Usnea is a lichen, or a symbiotic combination of algae and fungi, that has been used for thousands of years in Chinese, Greek and Egyptian medicine to treat a variety of health conditions. Usnea's medicinal use continues today, but human studies to confirm its effectiveness for any condition are lacking. Therefore, consult your physician before taking usnea for medicinal purposes.
Identification and Dosing
Usnea is also called old man's beard because it grows like long fuzzy strings hanging from trees, appearing much like a beard. The entire lichen is used medicinally. There are no official dosing recommendations for usnea. However, according to HolisticOnline.com, typical doses of usnea tincture are 3 to 4 mL taken three times daily. Usnea in capsule form is taken in doses of 100 mg three times a day.
Uses
Usnea is used for treating lung and upper respiratory infections such as the common cold, sore throat and cough, and as an antibacterial for the mouth to promote oral hygiene. Usnea tincture and liquid extract are used to treat infection of the lymph nodes associated with tuberculosis. Some use it for alleviating indigestion. Usnea is also applied on the skin to treat superficial infections and ulcers.
Effectiveness
There is not enough scientific information to confirm the effectiveness of usnea for any health condition. Usnea contains a mucilage that may be beneficial for relieving cough, but this effect has not been investigated in human trials, explains the Blue Shield Complementary and Alternative Health website.
Considerations
Usnea is generally safe when taken orally or applied on the skin. However, usnic acid, which is a chemical in usnea, may cause liver injury and only preparations of homeopathic usnea should be used, warns Wellness.com. Also, usnea can cause allergic reactions when used on the skin. Usnea should not be taken during pregnancy or lactation due to the lack of safety information for usnea in these conditions.
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