This Weird-Looking Plant Is The Forest's Best Kept Secret, And My House Will Never Be Without It

Usnea is a lichen with a long history of medical usage, and if you don't know what it is or what it looks like, it's probably been hiding in plain sight. Because of its bushy, hair-like appearance, it is also popularly referred to as "old man's beard." It grows best in damp, shady places like coastal forests or forests near a freshwater source.

UsneaPhoto byRichelleg

The secret to usnea's healing is usnic acid. It is used to inhibit the growth of several viruses, fungi, and bacteria, both internally and externally. Usnea is the one thing I will never be without in my medicinal cabinet. It clears the chest like mullein, provides wound care like plantain, and heals like self-heal. A true MVP in herbal remedies!

Usnea: What is it?

Usnea, a lichen, is a hybrid of fungus and algae that primarily grows on trees but can also occur on rocks. It usually creates tangled, hair-like structures that range in color from grayish-green to yellowish-green; they can resemble moss hanging from tree branches.

When the lichen is torn, a white, string-like core is visible, giving it a look similar to coral. One important characteristic that sets it apart from other lichens is that core. Dried moss hanging from trees is not what you want to confuse with Usnea.

Yellow usneaPhoto byRichelleg

Usnea's Historical Uses

For millennia, usnea has been utilized for its therapeutic benefits across numerous civilizations. Indigenous peoples in North America, Europe, and Asia use uzena as a traditional medicine to treat a variety of illnesses. People also ate usnea, drying it and turning it into a sort of flour.

The lichen's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulating qualities lend it a wide range of therapeutic applications. Actually, usnea is one of those multifunctional herbal remedies that has been promoted as a "c" treatment as well as a weight-loss aid. It's primary function as an antibiotic to combat infection is what makes it an invaluable addition to your medical cabinet.

Usnea has also been used to heal wounds, skin diseases, and respiratory infections. There was a lot of interest in lichens and their therapeutic qualities following the successful discovery and application of penicillin during World War II, and it's a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Also, usnea is said to have been the earliest type of tinsel used in Northern Europe to adorn Christmas trees.

Powerhouse usneaPhoto byRichelleg

Speaking of trees, if you have an area where usnea grows and it starts to disappear, you can bet the air pollution is growing in that area to unhealthy levels.

Methods of Using Usnea

Depending on the ailment being treated as well as personal preference, usnea can be prepared and utilized in different ways. The following techniques can be used to prepare and use usnea:

Tea: Making tea is probably the easiest way to benefit from Usnea. Additionally, it can be used to ease sore throats. By adding a small amount of raw honey to the tea to sweeten it, you can add another dose of antimicrobials.

Tincture: Tinctures are an excellent way to temporarily strengthen your immune system and make shelf stable treatments. They are available online if you are unable to make your own. To dose, always check the amount of usnea in the tincture.

Usnea salve: Applied topically to wounds, infections, and skin irritations. The salve can be prepared in advance and stored for quick injury treatment.

Usnea salvePhoto byRichelleg

Poultice: A poultice consists of usnea, either fresh or dried, pounded into a fine powder and mixed with just enough water to form a paste, then wrapped. Wounds that are closed or open can be treated using a poultice.

Powder: The most shelf-stable, this can be used for any of the treatments described above.

Watch out for adverse effects, just like with any medication, whether it's Western or plant-based. Liver issues can arise from prolonged usage of high dosages of usnea internally. This is not intended to be a daily supplement, only a herbal treatment. Always talk to your doctor before starting any treatment, herbal or otherwise.

Usnea tincturePhoto byRichelleg

Usnea Tincture Recipe

Ingredients

• Usnea
• 100-proof Vodka
• Filtered water

Directions

• Using a knife or pair of clippers, chop usnea into small pieces.
• Put it in a clean jar.
• Cover the plant materials with a layer of 100 proof vodka.
• Close the jar and keep it somewhere cool and dark for at least two weeks.
• Twice day, give it a shake.
• Put the date, amount of alcohol used, location of the plant collection, and any other information on the jar's label.
• Take one full dropper 2-4 times day to combat infections or viruses.

Usnea tincturePhoto byRichelleg

Citations:

Usnea: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions. (2021, June 11). RxList. https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/usnea.htm#:~:text=Usnea%20is%20used%20for%20weight,referred%20to%20as%20tree%20moss.

Gardiner, B. (2024, May 22). Usnea Tincture Recipe: Natural Cold-Fighting Power - The Outdoor Apothecary. The Outdoor Apothecary. https://www.outdoorapothecary.com/usnea-tincture-recipe/

USNEA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews. (n.d.-b). https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-694/usnea