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Usnea, commonly known as “old man's beard” due to its bushy, hair-like appearance, is a lichen with a long history of medicinal use. It thrives in cool, moist environments. If you don’t live in an area where Usnea grows wild, this is one of those things you’ll want to buy at a health food store and keep on hand.
What is Usnea?
Usnea is a lichen, meaning it’s a combination of algae and fungus that grows mostly on trees and sometimes rocks. It typically forms tangled, grayish-green to yellowish-green hair-like structures that can resemble a beard or moss hanging from tree branches. It is prevalent in forests along the Pacific Coast and in Alaska.
If you’ve ever been hiking in these areas, you’ve probably walked right by this stuff. It has a coral-like appearance with a white, string-like core that can be seen when the lichen is broken. This core is a key feature distinguishing it from other lichens. You don’t want to confuse Usnea with dried moss that hangs from trees.
This article provides details about how to distinguish Usnea from the many other lichens that grow in the wild.
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Historical Uses of Usnea
Usnea has been used for centuries in various cultures for its medicinal properties. Indigenous peoples in North America, Europe, and Asia have traditionally used usnea to treat a range of ailments.
The lichen has a broad range of medicinal uses because has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. Usnea is really one of those multi-purpose natural medicines that has been touted as everything from a weight-loss aid to a cancer treatment.
Most importantly, it is used as an antibiotic to fight infection which is what makes it a valuable asset to your medicine chest. An infection can quickly go from something minor to something life-threatening.
- Traditional Medicine: In traditional Chinese medicine, usnea has been used to treat respiratory infections, skin conditions, and wounds. Native Americans also utilized usnea for its antibacterial and antifungal effects, often applying it to wounds or using it as a poultice to promote healing for wounds.
- European Herbal Medicine: In European herbal traditions, usnea was used to treat infections including respiratory illnesses. It was also used in poultices and salves.
Medicinal Properties of Usnea
Usnic acid is the key to Usnea’s effectiveness. It has been used to stop the growth of various bacteria, fungi, and viruses. But that’s not all it does. It is the combination of medicinal properties that make it a top choice to have in your plant-based first aid kit.
1. Antimicrobial qualities: Usnea’s antimicrobial properties make it effective against a range of pathogens. It is a useful remedy for treating infections and preventing the growth of harmful microorganisms. This is the antibiotic effect.
2. Anti-inflammatory effects: Usnea has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and pain externally and internally. A wound will often be inflamed which can make it more painful. An usnea poultice can treat the infection and the swelling. This also make usnea a good option for those suffering arthritis or sprains that cause swelling.
3. Immune support: In cold and flu season, usnea can help boost the immune system and fight off viruses.
4. Pain reliever: While it’s reducing swelling or fighting infection, it is also acting as an analgesic. It’s a natural ibuprofen.
5. Heart health: It has also been proven to help reduce atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries. It can also help regulate cholesterol and control high blood pressure issues.
6. Anti-fungal: Usnea is used to fight fungal issues like ringworm and yeast infections through a topical application.
7. Urinary Tract Infection treatment: A UTI is painful and dangerous if not treated. Usnea is an effective cure.
8. Cancer Preventer: As with every other plant high in antioxidants, it is believed usnea can help prevent some cancers by inhibiting cancer cell growth. There are several studies to back up these claims.
Ways to Use Usnea
Usnea can be prepared and used in various ways, depending on the condition being treated and personal preference. Here are some methods for preparing and using usnea:
- Tea: Usnea tea is a simple and effective way to get the medicinal properties internally. You can also use tea to make a compress to apply to an injury. It can also be used to soothe a sore throat. Adding a little raw honey to sweeten the tea provides another dose of an antibacterial.
- Tincture: Tinctures are concentrated liquids made from extracting the qualities from the usnea. This article describes how to make your own tincture. Tinctures are great for temporary use to boost your immune system. If you can’t make your own, they are available online. Always look at the concentration of usnea in the tincture to determine dosage.
- Salve: Usnea salve is used topically for wounds, skin irritations, and infections. This is a great salve recipe made with usnea. You can make the salve ahead of time and keep it on hand to immediately treat injuries.
- Poultice: A poultice is generally nothing more than usnea, fresh or dry, ground into a fine powder with just enough water to make it a paste. A poultice can be applied to open or closed wounds. This article explains what a poultice is and how to use it.
- Powder: Keeping usnea powder on hand is your best option. If you can make your own, great, but if you can’t harvest fresh usnea, buy it in powder form to use in a poultice, tea or salve recipe.
As with all Western or plant-base medicines, you need to watch for side effects. High doses of usnea taken over a long period of time can cause liver problems. It’s not meant to be taken daily for weeks or months at a time. Some people might experience a rash when used topically.
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