Usnea Tincture
Usnea lichens have a history of use that spans centuries and countries from ancient China to modern Turkey, from rural dwellers in South Africa to modern-day naturopathic physicians and herbalists in the United States. The lichen is rich in usnic acid, which has demonstrated in vitro antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Additionally, it exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity.
PRODUCT INFO,
Usnea, also known as old man's beard, is a type of lichen. Usnic acid is a compund found in usnea that helps promote wound healing when applied directly to the wound stimulates wound closure. The lichen's anti-inflammatory properties promote healing benefits. There are many more amazing benefits to this lichen. Usnea contains chemicals that are thought to fight germs that might cause infections. These chemicals might also decrease swelling, pain, and fever. People use usnea for cough, pain, wound healing, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse usnea with another lichen called oak moss. These are not the same.
BENIFITS:
What is usnea used for? Some of the conditions that it’s typically used to treat include:
- Pain
- Fever
- SWELLING and inflammation
- Kidney problems
- Coughs
- Indigestion
- Certain types of infections, such as those affecting the throat, respiratory tract, mouth, skin and urinary tract
- Skin wounds that won’t easily heal
- Weight gain, due to its potential ability to support metabolic processes
- Possibly certain types of cancer, due to its antioxidant and free radical-scavenging capabilities
PROPERTIES:
There are a number of active constituents found in usnea, including not only its most active compound usnic acid, but also polyphenols and other antioxidants. These include:
- Norstictic acid, which has been found to have the largest antioxidant activity in certain usnea species
- Barbatinic acid
- Beta-sitosterol
- Depsides
- Dihydrousnic acid
- Evernic acid
- Glutinol
- Usnic acid
- And many others
USES:
When taken in extract or tincture form, usnea lichen is sometimes mixed with other herbs that support the immune system.
Liquid extracts are placed under the tongue, which helps them be absorbed quickly. You may need to take anywhere from 20 to 60 drops per serving, two to three times daily (or about 0.5 to 2 mL per serving).
The tincture can be mixed with water or another beverage to improve the taste.
Always read dosage recommendations and directions carefully for the product you’re using, since the strength of different tinctures and products varies. Many usnea tinctures are recommended for short-term use when you’re sick, such as for two to three weeks.
It’s best not to use these products long-term unless working with a doctor to treat a specific issue.
Other ways to use usnea include applying it to the skin and making herbal tea.