Iceland moss
Iceland Moss
Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica) is a lichen found in the Arctic and mountainous regions of the northern hemisphere. It is known for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
Pronunciation
Iceland moss: /ˈaɪslənd mɒs/
Etymology
The term "Iceland moss" is derived from the fact that this lichen is commonly found in Iceland. The word "moss" is a misnomer, as it is not a true moss but a lichen.
Description
Iceland moss is a lichen that grows up to 7 cm in height. Its color varies from grey to brownish. The lichen is characterized by its flat, leaf-like thallus that is divided into lobes.
Medicinal Uses
Iceland moss has been used in traditional medicine for its expectorant and demulcent properties. It is often used in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and dry coughs. The lichen is also known to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
Related Terms
- Lichen: A composite organism that arises from algae or cyanobacteria living among filaments of multiple fungi species in a mutualistic relationship.
- Expectorant: A type of medicine that promotes the secretion of sputum by the air passages, used to treat coughs.
- Demulcent: A substance that relieves irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth by forming a protective film.
- Bronchitis: Inflammation of the mucous membranes in the bronchi, which connect the trachea to the lungs.
- Antimicrobial: An agent that kills microorganisms or stops their growth.
- Antiviral: Medication used specifically for treating viral infections.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Iceland moss
- Wikipedia's article - Iceland moss
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski