The Benefits Of Old Mans Beard - Usnea Barbata
Other Common Names:Usnea barbata
Range: North American, Asia and Europe
Habitat: Hanging from trees in forests.
Usnea is not a plant but a lichen?a symbiotic relationship (a
combination of two organisms which live together intimately) between an
algae and a fungus. Because of its bitter taste and ability to
stimulate digestion, usnea was historically used to treat indigestion.
Many species of usnea are used medicinally, including U. hirta, U.
barbata, U. florida, U. longissima and U. dasypoga. The herb's use
dates back to ancient Egypt, Greece and China where it was called
Sun-lo and was used to cool an overheated system and treat surface
infections. The Formulary of Al-kindi, circa A.D. 850, even documents
the use of usnea.
Usnic acid gives usnea its bitter taste and also acts as an
antibiotic. It is used in treating colds, flu, and bronchitis. Usnea is
good for respiratory, urinary tract, sinus, and lung infections
including staphylococcus and streptococcus and pneumonococcus. It is an
anti-fungal useful in treating athlete's foot, vaginal infections and
candida.
Herbal antimicrobials work in much the same way as their drug
counterparts do--by destroying or preventing the growth of
micro-organisms. Even so, other herbs are usually prescribed in
conjunction to perform a variety of functions, including strengthening
mucous membranes where infections tend to enter the body; improving the
condition and quantity of mucus produced; encouraging a mildly elevated
temperature to fight the microbes; enhancing immune function; and
increasing expectoration--all of which amplify the healing process.
Traditional uses of usnea include dusting the powdered herb directly
onto open or infected wounds, making strong decoctions, and tincturing
the herb in alcohol. The salve form is also effective. Usnic acid is
poorly water soluble, so ethyl alcohol is used to produce a tincture. A
1:3 dilution in 70 percent alcohol is standard, and the adult dose is 3
ml three times daily, or more in acute cases.
Other Common Names:Usnea barbata
Range: North American, Asia and Europe
Habitat: Hanging from trees in forests.
Usnea is not a plant but a lichen?a symbiotic relationship (a
combination of two organisms which live together intimately) between an
algae and a fungus. Because of its bitter taste and ability to
stimulate digestion, usnea was historically used to treat indigestion.
Many species of usnea are used medicinally, including U. hirta, U.
barbata, U. florida, U. longissima and U. dasypoga. The herb's use
dates back to ancient Egypt, Greece and China where it was called
Sun-lo and was used to cool an overheated system and treat surface
infections. The Formulary of Al-kindi, circa A.D. 850, even documents
the use of usnea.
Usnic acid gives usnea its bitter taste and also acts as an
antibiotic. It is used in treating colds, flu, and bronchitis. Usnea is
good for respiratory, urinary tract, sinus, and lung infections
including staphylococcus and streptococcus and pneumonococcus. It is an
anti-fungal useful in treating athlete's foot, vaginal infections and
candida.
Herbal antimicrobials work in much the same way as their drug
counterparts do--by destroying or preventing the growth of
micro-organisms. Even so, other herbs are usually prescribed in
conjunction to perform a variety of functions, including strengthening
mucous membranes where infections tend to enter the body; improving the
condition and quantity of mucus produced; encouraging a mildly elevated
temperature to fight the microbes; enhancing immune function; and
increasing expectoration--all of which amplify the healing process.
Traditional uses of usnea include dusting the powdered herb directly
onto open or infected wounds, making strong decoctions, and tincturing
the herb in alcohol. The salve form is also effective. Usnic acid is
poorly water soluble, so ethyl alcohol is used to produce a tincture. A
1:3 dilution in 70 percent alcohol is standard, and the adult dose is 3
ml three times daily, or more in acute cases.
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