Moss is one of the most ancient plants on our planet. Its remains have been found in fossils dating back to the Paleozoic era. Currently, it is found on almost all continents, it grows even in Antarctica.
Moss has existed on earth for millions of years and has not changed much since the days of the dinosaurs. It surprises many researchers with its endurance and ability to revive even after drying. Today, almost 10,000 species of moss are known, each of which brings its own benefits to nature and people.
Beneficial features
Peat moss, which grows in swamps and in places where moisture accumulates, is well known to many. It perfectly retains water and is a component of peat used for fertilization or kindling.
This moss is suitable for making a hemostatic bandage out of it. The plant perfectly absorbs any moisture, while maintaining access to oxygen, which contributes to the fastest wound healing.
Moss is a natural antiseptic. It contains substances that can resist the growth of bacteria.
Lovers of hikes and walks in the forest should remember that there is always material at hand that can be used for wounds, bruises and even fractures. Fresh moss should be applied to injured skin or used as a pad before splint on fracture.
Interestingly, during the war, even in hospitals, they used a powder made from dried moss, which was added to petroleum jelly. Very serious wounds were treated with this ointment. An infusion was also used, which for a long time remained sterile and did not deteriorate. Many have called it "living water".
Moss is used in the construction of wooden houses as a means of insulation and insulation. It also perfectly absorbs excess moisture and protects the house from mold and mildew. The only drawback is that the moss burns well: in the event of a fire, it will increase the spread of fire.
Dry moss can be used as a stuffing agent for pillows, blankets or mattresses. It retains its shape and warmth, and also prevents the growth of dust mites. In ancient times, it was believed that pillows stuffed with moss helped get rid of insomnia.
The plant is also an excellent water filter. This property of moss is useful when hiking, if you need drinking water, and there is nothing nearby except forest lakes or swamps. It is enough to take a bottle, cut off the bottom of it and fill it tightly with moss. Even better, if you add charcoal to it, which additionally absorbs harmful substances. Any water is passed through this filter, which can then be used for cooking. It is permissible to use water in its raw form, but it is still better to boil it first.
In folk medicine, moss is currently little used. Although before, it could not do without the treatment of many diseases, in particular headaches, colds, bronchitis, trophic ulcers, inflammation of the joints.
Magical properties
Moss has been in demand in money magic for a long time. With his help, various rituals were done to attract wealth to the house.
Using a dry plant, special rituals were performed to remove damage and return it to the enemy. For this, dry moss was collected after sunset. A fire was made from it, and then a special spell was pronounced. Ashes from the fire were collected and carried to the threshold of the house of the one who brought damage.
Moss collected from trees brings good luck and prosperity to its owner, helps to develop intuition and clairvoyance.
