Sphagnum Moss (Sphagnum cymbifolium) syn. Bog Moss; a true moss of the family Sphagnaceae growing up to 25cm in bogs and moorland in the northern and southern hemispheres. The plant has a soft pale green flower-head similar to edelweiss, with small tubular leaves along a single stem and produce a branch at every fourth leaf that die off as the plant grows towards the light. The whole of the stem is composed of fine capillaries that absorb enormous amounts of water in comparison to the plant’s weight. This sponge-like ability to retain water is unique because when the plant is squeezed, it does not disintegrate as other retentive plants will, but recovers and reabsorbs. Sphagnum grows in clumps and forms large cushions of growth that can extend for miles. The plant is not solely dependent on soil water but will take in water from the atmosphere.
The plant contains phenols, sphagnol, potassium, calcium, manganese, tannins and humic and humin acids. It is therefore antiseptic, anti-microbial, antibacterial, antibiotic, astringent and tonic. The earliest reference to the medicinal properties of Sphagnum, is in a Gaelic chronicle of the 11th century where it is recorded that the wounded at the battle of Clontarf, “stuffed their wounds with the bog moss”; and the Highlanders at the battle of Flodden staunched their bleeding wounds with the same moss. Early naturalists claim that injured mammals, particularly deer would bathe their wounds in peat bogs.
The Lapps have used Sphagnum for centuries as a treatment for injuries and wound staunching, and lined the cradles of their infants with this moss, to provide soft absorbent bedding; they also applied it to mosquito bites to relieve the irritation.
The best known use of Sphagnum was during the early part of the 20th century, when, in combination with garlic, it was the field dressing of choice as it would not only staunch bleeding wounds but would act as an antiseptic. This saved the cotton wool, which had been previously employed in dressings, to be used in munitions manufacture. At one time both the German and British forces were using a million kilos of Sphagnum a month on the battlefield.
Peat Tar, sold under the name of Sphagnol, was used by herbalists to treat eczema, psoriasis, pruritis, piles, chilblains, scabies and acne.
Sphagnum is the main constituent of seed-growing compost and as a basis for orchid compost.
Johnson and Johnson have included the plant in a range of diapers and sanitary towels.
The Native Americans of Canada use Sphagnum to speed up birth delivery and interestingly, as a contraceptive. In Tibet it is infused and administered to people suffering from angina and as a treatment for Herpes Simplex.
Recent experiments indicate the Sphagnum will absorb heavy metals and trace elements.
Sphagnum harbours a fungal disease known as Sporotrichosis and is a danger to horticulturists who are exposed to long term use.
Next week…………..Anemone.
