Respiratory Herbs: Usnea, Lungs of the Forest (2024)

Usnea has a great affinity for the respiratory system, as well as being a profound infection fighter for the whole body.

Usnea (Usnea sp.)

Energetic: cool, dry

Therapeutic Actions: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparastic, analgesic, astringent, styptic, tonic, vulnerary

Sometimes when you are researching the uses for a particular herb, its common or Latin names and associated terms point definitively to its actions or organ affinities. Usnea is referred to as the “lungs or the forest”. Perhaps it is no surprise then that this stretchy lichen has profound action on the respiratory system. Living in the temperate and green Pacific Northwest, itis not hard to spot throughout our mixed forests, sometimes as little tufts nestled in nooks of bark or even hanging in long, copious strands from overhead limbs. Bountiful and useful, this herbhas an ever present place in my home apothecary.

Usnea Medicinal Benefits

Although usnea is also considered a tonic, this lichen is an infection fighter, plain and simple. Unlike most modern antibiotics which disrupt the structure of a cell, this lichenprevents the metabolism of gram positive bacteria such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is particularly effective forhot, irritable, wet coughs.

Beyond the herb’s action on the respiratory system, itis often used to address acute complaints of the kidney, bladder and urinary tract. As an antifungal and antiparastitic, it can be used when candida overgrowth (yeast infections) or Trichom*onas are a concern. Applied externally, itcan help prevent infection and accelerate wound closure, and may even be effective against the bacteria that cause acne. A powerful drawer of toxins, the herb can also be used for bites, stings and other similarly infected wounds.

Usnea Safety Considerations

Usnea is generally considered safe, even for long term use at appropriate dosage. There were some reports of liver toxicity issues with a weight loss product in the early 2000’s which contained usnic acid (a constituent of usnea). However, the issues were most likely caused by the formulation which contained this and other questionable components in high amounts and overuse/abuse of the supplement (this was a “miracle” weight loss pill after all — always questionable in the first place). Yet another case for whole herb use.

FDA Disclosure

I am a trained herbalist with a degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, I am not, however, a doctor. Posts in this blog are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Before using any herbs, check for appropriate dosage, drug interactions, and contraindications. Information contained herein is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prescribe. Please consult your primary care physician regarding your specific health concerns.

Usnea Identification

There are many species of usnea, all characterized by a stretchy internal “filament” or stem. One can take a strand of the yellowish-green to gray grey lichen and pull away at the outer coating (cortex) to reveal a whitish, elastic cord. Beware of look-alike lichens that do not have this whitish core, or have black cores – these are not usnea. Some desirable species tend to grow in small, hanging tufts only a few inches long, while some grow feet, if not yards, long. In the PNW, we have both U. wirthii (tufts) and U. longissima (long chains). As the name longissima implies, this particular species can grow feet to yards long and is particular satisfying to find and forage for. It is important to harvest the lichenfrom pristine areas, as its unique aerial habitat would make it prone to absorption of environmental pollutants. Although usnea prefers damper environments, it can be found throughout North America. It is often found in the limbs of an open forest, along the edges of wooded areas, and is a prime candidate for “windfall foraging” after a storm.

Common names include Old Man’s Beard, Blood Spattered Beard (um, yikes), beard moss (not a moss), and beard lichen.

Usnea Tincture & Other Uses

Usnea has a number of uses. It can be pulverized and applied to wounds as a herbal first aid poultice. It could also be simmered and drank like a tea, but I don’t find it particularly tasty. Thisis an herb best used fresh, either infused into oil or tinctured in high proof alcohol. I infused the licheninto the oils for this lotion.

Medicinally, I prefer usnea in tincture form. The outer cortex, containing most of the antibacterial and antifungal properties of the lichen, is alcohol soluble; the internal cord is associated with its more tonic, immune boosting aspects. A high proof spirit (like 95%) is preferred for the extraction here, however I have had very good luck using a lower proof alcohol and allowing the lichen to tincture for several months (rather than weeks).

The resulting tincture can be used to address acute complaints, specifically of the respiratory and urinary systems, or used long term as a tonic.

Interested in learning more about usnea and 49 other common wild medicinal plants? Check out my new bookThe Backyard Herbal Apothecary!

How to Make Usnea Tincture

References:

MacKinnon, A., Pojar, J., & Alaback, P. B. (2004). Plants of the Pacific Northwest coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska. Vancouver: Lone Pine Pub.

Rogers, R. D. (2011). The fungal pharmacy: the complete guide to medicinal mushrooms and lichens of North America. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.

Wood, M., & Ryan, D. (2016). The earthwise herbal repertory: the definitive practitioner’s guide. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.

Susun Weed. www.susunweed.com

Subhuti Dharmananda, Institute for Traditional Medicine. http://www.itmonline.org/arts/usnea.htm

HerbNet.com.http://www.herbnet.com/