Condition
Treatment Support
antibacterial, antifungal, immune stimulant
Application
tincture, tea
Usnea
(Usnea spp.)
Also know as Old Man's Beard
Botanical Information
A lichen which hangs in gray-green strands from pines, oaks, fir, and assorted fruit trees throughout the northern hemisphere. Lichens are unique organisms formed by an association between a green algae and a fungus.
Working with Usnea
Part(s) Used
Thallus
Herb Forms
Tincture, bulk herb.
Usnea is a common lichen known as the "herbal antibiotic." In laboratory trials it has shown powerful inhibitory activity against strep, staph, and pneumonia infections. It is often useful for any bacterial infection of the urinary or respiratory tracts. In Chinese medicine usnea is used for headache, eye irritation, cough, and leukorrea.
Usnea has a taste of ACRID, BITTER and a temperature of COOL.
Cautions
Large doses can cause gastrointestinal irritation.
Conditions treated with Usnea
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
cooling expectorant
Application
tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
antibacterial
Application
tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
antibacterial, immune stimulant
Application
tincture externally
Condition
Treatment Support
urinary antiseptic, immune modulator
Application
tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
heat-clearing, antibiotic
Application
tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
heat-clearing
Application
tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
antibacterial
Application
tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
antibacterial
Application
salve, cream, tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
antibacteral
Application
tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
antibacterial
Application
tincture
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
