Evidence supporting the use of: Moss
For the health condition: Ulcerations (external)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Moss, particularly species like Sphagnum moss, has a long history of traditional use in treating external ulcerations and wounds. Historically, indigenous populations and early European medical practitioners utilized moss as a wound dressing due to its high absorbency, mild antibacterial properties, and soft texture. During World War I, sphagnum moss was widely used as a surgical dressing when cotton was scarce. Its natural acidity and ability to retain moisture made it suitable for keeping wounds clean and promoting healing.
While these traditional uses are well documented, there is limited direct scientific evidence supporting moss as an effective modern treatment for ulcerations. Most of the support rests on anecdotal reports and historical practices rather than rigorous clinical trials. The mild antibacterial effect is attributed to the acidic environment moss creates, which may inhibit some bacterial growth, but this effect is modest compared to contemporary wound care products.
In summary, the use of moss for external ulcerations is primarily justified by historical precedent and traditional medicine. Modern medicine has largely replaced moss with more effective and standardized wound care materials. However, the traditional use of moss as a dressing illustrates the resourcefulness of past medical practice and the potential value of natural materials in emergency or resource-limited settings.
Other ingredients used for Ulcerations (external)
AbrusAbuta
Acacia
Acemannan
Achyranthes
Agrimony
Ajuga
Alchemilla
Alchornea
Alkanet
Alkanna
Allantoin
Aloe vera
amber
American Liverleaf
Ampelopsis
Antirrhinum majus
Aquilegia formosa
Ardisia
Arisaema
arnica
asarabacca
assam indigo
aucubin
bai ji
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
benzoin
birch
black-eyed Susan
bleeding heart
Bletilla
bloodroot
boxwood
butter
camphor oil
Cedrus libani
celandine
Chiococca alba
cocklebur
comfrey
cranesbill
dianthrone
dragon\'s blood
dyer’s woad root
Echinodorus
Elaeagnus glabra
English elm
Erigeron
European field elm
ficin
figwort
Gambir
Genipa americana
Glutamine
Guazuma ulmifolia
hairy arnica
hound\'s tongue
Houttuynia
Immortelle
Japanese sophora
Jessica\'s sticktight
Kigelia africana
lac resin
Lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
Levant cotton
Lophira lanceolata
Lygodium
Mahonia
mandrake
Marking Nut Tree
Marshmallow
Matico
melaleuca alternifolia
Moss
Mountain horopito
Oak
Pellitory
Plumbago zeylanica
Plumeria lancifolia
Potentilla
Povidone
protease
purple loosestrife
purple Tephrosia
red soapwort
red spiderling
Rhus coraria
Rhus glabra
Rubia cordifolia
Sangre de Grado
Sanicle
Sapindus mukorossi
Sesquiterpenic Acid
sheep's sorrel
Shikonin
Simaruba
Sinapis arvensis
Smooth Alder
Spilanthes
Stillingia
Storax
Takuna
Tannins
Taraxol
Tea Tree Oil
Teucrium marum
Thuja
Thymol
vitamin C
Waltheria ovata
Western Buttercup
White oak
Witch Hazel
Wood betony
Wrightia tinctoria
Yarrow
Yerba Mansa
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by Moss
AbrasionsBleeding (external)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Injuries
Scratches and Abrasions
Ulcerations (external)
Wounds and Sores
