Usnea spp
Monograph
- Plant Family:
- Parmeliaceae, or lichen family [1]
- Habitat & Cultivation:
- Easily identifiable by its “hair-like” appearance, it is commonly referred to as “old-man’s beard.” Usnea is a lichen, which is a combination of fungi and algae that have grown together in a symbiotic partnership. Like all lichens, Usnea is not technically a plant. It does not have roots, stems or leaves, and the chloroplasts are only found in the algal component of the organism. Usnea is not only a symbiotic partnership itself, but it also serves to support the health of the tree that it grows on, increasing surface area for water absorption as well as serving as an immune apparatus for the plant. This plant absorbs toxic pollutants, and it disappears when air pollution becomes too intense. Areas where Usnea has disappeared indicate human impact on the ecosystem. [1]
- Parts Used:
- Whole plant [2]
- Herbal Actions:
- Immune stimulating
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Antiparasitic
- Antiviral
- Analgesic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Antineoplastic
- Antimitotic
- Antiprotozoal
- Antiseptic
- Antiproliferative
- Inhibitor of biofilm formation
- Synergistic with clindamycin tx (H. pylori) [1]
- Indications:
- Gram-positive skin infections
- Vaginal infections
- GI tract infections
- Throat infections
- Fungal skin infections
- Resistant bronchial and pulmonary infections
- TB
- Conjunctivitis
- Superficial skin wounds [1]
- Plant Constituents:
- Lichen acids (usnic acid and derivatives, diffractaic acid), polysaccharides, mucilage, anthraquinones (endocrocin), fatty acids (oleic, linolenic, arachadonic), all essential amino acids, vitamins, carotene. [2]
- System Affinities:
- Respiratory, immune, genitourinary [2]
- Energetics:
- Cooling, drying, clearing, rough, mobile [3]
- Safety:
- Usnea may cause atopic dermatitis when used externally. [2]
- Interactions:
- None known. [2]
Personal
Experience
- Organoleptics:
- Usnea is a beautiful plant - the tendrils are pale seafoam green, and the smell is earthy, warm, and sweet. It almost smells like a kitten's fur. The dry herb is citrusy-testing, and it has a warming, metallic feel on my tongue.
- Preparation Method:
- Tea: Combine 1 tsp herb with 6 oz hot water
- Usnea is only partially water solube - grind the herb and pour alcohol over it, just enough to cover, and let sit for 30-60 mins, then add hot water and steep for 15-30 mins (Buhner, p.200).
- Drink up to 1 quart per day for an acute infection
- Tincture: 30-60 drops; up to 4x/day. Acute condition increase to ½-1 tsp, 3-6 x /day. Dilute in water for topical wash or nasal spray.
- Wound Powder: Run the dry herb through a mesh or strainer
- Usage Notes:
- I used the alcohol extraction method to make tea. It was hard to distinguish a specific Usnea taste - the taste of the brandy I used was pretty overpowering. However, I did get some of the bright, citrus undertones coming through. I didn't notice much difference in how I felt, but I'm going to keep this one in mind the next time I have an acute infection!
Sources:
- Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Week 8 Study Questions. Bastyr University: WI-18_MW5122-A Botanicals 2: Postpartum.
- Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
- Frawley, D. & Lad, V. (2001). The Yoga of Herbs. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press.