Usnea Herb Profile
Also known as- Usnea longissima and Usnea barbata, Old Man's Beard, Beard Moss, and Tree Moss.
Introduction
The oddly named usnea isn't a plant at all, but actually it is a lichen, which is a combination of algae and fungi functioning as a single organism. Usnea grows on old trees in cool, damp forests, most commonly found in the pacific Northwest which provides most of the nations supply. Contrary to popular belief, Usnea is incredibly abundant and has the potential of devastating entire forests because of its parasitic nature. The various species of usnea are hard to distinguish, but have equivalent uses in herbal medicine.
Constituents
Usnic acid, essential fatty acids, and sterols.
Parts Used
The dried thallus or lichen strands of collected plants.
Typical Preparations
Usually used to make cough and cold lozenges. Can be consumed as a tea and in extract form. externally as a compress or poultice.
Summary
The tiny Usnea spores can't survive if other microbial life attacks its host tree, so it produces a variety of antibacterial compounds to secure its food supply. These compounds are also active against the bacteria and yeasts that can cause sore nose and throat.
Precautions
None.
