Natural Remedies - Healing with Medicinal Herbs
Usnea
Usnea, known as old man's beard, is not a plant but a lichen — a partnership of fungus and alga — that hangs in pale grey-green beards from the branches of old trees in clean, humid forests. Its key constituent, usnic acid, inhibits the growth of many bacteria, which earned usnea a firm place in folk medicine long before modern antibiotics.
Usnea grows only where the air is pure, so its presence in a forest is itself a sign of an unpolluted environment — and gathered material should always come from such places.
Use in Healing
Usnea is used chiefly for infections of the mouth, throat and upper airways: lozenges, gargles and tinctures soothe sore throats and hoarseness while restraining bacterial growth. The mucilage it contains coats and calms an irritated throat. Externally, powdered usnea or a diluted tincture serves as a traditional dressing for small wounds, grazes and fungal skin complaints.
Cultivation
Usnea cannot be cultivated; it grows extremely slowly on trees in unpolluted areas. Gather only small amounts from fallen branches, never stripping a tree bare, or buy prepared lozenges and tinctures.
Preparation and Dosage
For internal use
- Lozenges with usnea extract: dissolve slowly in the mouth according to the label
- Tincture: 10-20 drops in a little water up to three times daily for a few days at the first sign of a sore throat
- Gargle: 20 drops of tincture in half a glass of warm water, gargle several times daily
For external use
- Diluted tincture or cooled decoction as a wash for small wounds
Warnings
- Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Do not take internally in high doses or for prolonged periods — concentrated usnic acid can strain the liver
- Do not gather lichen near roads or industry, as it absorbs pollutants from the air
- See a doctor if a sore throat is severe, one-sided or accompanied by high fever
