Iceland lichen, eryngo-leaved liverwort in English. The part used is whole dried thallus. Intensely bitter, becoming mucilaginous and slippery when soaked.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
ICELAND MOSS
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- Iceland moss
- Scientific name
- Cetraria islandica (L.) Ach.
- Family
- Parmeliaceae
Form
- Part used
- whole dried thallus
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- Western
- bitter · mucilaginous
Temperature
- Western
- cool
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- Western
- lungs · stomach · mucous membranes
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- Western
- demulcent, bitter tonic, nutritive, antiemetic, expectorant
Cautions
- Contraindications
- none of note at customary dose
- Toxicity
- well tolerated; prolonged high intake may irritate the gut through the bitter acids
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