Usnea Lichen as Food and Medicine

A common lichen, usnea, found growing on trees in many wet climates, has a track record for combatting illness... I don't know if it's that great, but I have to investigate because this stuff grows all over here! It's not to be confused with "spanish moss" which has a black central core, while Usnea has a central core of white string like fungus.

Usnea is a lichen; a combination of an algae and a fungus growing together. Also known as Old Man's beard, it grows in little hair-like tufts, with the green algae covering the white string like fungus. The best way to identify Usnea is to pull a string apart and look for this white thread.

Usnea is an immune system tonic that can be used in acute situations as well as for long term immune enhancement and general prevention. It has no side effects or contraindications, and is safe for children and animals. It can be used along with or instead of Echinacea. Usnea is more specific for strep and staph infections than Echinacea, and its Antibiotic properties are most specific to the respiratory and urinary systems. Use it to help heal respiratory and sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, strep throat, colds, flues, as well as urinary tract, kidney, and bladder infections. Usnea is also beneficial for women with yeast infections, trichonomosas, bacterial vaginosis, and chlamydia. It can be helpful for people with chronic fatigue, HIV, herpes, and other chronic conditions related with depressed immunity."

For entire article and easy way to make a tincture:
http://www.susunweed.com/An_Article_wisewoman3d.htm


More info and identification pointers:
http://www.eattheweeds.com/usnea-food-and-pharmacy-lichen/
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