Usnea (Usnea barbata)

Common name: Old man’s beard

Parts used and where grown: Usnea, also known as old man’s beard, 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.

In what conditions might usnea be supportive?

• common cold/sore throat

• cough

• infection

Historical or traditional use: 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.¹

Active constituents: Usnic acid gives usnea its bitter taste and also acts as an antibiotic.² 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.³

How much should I take? 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.

Are there any side effects or interactions? 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.

References:

1. Tilford GL. Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West. Missoula, MT: Mountain Press Publishing Company, 1997, 148–49.
2. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, UK: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd., 1988, 49.
3. Evans WC. Trease and Evans’ Pharmacognosy, 13th ed. London: Baillière Tindall, 1989, 643.

 

Copyright © 1998 Virtual Health, LLC

The information presented in HealthNotes Online is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your physician, nutritionally-oriented health care practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.