NATURE'S WISDOM
Wild Usnea Lichen Whole
Wild Usnea Lichen Whole
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Wildcrafted Usnea.
Origin: British Columbia, Canada
25 grams
Usnea, also known as old man’s beard, is a type of lichen that grows on the trees, bushes, rocks, and soil of temperate and humid climates worldwide.
Usnea is an herbal preparation that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years, including to support the kidneys, respiratory system and immune system in other ways, such as by fighting infections. It also has been used for pain relief, fevers, wound healing, and to reduce inflammation.
Potential health benefits.
May have Antimicrobial Benefits.
Usnea lichen has been found to have antimicrobial activity. This plant also has “antibiotic” properties, which make it helpful for treating urinary and bladder infections, cystitis, and fungal infections.
May promote wound healing.
Usnic acid, one of the main active compounds in usnea, may help promote wound healing. Test-tube studies suggest that this compound may fight infection-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and stimulate wound closure.
Research shows that usnic acid increases markers of wound healing, such as collagen formation, when applied directly to wounds.
There’s also evidence that usnic acid may protect against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which are often responsible for skin infections.
May protect against certain cancers.
Usnea is rich in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that helps fight cell damage caused by unstable compounds known as free radicals.
In turn, this antioxidant activity may safeguard against various diseases, including cancer.
Test-tube studies further suggest that usnic acid may help prevent cancer cell growth and kill cancerous cells while selectively avoiding non-cancerous ones.
May promote weight loss.
Usnic acid, the main active compound in usnea, is a popular ingredient in weight loss supplements, including fat burners. It’s believed to promote weight loss by increasing your metabolic rate.
You can use Usnea in many forms — including dried herb, tea, capsule, tincture.
Dosing:
Decoction (tea): Add 1 cup of water to 1 teaspoon of dried herb and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cover for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for 15 minutes. Drink 1 cup, 3x per/day.
Tincture (1:5): 3-4ml, 3x/day. The tincture can be mixed with water or another beverage to improve the taste. A basic recipe for making herbal tinctures is to mix alcohol and water together in a 1:1 ratio (use alcohol that is at least 40%—60% pure alcohol), fill a jar 1/2 full of herbs, cover it with your water/alcohol mixture, and let it sit for two to six weeks.
It is not recommended to use usnea during pregnancy and lactation due to a lack of data.
Speak with your doctor before using this herb if you are taking medication or have any ongoing health concerns, especially if you are pregnant.
The information above is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
