A sub-erect to erect, small to middle-sized, strap-shaped lichen, 2.5-5.0 cm in height. Thallus sub-foliose or fruticose, tufted, rigid, shining, pale to dusky chestnut-brown or olive- green, sometimes red toward the base, many-lobed; lobes very narrow and elongated to shorter, smooth to lacunose, flattened to rolled, often into a closed tube; the margins entire to thickly spinulose, pale below, pseudocyphellate, pseudocyphellae pale white, laminal and sub-marginal.

Stimulates the secretion and flow of gastric juices and kills bacteria (similar to that of antibiotics), demulcent, anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic, expectorant.

Australian Naturopathic Network
Iceland Moss
Herb Information
Plants for a Future

Lichenin, isolichenin , glucose, glycerol, umbilicin, cetraric, protocetraric, fumarprotocetraric, lichesteric, protolichesteric, dl -usnic and fumaric acids, friedelin, cetrarin, fatty acids, and ribonuclease.

Digestive disorders and in inflammations of the upper respiratory system, bronchitis and coughs. Externally, it is used in the treatment of boils, vaginal discharges and impetigo.

Contraindicated in gastro-duodenal ulcers due to mucosa irritating property.

Stary, Medicinal Herbs and Plants.