Usnea

Usnea, the lungs of the forest.

Usnea is a lichen (an algae fungus symbiotic combination) it’s antimicrobial, antibacterial, vulnerary and antifungal. Beyond herbal medicine it is the lungs of the forest it is fragile and is susceptible to air pollution, it only thrives in clean clear air conditions. Because it grows so slowly I only collect what has fallen much in the same way I collect Pinon resin. I will also note there a few different species of Usnea and the ones I have here are different looking from the ones in the pacific Northwest. They are every bit as effective. There are three types here, Usnea Hirta, Usnea Arizonica and Usnea Cirrosa. All have the typical Usnea trait of the stretchy white core when pulled apart.

It is known to help heal staph infections, heal wounds, respiratory issues, allergy symptoms, sore throat, fungal infections, urinary infections, sinus infections, vaginal infections, it can be used directly on the skin for sore mouth and throat, I have used it on wounds while out foraging in the woods.

The anti-microbial effects in Usnea are effective against “gram positive bacteria” such as Staphylococcus simulans and S. aureus (Staph) and Streptococcus (Strep). Basically, it kills the unwanted pathogens but here is the thing I love about it, it does it without wiping out our healthy gut flora. As an antiviral it kills viruses that live within the cells. Usnea has a special way of eradicating infection throughout the mucus membranes like nothing else. As an anti-fungal Usnea works both internally and externally to kill the unwanted fungus such as dandruff, ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch, candida and yeast infections.

Usnea is cooling and has a slightly bitter taste. It’s often used when there are signs of heat, inflammation, and infection, which can include redness, pain, and itchiness. Usnea has a special affinity for the lungs, just looking at it makes you think of the internal workings of the lungs it has that same affinity for the urinary tract. It makes a beautiful immune system tonic taken as a tea or tincture or as a salve topically for wound healing, bacterial, viral and fungal infections or powdered as a wound disinfectant. It's a very important part of my herbal apothecary and something that I am never without :)