Medicinal Plants : Usnea barbata

Name

Usnea

Biological Name

Usnea barbata

Other Names

Usnea, Old man’s beard

Parts Used

The Herb

Active Compounds

Usnic acid gives usnea its bitter taste and also acts as an antibiotic. Usnea also contains mucilage, which can be helpful in easing irritating coughs. Preliminary test-tube studies suggested an anticancer activity for usnic acid; however, this effect has not been sufficient to warrant further investigation.

History

Because of its bitter taste and ability to stimulate digestion, usnea was historically used to treat indigestion. It was also reportedly used over 3,000 years ago in ancient Egypt, Greece, and China to treat infections.

Remedies For

Useful for the treatment of:

Common Cold/Sore Throat
Cough
Infection

Description

Usnea is not a plant but a lichen—a symbiotic relationship between an algae and a fungus. The entire lichen is used. Usnea looks like long, fuzzy strings hanging from trees in North American and European forests, where it grows.

Dosage

Usnea, in capsule form, can be taken in the amount of 100 mg of the lichen three times per day.

Tincture can be taken in the amount of 3–4 ml three times per day.

Safety

There are no known side effects of usnea, and it has not been reported to interfere with the action of common medications. It is considered safe for use in children.

Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.