Reindeer lichen. Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area

Reindeer lichen (also known as reindeer moss), a modest-looking yet completely unique organism in its properties, forms the foundation of the vegetation cover in the Far North, including the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area. It belongs to a peculiar group of plants: a symbiotic organism composed of fungi and algae (cyanobacteria).

This plant is remarkably resilient to extreme conditions, low temperatures, as well as high doses of ultraviolet and penetrating radiation. It easily endures long periods without moisture.

Reindeer lichen is a staple in the diet of the reindeer. The animals can detect the scent of reindeer lichen through the snow and dig it out with their hooves. Reindeer lichen grows very slowly, requiring many years to restore pastures. For instance, the average growth rate of fruticose lichens in the Arctic tundra subzone is 1-2 mm, while in the forest-tundra zone it reaches up to 3-4 mm per year.

Reindeer lichen is the most widespread medicinal plant among the indigenous peoples of the North. It is beneficial for viral and bacterial infections, providing anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, and antimicrobial effects. In the past, nomads used dried reindeer lichen to stop bleeding and disinfect wounds from minor cuts and open injuries. They often gave reindeer lichen decoction to weakened reindeer calves and treated reindeer injured by wolves. In folk medicine, it is used to treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract and the gastrointestinal tract. For pulmonary diseases, reindeer lichen decoction improves well-being even after a short time, having demulcent and expectorant effects. There are even known cases of recovery from tuberculosis.

Due to its high sensitivity to atmospheric pollutants and its ability to accumulate heavy metal compounds, reindeer lichen can be used as a bioindicator of environmental conditions.

Today, in Yamal, they make chips from reindeer lichen - either salty or sweet, flavored with northern berries.