Oakmoss Materia Medica

While oakmoss has been used medicinally since ancient times, there is scant description of its medicinal virtues. Perhaps this is because it has primarily been used in perfumery. Baskets filled with oakmoss have been found in the royal tombs of ancient Egypt, but it is unknown as to whether these were used for their perfumery, medicinal, or nutritional (oakmoss contains a starchy edible substance), value. Its lichen acids are extracted and included in drugs used for treating external wounds and infections.

In aromatherapy, oakmoss is primarily used for its fixative and psycho-spiritual properties.

On the physical level it is considered to be antiseptic, demulcent and expectorant and potentially useful in the treatment of: headache; sinus congestion and/or infection; impotence; frigidity. Oakmoss absolute can cause skin sensitivity and mucous membrane irritation and so should only be used in diluted form.

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