(info at dxalherbextract dot com) girgensohn's peat moss is distinguished by large, yet slender, flat-topped, green plants with stem leaves that look like they were cut with pinking shears. a similar species, fringed bog moss (s. fimbriatum) has stem leaves that are torn all around the edges. acute-leaved peat moss, warnstorf's peat moss, and wide-tongued peat moss are different from acute-leaved peat moss in that they have some red colour. alaskan native peoples mixed peat moss with grease to make a salve for treating cuts. peat moss that had been burned to ashes or powder was used as a germicide in the early 1900's. peat water was said to be astringent and antiseptic and event the air near peatlands was considered extremely healthful. peat moss helps to prevent infection and it has often been used as an absorbent dressing for wounds.