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Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica)—another lichen with medical properties—was especially valued for respiratory ailments.
The Mucilage:
Iceland moss contained mucilaginous compounds—gel-like substances that coated and soothed irritated tissue. This made it valuable for:
- Dry, harsh coughs (the mucilage coated throat, reducing irritation)
- Inflamed lungs (the soothing properties eased breathing)
- General respiratory weakness (the nutrition supported recovery)
The Preparation:
Iceland moss required careful preparation:
- Cleaning (removing debris)
- Boiling (extracting mucilage, removing bitter compounds)
- Straining (creating smooth liquid medicine)
- Sweetening (honey made it palatable)
The resulting preparation was viscous, coating the throat as it was swallowed, providing immediate and sustained relief.
The Nutritional Support:
Like reindeer lichen, Iceland moss provided calories during illness—supporting body’s energy needs when appetite was poor, helping maintain strength during recovery.
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