The Wild Wisdom of Usnea

Usnea, also called Old Man’s Beard, is a lichen that grows in the Pacific Northwest as well as other locales around the United States, specifically on the West Coast, Great Lakes, and Northeast. Usnea thrives on pine species although can be found on other tree species as well, both evergreen and deciduous. What is interesting and somewhat unique about Usnea is its ability to affect gram positive bacteria*. Gram positive bacteria, such as streptococcus and staphylococcus, are typically bacterial infections that require antibiotics.

Usnea is a not a species but rather a genus of beard lichens, all of which carry similar attributes. Lichens are actually quite interesting. They are neither an alga (singular of algae) or a fungus. Instead, they are a complex organism representing the symbiotic relationship between algae and fungi. The fungus part of the organism helps to keep the organism affixed to the tree as well as providing structure for the algae to live in and needed water. The alga part of the organism provides photosynthesis for food, something that fungi cannot do. Lichens do not harm the trees which are their hosts. Usnea is also called by many to the lungs of the forest. For two reasons: firstly, Usnea resembles the inner structure of a lung with its many branches and secondly, Usnea thrives only where the air is cleanest.

To the casual observer, Usnea may resemble a moss and many people confuse the two. Yes, both moss and Usnea can often be observed sharing a contact point on a tree branch. In fact, the word “usnea” comes from the Arabic word for moss: ushnah. Mosses are a member of the Kingdom Plantae. With the symbiotic relationship, lichens are members of both Kingdom Fungi as well as either Kingdom Protista or Monera, depending on the lichen. Moss and lichens are often found in the same environment. Below is a picture of both windfall usnea and moss in Mossygoat Farm’s native Oregon oak grove. When wildcrafting at Mossygoat Farm, it is paramount that we only harvest Usnea that is freshly wind fallen. The winter wind always brings Usnea laden tree branches to the terra firma. Usnea is very slow growing. This wildcrafting practice of only harvesting Usnea from a freshly fallen boughs ensures long term foraging sustainability.

Usnea Salve*

A salve is a topical product consisting of herb infused oil, beeswax, and optional essential oils. Usnea is a powerful anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Usnea salve is useful for fungal infections of the skin as well as guarding against and preventing infection in wounds.

There is no typical salve dosage. Apply a salve as needed but remember that a little salve goes a long way. Applying the salve one to four times daily to affected areas is appropriate. Wild Wisdom Botanicals Salves are made with all natural ingredients and no chemical stabilizers. Our all natural and organic salves have a shelf-life of about one year stored in a cool location. They tend to melt into a liquid at high room temperatures which is why storing in a cool location is recommended.

Usnea Tincture*

What is a tincture and what is Usnea tincture used for? Glad you asked. Tinctures are very strong herbal extracts made by infusing herbs (or lichen) in alcohol. Some tinctures are not recommended during pregnancy or lactation and may cause allergies although usnea is generally considered safe for pregnant and lactating woman. Usnea tincture has the most strength when prepared as a double extract utilizing both alcohol and heat to draw out the healing properties. Usnea tincture is well known for being anti-viral, antibiotic, and anti-fungal. Usnea tincture is also commonly used for treating infections in the respiratory and urinary systems as well as strengthening these systems.

Tinctures are best taken under the tongue but due to their strong taste they also may be diluted in water, juice, or honey. Wild Wisdom Botanicals Usnea tincture is made with a double extraction process that uses both high proof alcohol and heat. To best extract the beneficial properties of Usnea, a higher proof alcohol is needed than what is used for many herbs. Usnea is not used as a preventative, but rather to treat symptoms. The typical dose is 10-20 drops three times a day for a minimum of ten days.

Usnea Around the Web

Foraging Usnea Sustainably (+uses & recipes!) by Unruly Gardening

Usnea by Kiva Rose

Respiratory Herbs: Usnea, Lungs of the Forest by Nitty Gritty Life

Foraging for Usnea by Golden Vista Farm

Are you interested in working with the wild wisdom that each plant has to offer? Check out our collection of Wild Wisdom Botanicals at the Mossygoat Farm store. All plants used to make Wild Wisdom Botanicals are lovingly grown or sustainably foraged on our wild, happy farm.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This content is provided by informational and/or educational purposes only. This content is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, and you should not accept it as such. If you need medical advice, evaluation, consulting, then you must seek help by a qualified physician or health care provider in your area. Do not ignore or delay your physician’s advice based on something you read on our site. Although every effort is made to ensure that this information is correct, use this information at your own risk.