Foraging For Usnea (Lichen)
There are around 600 or so species of Usnea lichen growing all over the world many of which share the same medicinal qualities. Colloquially known as ‘Old Man’s Beard’, Usnea is a very slow-growing plant formed by the symbiotic relationship between a lichen and a fungus, and only grows where the air is clean, hence it’s often called the ‘lungs of the forest’. Rich in polyphenols, polysaccharides and usnic acid, Usnea happens to be a very effective natural antibiotic. It is bitter tasting, cooling and drying in its action.
- It can be used to treat colds or the flu and is said to have a special affinity for the lungs and the urinary tract.
- Successfully treats a wide range of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Bacillus infections, both internally and externally. It’s said to be even more effective for Staph and Strep conditions than Echinacea.
- Research has shown it exhibits strong, anti-growth activity in cancer cells by promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death).
- When applied externally to minor cuts and grazes it heals them in record time. I have personal experience of its amazing ability to heal cuts after accidently wounding myself whilst breaking down sticks for the fire. I somehow slipped and fell, slicing myself on the way down. When I got home I dabbed on some Usnea tincture I had made. After about 3 days of Usnea tincture the wound looked more like it was 3 weeks old, nevermind 3 days. In about a week it had healed over completely and there wasn’t even really a scar, just nice new pink skin.
- It’s a powerful immune system tonic that can be used in acute and chronic situations, like chronic fatigue, HIV and herpes,
- Beneficial for yeast infections, bronchitis, kidney and bladder infections, trichonomosas, bacterial vaginosis and chlamydia.
* PLEASE NOTE:
Usnea is often confused with other lichens such as Reindeer Moss (which is a valuable wild food and medicinal in its own right), Strap Lichen or Oak Moss, which are non-toxic. However, it has another lookalike called Wolf Lichen which IS considered somewhat toxic, but it’s a brighter green colour, and not very common. Still though, as always, please exercise caution when harvesting from nature.
