Usnea - Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

Usnea, often referred to as old man's beard, is a kind of lichen that can be found growing on trees, bushes, rocks, and soil all over the world in temperate and humid conditions.

Traditional medicine has traditionally utilised it. In traditional medicine, it is recognised as a therapy for wounds and inflammation of the mouth and throat. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates is thought to have used it to treat bladder illnesses.

Usnea is frequently used nowadays to promote weight loss, treat sore throats, quicken the healing of wounds, and lessen discomfort and fever. Some even speculate that it might aid in the battle against specific cancers.

What is Usnea?

Usnea is a type of lichen, which is a combination of fungus and algae that grows on host trees all over the world. Usnea species are plant bodies that can be grey, white, red, or black and are used to manufacture herbal medicine supplements.

These species belong to the Parmeliaceae plant family, which includes the genus of trees on which they are found. These trees often flourish in humid, cool temperatures like those found in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.

According to various classification schemes used in various nations, there are thought to be between 40 and 80 species of usnea.

Is usnea a food? Yes, although normally it isn't consumed in plant form.

Usnea, on the other hand, is applied topically to the skin or the interior of the mouth or taken internally as a liquid extract. Herbal tea can also be made using it.

Health benefits of Usnea:

1. Antibacterial

Usnea is well known for its capacity to kill microorganisms. According to research, lichen kills germs, especially those that are prevalent in the digestive system. According to other research, it is actually quite advantageous to people because it does not necessarily kill all germs and may even leave the bacteria that are good for the digestive tract untouched. Several gramme positive bacterial infections can be successfully treated with usnea. Staph is one of the bacteria that it efficiently combats (Staphylococcus simulans and S. Aureus). Streptococcus is also affected by it. It is an excellent approach to get rid of germs without affecting the helpful bacteria because it exclusively kills gramme positive bacteria.

2. Antiviral bacteria

Viruses are extremely difficult to eradicate once they have attacked since, as we all know, they are minuscule and reside inside of cells. Usnea has this additional medicinal advantage. Regular use of the herb aids in the removal of several viruses from the body. It aids in the removal of viruses from the lungs' and bronchial area's.

3. Antifungal

Usnea is very helpful in eradicating fungal diseases. Research has shown that usnea can successfully treat a variety of fungal infections, including Candida species. Depending on availability and preference, the plant can be applied topically or orally for antifungal purposes.

4. Heal Injuries

Usnea is an excellent option for wounds. It is a potent antibacterial herb, as we have seen. Usnea herb can be applied to wounds to cure or prevent infection. Additionally, it has the capacity to speed up the healing of wounds. Try using usnea as a salve if the wound is not infected or as a powdered herb if it is.