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One of my favorites, Usnea ssp. is a lichen that is revered for its antibacterial properties and its ability to clear multiple types of infection. Since it’s classified as a lichen, it’s not technically a plant or herb, but is a half algae and half fungus organism (loosely speaking). Look for it growing on a variety of trees, especially hardwoods and fruits. If I could have only 3 or 4 medicinals, Usnea would be one of them. Its broad use for treating urinary tract infections, tooth, gum and mouth/throat infections (thrush, strep, etc.) makes it indispensable. Research has found it to be very effective against MRSA and other antibiotic resistant microbials, though luckily we haven’t had to use it that way yet. Identify it by its year-round grayish-green appearance and the stretchy white filament inside each tendril. Gently pull on one of the tendrils and you will find that it’s very elastic-like with the unmistakable solid white core inside. Two of the easiest medicinal preparations of Usnea ssp. are infusions and tinctures. Since Usnea is not completely water soluble in an infusion (the case with many “woodier” plants) first place it in enough 100 proof alcohol to cover it, crush it slightly to help it along, and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then make your infusion, alcohol and all, just like normal. This can be used as a direct wound wash or to soak a compress in for treating boils or infected bug bites, as a gargle for thrush, strep or infected teeth, or consumed like a tea in infusion form in 8 oz. portions 3-4 times daily for UTIs, respiratory infections, strep and other bacterial infections. Making it into a tincture gives it a longer shelf life vs. that of an infusion and the tincture can be used in many of the same ways with just a few adaptations which I’ll cover in a later article. I’m also a big proponent of using the plant matter that you strain out of your infusion or tincture. Use it as a poultice or as part of the bandaging on the wound or infected area. It’s preferable to use the plant matter strained from an infusion when doing this on an open wound as plant matter from tincture will sting because of the alcohol. Because there is only a tiny amount of alcohol used in the infusion it usually isn’t enough to cause any discomfort.
Usnea is easily gathered after a storm and a walk through the woods will likely reveal lots of it lying on the ground. This is usually the only way we harvest Usnea so that what is still growing on the trees doesn’t get depleted. It has such a dry nature that you can even pop it directly into a lidded mason jar without tincturing or infusing and it will hold just fine until you need it. As if the medicinal properties weren’t impressive enough, Usnea is also extremely high in carbohydrates and makes an excellent (although not particularly tasty) survival food in limited portions if you find yourself lost in the woods and in need of nourishment.
Like all native plant medicines, be conscientious with its use when treating others and recognize those occasions where utilizing modern medicine may be a better choice. The reasons to opt for the modern route are many and being open to both avenues makes us no less of an herbalist, but instead makes us better healers.
More information on Usnea and other natural antibiotics can be found in the book “Herbal Antibiotics, 2nd Edition: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-resistant Bacteria” by Stephen Buhner. Look for it in bookstores or use the following link to purchase a copy through our Amazon Affiliates program: Herbal Antibiotics, 2nd Edition: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-resistant Bacteria
This has been shared on one of my favorite Blog Hops: Homestead Blog Hop 155
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Is Usnea found in Northern New England? Specifically in Maine? I will be moving there shortly.
Hi Tracy! I believe it is! 🙂
Is there any other plant that resembles Usnea? I have some small tufts growing on a tree, but I have not been able to pull out a white cord. I know what ball moss and spanish moss is, so there is no confusion there. I have read it may grow a little different in various parts of the country. I just want to make sure I have the right material. Thank you.
Hi Skye! Yes, there are many variations depending on where you are, and a bunch of different subspecies. If what you have is small, they can be difficult to find the white core. It’s much more accessible when the strands are longer/larger. Aside from looking for the white core, another one of the big giveaways that you have Usena is that it does not change in appearance during the seasons. With winter coming up, you may want to watch them to see if they die back or if they retain their grey-green appearance. Other than Spanish moss, I don’t know of others that may be mistaken for Usnea as long as it’s growing on a tree. The stuff that grows on the ground is different and not Usnea, but also feels different enough to make you take pause. Feel free to send me over a picture to livetheoldway@centurylink.net if you like. I’ll do my best to help! 🙂
Is it also called “Old Man’s Beard”?
Thanks
Hi Jeff! Yes, it is. 🙂
I suspect it can be found in MN where we currently live is it’s humid here, but was wondering if it might be available in KS, where we might be moving soon. Is it too hot and dry there? Can it be cultivated if not a native plant?
Hey Meg! I’ll have to say I’m not sure about Kansas. I’m guessing it will depend on how different the climate is in the different parts of the state and where you wind up. You may find that it grows, but not prolifically and you may have a different sub-species than you do in MN. We have a similar situation here in NC. It grows very, very well in the mountainous regions and sparsely once you reach the coastal plains. If you try to naturalize it, pick a tree that is not exposed to harsh sun and that stays more moist. I’ve got a few things growing here that aren’t technically supposed to be able to grow just by creating an odd little environment for them around a dripping spigot that only gets morning sun. I hope that helps! Good luck in your move! 🙂
I love usnea also! I use it for my chronic respiratory situation that originated from radiation/breast cancer. Although I live in West Tennessee, whenever we travel to western NC to visit our son, we collect usnea! It is everywhere! It is wonderful! For me, it helps keep my respiratory predators at bay. It is anti-fungal and anti-batecterial and more and I love the taste. I tincture it in vodka, usually 100 proof.
On a TV show-one of the “Survival” types, one participant used Usnea to make a salve. I’m wondering if an oil infusion would release the antibiotic properties as well as an alcohol tincture. Or do the tincture and then mix with oil and beeswax/coconut oil for the salve. Any advice?
Hi Jo, in salve making, an oil infusion is made. Pack your jar full of the plant matter so that you get consistent strength oil that doesn’t vary by batch. Once you have it packed, find a way to pack in some more and you will get an oil with an effective strength. Not having an effective strength is where most mistakes are made. Personally, I prefer olive oil because it’s heavier in nature than coconut oil and I like the end product better. The oil is usually left to infuse for 6-8 weeks and then strained. After that it’s as simple as adding roughly 1 tablespoon of grated beeswax per ounce of strained oil. Usnea typically isn’t one I make into salve because it’s so woody, but if you do make it into an oil infusion, I would leave it for longer than the normal 6-8 weeks to make sure the woodiness of it has enough time to start breaking down and extraction to take place. There are also methods of boiling the plant matter down to a paste, then mixing with oil and beeswax to make a salve, but if you’ve got the time, the oil infusion is the way to go.
I am wondering if the extraction during the oil infusion method would be facilitated by cutting the Usnea into very small pieces. Like what you would get from a coffee or spice grinder? This might also allow more volume of material to be packed into the jar.
Hi Rob, definitely so, more exposed surface area in contact with the oil. You can also put it in a warmer or in a pot on top of a low, steady heat source for a few days after you chop it. Just make sure it’s not a hot heat source. I do heartier materials that way all the time, especially Poke Root. I chop it as small as I can get it and use a pestle to mash it in the jar before adding the oil. That method is more typical in Native American preparations and was one of the first I learned from my Dad. It’s not as pretty a finished product but that really doesn’t matter.
It is a MIRACLE finding this post!!! My husband and I have been in the process of survival preparation and as a stay at home wife, I have been researching so many different things! We just got out land, so now is the time to plan and prepare! THANKS for the motivation !!!!
Is this a good beginner project? I want to learn more. I will be purchasing the book you mentioned.