What is Icelandic lichen: where it grows, its properties and how to use it to get whiter teeth
In nature there are more than 15,000 species of lichens, different in shape, color and appearance. The word “lichen” comes from the Greek word “lichen”, meaning “crust”, and refers to its appearance. Among the best known are the wood beard, the reindeer lichen, the mother’s lichen and the Icelandic lichen. Let’s find out, in particular, where the latter grows and what elements characterize it.
Usually of brown hue, the Icelandic lichen , also known as Iceland cetraria or Arctic lichen, is a perennial plant belonging to the Parmeliaceae family; the term “Icelandic”where it grows , but where it is mainly used as food. To make it edible, the harvest takes place at night or on rainy days. Subsequently the Icelandic lichen is put to macerate for 24 hours in water in order to attenuate its bitter taste, then it is subjected to drying and grinding.
Its consumption reached a peak in Norway in the period between the early 1800s and the early 1900s, a century characterized by a great famine that hit the inhabitants of the North and, during the Second World War, and been consumed as food by civilians severely tested by the conflict. It should not be surprising, therefore, that it was precisely the populations of Northern Europe who began to use lichen, preceding those of Mediterranean and Central Europe.
But where the Icelandic lichen grows
The plant is mainly present in the mountainous areas of the Old Continent and Asia and develops in most cases adhering to the ground, rarely on the bark of trees (preferring conifers). In the habitatwhere it grows it tends to take on a bushy appearance, so as not to appear too different, on a visual level, from a common moss.

The properties of the mountain plant: a real panacea for health
And its properties are concentrated in the thallus of the Icelandic lichen : in addition to folic acid and B vitamins, it contains polysaccharides, mucilages, lichenic acids, usnic and cetraric acid and lichenin . Particularly high (close to 60%) is the content of water-soluble polysaccharides. The typical flavor is the result of the presence of numerous bitter substances and it is precisely its bitter-tonic characteristics that make Icelandic lichen an excellent stimulant of digestive functions.
This is why it is recommended to be consumed by people suffering from lack of appetite and gastric disorders. Cetrarin, in particular, is able to counteract phenomena such as nausea and vomiting, even when they occur during pregnancy. Iceland lichen is effective in cases of chronic dysentery and in relieving inflammation affecting the intestine. As the richness of mucilage has a positive impact on irritated intestinal walls with a soothing effect. The best results in this regard are found above all if used to prepare decoctions. The aforementioned usnic acid is used in the dermatological field: it is used, in fact, as a remedy for burns and other skin conditions.
Emollient mucilages are extracted from lichelina, known for their protective properties against the mucous membranes of the digestive and respiratory systems. In herbal medicine, Icelandic lichen is used in the production of cough, pertussis and bronchial asthma syrups, because from this plant soothing substances are obtained for the respiratory mucous membranes and excellent thinners of bronchial secretions. In addition to relieving these ailments, Icelandic lichen can be used to make a restorative herbal tea, sweetened with a teaspoon of honey: by drinking two / three cups a day after a flu, recovery will be faster.
Prized for its emollient and antiseptic properties, the Icelandic lichenit also finds space in the formulations of anti-acne cosmetics, toothpastes, detergents and soaps. Just add a handful of lichen to the bath water before soaking for the skin to benefit from its calming and purifying effects. Its soothing and, at the same time, disinfectant, purifying and deodorant action make it the ideal ingredient in the preparation of intimate cleansers.

Teeth and Icelandic lichen: for a smile-proof enamel
Without prejudice to what has been said so far, one of the most important and most appreciated properties of Icelandic lichen in the dental field remains to be examined . What does it consist of?
The ability of the plant to help make teethmore whites. The lichen extract is also able to give a particularly fresh breath. In addition to having an anti-blemish action, toothpastes containing this plant are characterized by an anti-plaque and bacteriostatic effect: white teeth , prevention of caries and healthy gums can be obtained with a single product. The most suitable toothpastes for whitening present, in addition to Icelandic lichen , hydrogen peroxide.
With regular use it is possible to counteract the unsightly yellowing and without affecting the enamel of the teeth. The best products are also characterized by the high presence of ingredients of natural origin and, at the same time, by the lack of SLS and parabens. Those looking for an even more effective toothpaste can turn their attention to preparations that contain grapefruit seed extracts and xylitol. Also useful is the presence of aloe vera, known for its soothing action.

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