Oakmoss

Forms Available: essential oil, absolute

Oakmoss – pseudevernia prunastri – Oak Moss is a whitish blue to green, shrubby lichen. A lichen is an alga,which photosynthesizes, and a fungus operating together in a symbiotic relationship. The Arabs use ground Oak Moss to leaven bread. It is collected as a violet-scented fixative and an oleo-resin, extracted for perfumes and soap. Native Americans used it when binding wounds; it is a stomach tonic and an expectorant, and soothes coughs. Oak Moss yields a purple wool dye, but air pollution has made it scarce.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Native Americans used it when binding wounds; it is a stomach tonic and an expectorant, and soothes coughs.

Other Uses: Use to attract money.