Usnea
Other Names : Usnea sp., Usnea lichen, old man's beard, Blood Spattered Beard, beard moss, beard lichen, Baardmos, Usnée, 日本語, 中文
The genus Usnea Adans. (Parmeliaceae; lichenized Ascomycetes) is a typical group of mostly pale grayish-green fruticoselichens that grow as leafless mini-shrubs. More than 360 species of Usnea are known in the world.
Special Precautions of Usnea
- There is reason to believe that Usnea, in high concentrations, could possess some toxicity.The National Toxicology Program is currently evaluating the issue.
- 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.
Actions
anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparastic, analgesic, astringent, styptic, tonic, vulnerary
Health Benefits and Uses of Usnea
Usnea have been used as promising traditional medicines, exerting an array of therapeutic properties to relieve sore throats, bronchitis, cold, flu, infection, and indigestion. Phytochemical analysis confirms the general presence of a wide range of metabolites, polysaccharides, fatty acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenes, sterols, depsides, depsidones, and benzofurans. As specific constituents, usnic acid, polyphenols, and depsides have been considered as main efficacy component for antibacterial and antifungal activities. In addition, pharmacological analysis also revealed that other pure compounds and crude extracts of Usnea species prove to be significant anti-cancer, anti-proliferative, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, hepatoprotective, and anti-genotoxic agents.
- The usnic acid in Usnea is effective against gram positive bacteria such as Streptococcus and Staphylococcus, making Usnea a valuable addition to herbal formulas for sore throats and skin infections.
- Effective against a bacterium that commonly causes pneumonia and pertussis. Unlike most modern antibiotics which disrupt the structure of a cell, this lichen prevents the metabolism of gram positive bacteria such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is particularly effective for hot, irritable, wet coughs.
- Usnea sp. shows antibacterial activity against pathogenic organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhiand Escherichia coli.
- Rich in Vitamin C
- it is 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 Trichomonas are a concern.
- Applied externally, it can help prevent infection and accelerate wound closure, and may even be effective against the bacteria that cause acne. It can be pulverized and applied to wounds as a herbal first aid poultice.
- A powerful drawer of toxins, the herb can also be used for bites, stings and other similarly infected wounds.
- considered as a tonic.
References
- http://medherb.com/Therapeutics/Immune_-_Lymphatics_and_antibiotics.htm
- Jellin, JM; Gregory P.; Batz F.; Hitchens, K.; et al. (2000). "USNEA". Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (3rd ed.). Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Facility. pp. 1048–1049. ISBN 0967613647. Adverse reactions are uncommon in appropriate amounts. Poisoning can be possible, although signs of poisoning have not yet been described.
- "Testing Status: Usnea lichen 09063". Testing Status of Agents at NTP. National Toxicology Program. Retrieved 5 December 2012.
- https://www.ijcmas.com/vol-4-7/S.%20Kamal,%20et%20al.pdf
- https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2016/ra/c5ra24205c#!divAbstract
