ICELAND MOSS. 141 



with other remedies. The dose of the infusion, made 

 from i ounce of herb in a pint of boiling water, is a 

 wineglassful, taken frequently. 



Preparation Fluid extract: Dose, i-i drachm. 



Distinctive character Stem woody, leaves linear- 

 lanceolate, nearly sessile, about inch long and inch 

 broad, hairy on the margin. Flowers in axillary tufts 

 arranged on one side. Calyx of five unequal teeth. 

 Stamens, four. Taste, bitter. Odour, aromatic and 

 camphoraceous. 



ICELAND MOSS. Cetraria Islandlca, Ach. 



N.O. Lichcnes. 

 Syn. Iceland Lichen, Cetraria. 



Part used Lichen. 



Action Demulcent, tonic, nutritive. Ordinary doses 

 improve the appetite and digestion, and do not produce 

 constipation, but excessive doses may induce looseness 

 of bowels. Highly recommended in chronic catarrh, 

 chronic bronchitis, and consumption, as it relieves the 

 cough and assists the system by its nutritive properties. 

 The decoction is generally made of the strength of 

 i ounce to the pint, and the moss should be well washed 

 before it is used. 



Preparation Decoction B.P., 1885: Dose, 1-4 

 ounces. 



Distinctive character Thallus smooth, grey or 

 light olive brown, foliaceous, branching, about 2-4 inches 

 high, curled, channelled or rolled into tubes, terminating 

 in spreading flattened lobes with the edges fringed with 

 small papillae. The under surface is paler with 

 depressed minute white spots. Taste, bitter. Inodorous, 

 but when wetted its odour recalls that of seaweed. 



