Icelandic moss is a type of lichen that grows in Iceland and Norway. It is considered to be a type of lichen because it has a symbiotic relationship with cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).Icelandic moss has been used in folk medicine for centuries, mainly as a wound dressing, both internally and externally. The Icelandic moss benefits have been recognized by modern science in recent years, as researchers have discovered its ability to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Due to its natural anti-bacterial properties, Icelandic moss is often used to treat skin issues such as acne, rosacea, cold sores, and burns. The Icelandic moss healing benefits are also known to assist with losing weight and regulating blood glucose levels. It is claimed that the Icelandic moss can also be used internally to treat stomach ulcers, heartburns or other digestive problems. It has very high level of chlorophyll, which is a very powerful healing agent that can help clean your body from toxins and bring back balance to your body’s pH levels. Icelandic moss is one of the best natural remedies against a cold or flu. According to research done by scientists at the University of Iceland, it contains an active ingredient called mucopolysaccarides, which helps protect blood cells from breaking down too quickly when you have a cold or flu.
There are a number of historical recipes that contain Icelandic moss as an ingredient, but it is also quite interesting to look at how the Icelandic moss was used in witchcraft.
Interesting facts
The early settlers of Iceland made use of the Icelandic moss in their daily lives. Some of the things they did with it were making an ointment, which was rubbed on horses’ legs when they were lame; this ointment was also believed to fix bones broken by falls or fights between horses or other animals. The Icelandic moss was also used as a cure for sore eyes and as a remedy for coughs and colds. Boiling the dried plant would make a decoction that could be drunk to relieve these symptoms.
Icelandic Moss grew abundantly in Iceland before the country was settled by humans. It was used for the roofs of their homes, as it was believed to have the power of absorbing lightening strikes. It was then gathered in large amounts and often kept at home, as it was believed to protect against evil spirits. As Christianity spread through Iceland, the beliefs surrounding Icelandic Moss were replaced with new ones. Some Christians believed that it had powers over demonic forces while others believed it could cure diseases. It was also used in several witchcraft practices in Iceland, where it was ground into powder form and mixed with water to be sprinkled on the “victim” of spells.*
The first written reference to Icelandic Moss is found in ‘Eyrbyggja Saga’. The saga describes how a man with a foot injury was healed after stepping into a moss-filled hole and then getting out of it. In the 19th century, Icelandic Moss became an important export item; however only dried moss was exported to Europe because it was easier to preserve than fresh moss.
In fact, Icelandic moss was one of the first plants to be utilized in the field of pharmacy. The plant is rich in vitamins B1, B2, C and E. It is also a good source of iron, calcium, phosphorous and magnesium. This makes it useful for curing anemia, as well as for boosting energy levels.
Icelandic moss has long been a source of sustenance, both for the body and the soul. The moss grows in the Icelandic countryside and is used in folk remedies and modern medicine alike. The Icelanders are said to have survived on it when they were first making their new home—likely because they were so close to starvation that they had to eat anything they could find.
Icelandic moss is a tasty, nutritious food that can be added to other foods or eaten on its own. In fact, one of Iceland’s most famous delicacies is made from dried Icelandic moss: brennivín, or “black death”. Brennivín is a schnapps that makes up an important part of the Icelandic drinking culture. It’s so important, in fact, that it even gets mentioned in the national anthem!
