Iceland Moss vs Plantago lanceolata

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Iceland Moss

Cetraria islandica

Respiratory

Respiratory

Description

Subarctic lichen used in Scandinavian and Icelandic medicine for respiratory conditions; mucilage soothes mucous membranes.

European plantain widely used for respiratory conditions and wound healing, rich in aucubin and mucilage.

Active Compounds

cetraric acid, fumarprotocetraric acid, lichenin, isolichenin, mucilage

aucubin, catalpol, mucilage, tannins, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

Scandinavian respiratory remedy, Digestive tonic, Tuberculosis historically, Arctic survival food

cough, bronchitis, wound healing, ear infections

Modern Uses

Demulcent expectorant, Antimicrobial, Digestive bitter, Wound healing

expectorant, antimicrobial, wound healing, respiratory support

Adult Dosage

4-6g dried lichen; 3 cups daily

2-3g dried herb tea 3x/day

Contraindications

Gastric ulcer caution, Allergy to lichens

known allergy

Side Effects

GI upset with bitter compounds

rare allergic reactions

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E