A lichen that I was recently exploring is something that you might have never heard of before but it has great medicinal properties.
Usnea (Usnea longissimi) is also known as Old Man’s Beard.
It grows from bark of hardwood trees, found in moist or temperate forests and is anchored on one end of a branch. The great thing about Usnea is that it most likely grows and therefore can be foraged year round.
Identification
Usnea is identified mainly by its ability to stretch a bit when you pull one strand and also its white core. It is usually green colored and can take on many forms that can be seen on side branches. Some species are short and shrubby and a lot of the times the shape is cylindrical, not flat.
Medicinal Properties
Usnea is one of the best plants to have around for its medicinal properties. The whole lichen can be used to make a tea or a dual extracted tincture. Eating it raw may not be the best option since its taste is not the best.
The lichen contains sonic acid which is a strong anti fungal, antibacterial and antiviral.
Most of the time you will hear of Usnea being used for respiratory issues like bronchitis or pneumonia but its main use now is for its ability to fight off infections.
Remedies Using Usnea
Antibiotic of the forest
Supplies:
- Pot
- 10-12 oz glass jar with lid
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. of Usnea lichen (fresh or dried)
- 80-proof vodka (6-8 oz)
Directions:
- Gather around 2 oz. of Usnea lichen and chop it finely. If you can’t find Usnea while foraging, you can purchase it online.
- Place the finely chopped Usnea inside your pot. Cover it with water and bring it to a simmer, not a boil. On low heat, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 2-3 hours. After simmering, remove the pot from the stove and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
- Pour the entire mixture, including the Usnea decoction, into a 10-12 oz glass jar. This should be about 2 oz of your decoction plus the Usnea. Add 6-8 oz of 80-proof alcohol on top until the lichen material is covered by it. Shake well to combine.
- The water-to-alcohol ratio should be 1:3. For example, if you have 2 oz. of water decoction, you need about 6 oz. of alcohol. With both of them plus the Usnea, your 10 oz. mason jar should be full to the top.
- Cover the glass jar with a lid and label it with the name and date. Let the mixture extract for 6 to 8 weeks, shaking it daily to enhance extraction.
- After 6 to 8 weeks, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean tinted dropper bottle.
Dosing Instructions:
The dosage depends on the condition you’re addressing. A general guideline is 2-5 ml up to 3 times a day for an active infection, but not for more than 10 consecutive days. You can take the tincture as is for better absorption or add it to juices or teas. Consume it half an hour before a meal.
Poultice
One of the easiest ways to harness the antibiotic benefits of Usnea is by creating a simple poultice.
You will need:
· Fresh or dried Usnea
· A cloth
· Warm water
Instructions:
Simply crush or chop Usnea into smaller pieces and moisten it with warm water. Then, place it onto the affected area. Usnea’s antimicrobial and soothing properties will promote your body’s healing response.
Usnea Tea for Respiratory Ailments
If you have any respiratory issues, this is a great lichen to use as a tea to sip throughout the day.
Simply use about 2 tsp per cup of water.
You can diffuse the tea for about 10 min and add in honey for extra flavor.
Contraindications
If you are using this lichen then it is recommended that you do not use it for a long time in large doses.
Take it for the specific ailment for a duration you need it for and then stop.
It is also contraindicated during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
If you plan on harvesting Usnea, make sure you are not harvesting from a place that has been exposed to chemicals such as waste areas, roadways, industrial areas or where there might have been spray with pesticides. This is mainly because this lichen absorbs pollutants and toxins from the environment.
Final thoughts
Usnea can be found in many places and it is a great lichen to harvest year round. If you are unsure about harvesting your own then you can buy it from a reputable source.
It needs to be dual extracted if you are making a tincture of it but can also be used as a poultice or a tea.
If you have a special condition like pregnancy, breastfeeding or taking any meds, it’s best to discuss any supplements with your doctor.
I am here to help if you need an herbalist on your side. Reach out here for a free consultation if you need it.
I hope this helps you on the journey!
God bless you.
