USNEA

Latin Name: Usnea barbata

Alternate Names: Old Man's Beard, Sun Lo (Chinese)

Family: PARNELIACEAE

Parts Used: Lichen.

Properties: Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antitumor, Immune Stimulant.

Internal Uses: Bacterial Infection, Bronchitis, Candida, Colds, Cystitis, Diarrhea, Dysentery, Flu, Gonorrhea, Hemorrhage, Impetigo, Lupus, Mastitis, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sinusitis, Staphylococcus, Strep Throat, Trichomonas, Tuberculosis, Urethritis

Internal Applications: Tincture, Capsules. Not very water-soluble.

Usnea is showing activity superior to penicillin in treatment of Streptococcus and Pneumococcus.

Topical Uses: Bleeding, Impetigo, Sinusitis, Trichomonas

Topical Applications: Apply diluted tincture to impetigo. Nasal spray for sinus infections. Douche for Trichomonas. Poultice to stop bleeding and prevent infection.

Energetics: Bitter, Cool.

Chemical Constituents: Usnic acid, lichen acids, polysaccharides.

Contraindications: There is an Usnea look-alike which does not have the same properties. It lacks an inner core and is not veined. Always dilute tincture of Usnea in water before ingesting, as it can be irritating to the gastro-intestinal tract.

Comments: Usnea is a lichen that grows on Apple, Douglas Fir, Oak and Pine trees. Unlike many other antibiotics, Usnea does not kill friendly intestinal flora.

The common name Usnea includes the species Usnea bayle, Usnea californica, Usnea ceratine, Usnea dasypoga, Usnea florida, Usnea lobata, and Usnea longissima (used in China), which are used interchangeably with Usnea barbata.