Icelandic medicinal herbs and their uses
Since 1992, SagaMedica's scientists have researched about half of the eighty known Icelandic medicinal herbs. Dr. Sigmundur Gudbjarnason initiated the project and Dr. Steinthor Sigurdsson joined him three years later, in 1995. During the course of the studies they collaborated with many official Icelandic research institutes. Steinthor earned his doctorate in 2009 as a result of this extensive undertaking.
Herbs that have been historically popular for use in herbalism were chosen, and the focus was generally on those which have been documented in old Icelandic medical scrolls.
List of medicinal herbs researched
We have found that many Icelandic plants contain natural biochemical agents that play a role in health matters and help to prevent disease. One of the most interesting implications of this research is of a historical nature. It reveals how our ancestors were correct in their beliefs that certain herbs were good for health and could be used as herbal medicine. SagaMedica's research has identified specific compounds which are already associated with the prevention of diseases. It also shows that the wild Icelandic herbs we studied contained phytochemicals in sufficient quantities to be considered applicable in their most natural form, and not just in a concentrated form. This further strengthens the argument that our foremothers used the herbs for their real efficacies.
List of herbs studied since 1992:
- Achillea millefolium
- Alchemilla alpina
- Alchemilla vulgaris
- Angelica archangelica
- Angelica sylvestris
- Anthoxanthum nipponicum
- Anthriscus sylvestris
- Betula pubescens
- Calluna vulgaris
- Carum carvi
- Cetraria islandica
- Cladonia rangiferina
- Empetrum hermaphroditum
- Equisetum arvense
- Filipendula ulmaria
- Galium boreale
- Galium islandicum
- Galium verum
- Geranium sylvaticum
- Geum rivale
- Heracleum mantegazzianum
- Hierochloë odorata
- Juniperus communis
- Ligusticum scoticum
- Lupinus nootkatensis
- Matricaria maritima
- Myrrhis odorata
- Parmelia saxatilis
- Rumex acetosa
- Rumex acetosella
- Rumex longifolius
- Taraxacum officinale
- Thymus praecox
- Trifolium hybridum
- Trifolium pratense
- Vaccinium uliginosum
These herbs present very interesting possibilities in product development. They contain many bioactive phytochemicals which have potential clinical application.
Consult your doctor before using medicinal plants for health purposes. Plants that have medical application may not be suitable for everyone.