Usnea
Energetics:
Bitter, Cool, Dry, Sweet
Common Names:
Usnea, Old Man's Beard, Sung-Lo, Song-Lo, Sun Lo Latin
Name: Usnea barbata
Family Name:
Usneaceae - Lichen family
Functions:
Antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor, antiviral,
expectorant, hemostatic
TCM Functions:
- Clears Heat and reduces toxicity and drains damp
* Respiratory infections, painful skin conditions
* Fungal and bacterial infections; athlete's foot, urinary tract infections, sinus infections, strep throat, bronchitis, ringworm - Relieves Lung Qi constraint
* Coughing with yellow sputum, sore chest, bronchitis , asthma - Promotes tissue regeneration
* Ulcers, eczema, cervical erosion, recovery from surgery, burns
Therapeutics:
Used for bacterial infections, bronchitis, candida,
diarrhea, dysentery, flu, lupus, pneumonia, staphylococcus,
and sinusitis.
Note:
Usnea is a key herb for the treatment of pathology residing
in the mucous membranes. Clinically, we have found Usnea
extremely effective in treating upper respiratory
infections and asthma, especially when the conditions are
aggravated from air pollution. Modern research points to
the fact that Usnea may be more effective than penicillin
in inhibiting the growth of streptococcus, pneumococcus,
and various strains of tuberculosis.
Tradition:
Usnea is a lichen found residing in the branches of pine
trees around the world. The Doctrine of Signatures denotes
the resemblance of the usnea thallus to the tissues of the
lung. Usnea works much like an air-filter in the forest,
cleaning the air and strengthening the overall health of
the forest.
UpS Alternatives:
Use Usnea as an analog to endangered species Goldenseal
(Hydrastis canadensis) and endangered species Goldentread
(Coptis sp.).
Contraindications:
Contraindicated in pregnancy by traditional use.