Iceland Lichen in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Iceland Lichen

Scientific name

Cetraria islandica

Family

Parmeliaceae

Origin

Mountainous terrain

Synonyms

Lichen of Iceland

Used Parts

Drug consisting of thalli

Chemical constituents

Polysaccharides;
Usnic acid;
Lichenic acids (bitters);
Mucilage.

Iceland Lichen in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Iceland Lichen

Usnic acid has bactericidal activity and mucilages have gastroprotective properties. Iceland lichen can be used as an anti-inflammatory for gargling against pharyngotonsillitis (mucilaginous extracts).

Contraindications

Avoid taking liche islandico in case of gastritis and peptic ulcer, due to the presence of bitter principles, or in case of hypersensitivity to one or more components.