Parmeliaceae
Usnea
Usnea barbata
⚠ Use with Caution
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Worldwide (boreal forests)
Also known as: Old Man's Beard, Beard Lichen, Tree's Dandruff
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Whole
Therapeutic Uses
Streptococcal and staphylococcal infections, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, tuberculosis support (adjunct), vaginal infections. Usnic acid potent against gram-positive bacteria including MRSA.
Herbal Actions
Antimicrobial (gram-positive), antifungal, antiviral, immune stimulant, wound healing
Active Constituents
Usnic acid (primary active — antibiotic), polysaccharides (lichenin, isolichenin), barbatic acid, diffractaic acid, protolichesterinic acid
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | Water extraction weak — alcohol or dual extraction preferred |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 60% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Alcohol tincture essential for usnic acid extraction. Dual extract (water+alcohol) best. Combine with echinacea for acute infections. Quality varies enormously — sourcing critical (pollution accumulation in lichen). For MRSA: topical preparation. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid with hepatotoxic drugs (usnic acid weight loss supplements caused liver failure — different concentration). Therapeutic herb doses generally safe. Avoid in liver disease.
Side Effects: Liver toxicity (primarily with isolated usnic acid supplements at high doses). Whole herb tincture: safer. GI irritation.