Lichenes
By Anton Kramer
Dutch: Korstmossen
Introduction
Lichens are dual organisms composed of an alga (the phycobiont) and a fungus (the mycobiont). Its body consists of algal cells mixed among the threadlike hyphae of the fungus; there are no true leaves, stems, or roots. The alga and the fungus live associated in a dependent symbiotic, or mutualistic, relationship; they require each other to survive. Lichens settle in places unfit for any other plant growth. Bare stones and the bark of trees are their habitat. In the polar regions and high mountains lichens extend further than mosses ever could. The tolerance of lichens is almost unbelievable. They can live without water for many months and come to no harm even when drying out completely. If they then fall to pieces each piece can be the beginning of a new lichen. The life-partnership of alga and fungus cannot be explained by the study of either fungi or algae alone. Both are only the elements Nature uses for the creation of a third. Wherever lichens grow, neither fungi nor algae alone could exist. The alga can be well cultivated apart. It is much more difficult with the fungal component. The fungus only reaches sporeforming when it lives as part of the lichen, that is in combination with the alga. Actually the fungus parasitises on the alga, that exists in a kind of slavery: the alga does enjoy the presence of the fungus to a certain degree, but virtually has many more disadvantages.
CETRARIA
(Fam. Lichenes)–
Dutch name: Rendiermos
MacRepertory contains 11 symptoms.
In Arctic regions, where the plant covers large tracts of sterile soil, it serves as a food for the reindeer. The lichen is often satisfied with the water which they can extract from the moisture of the air. Cetraria has been used in decoction and as a food. For therapeutical purposes Cetraria islandica has always proved its worth as an expectorant which can be used advantageously in (chronic) bronchial catarrhs, coughs with profuse secretion of phlegm, whooping cough, spasmodic cough, asthma bronchiale, tuberculosis, and also for an improvement of the general condition in weakness of the lungs and apex pulmonary diseases. Furthermore it cures vomitting, (chronic) diarrhea and in emaciation.
(Fam. Lichenes) Tree moss, Tree hair, Old Mans Beard.–
Dutch name: Baardmos
It grows on trees in moist woods.
MacRepertory contains 22 symptoms.
The symptoms are based on the experiences of Homeopathic doctor who ate the lichens and develloped intense congestive and bursting pain in the head and eyes, fullnes of the arteries and pulsating in the carotids. Sensation of enlarged head, head pain extending outward and to the eyes. On account of this he treated many people with headache and sunstroke with the remedy.
Clear symptoms of plethora. Proovings might give a broader remedy picture.
LICHENS AS A FAMILLY
From experience we know that the housemaids knee of Sticta gives an insight in the mental picture: PEOPLE WHO WORK HARD AS A HOUSEMAID. They slave on their knees for others.
This means that they work hard for little money or gratification.
Interestingly the Lichens do need very little food themselves, the reindeer eat the lichens during the winterseason in the arctic region, almost starving, and feeding on the lichens that nurture little but give the comfort of a full feeling. And the remedy also give the full sensation.
To endure there is sleeplessness (Stict, Clad), mirth, dancing, restlessnes, hysteria etc (Stict, Clad), difficult perception, absentmindedness (Stict, Cladonia: a feeling as if I was not there).
Homeopathically some symptoms and indications are simillar. Nose - and lung -diseases are cured by Sticta and Cetraria, dryness and chronic obstruction of nose, open air amel, Feeling of diminished appetite (Cladonia and Cetraria), emaciation, bursting head - and eyepain (Cladonia, Usnea).
LITERATURE
Mac Repertory
Reference Works
- IGHR
- U.S. Med. Investigator (RefWorks)
- Murphy
- Vermeulen II