Usnea

Usnea spp (U. barbata, U. californica, U. longissima)

Usnea

A lichen is an organism that has characteristics of a Fungus and and Algae. There are several species of Usnea growing from various species of trees especially in the moist, cool, forests of the Pacific Northwest. It resembles Spanish Moss and hangs from tree limbs looking like a beard; hence one of the common names, Old Man’s Beard. Usnea has been used in traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years and also has a long tradition of use in Western Botanical medicine.

What is Usnea Used For?

In Traditional Chinese Herbals, Usnea Lichen is known for its “cooling and drying” energetic properties and its ability to “clear heat, move damp, and resolve toxicity”. In modern terms we know that Usnea contains a chemical called Usnic Acid, which is often included as an ingredient in creams, powders, toothpastes, mouthwash, deodorants, hair shampoos and sunscreen products. Usnic Acid is used as an active principle or as a preservative in these applications. In herbal practice Usnea Lichen is traditionally prepared as a alcohol tincture or extract. It is used to promote excretion within the kidneys and the urinary tract, which supports a healthy immune response in the respiratory tract and mucous membranes, healthy functions of the urinary system, and maintains a healthy microbial balance within the Urinary System.