Usnea, also known as beard lichen or "old man's beard", is a slow-growing symbiotic organism found hanging from trees in cool, moist forests. Its delicate threads contain powerful antimicrobial compounds and have been used for centuries in traditional medicine.
Name
German: Bartflechte
English: Usnea, Beard Lichen
Latin: Usnea spp.
Plant Group / Family
Family: Parmeliaceae (Lichen family)
Subgroup: Lichenized fungi (symbiosis of fungus and algae)
Distribution
Native origin: Circumboreal – widespread in the Northern Hemisphere
Current distribution: Common in temperate and boreal forests worldwide, especially in areas with clean air
Identification
Height: No fixed height – forms hanging threads several centimeters long
Leaves: None – finely branched thallus structures
Flowers: None – Usnea is not a flowering plant
Fruit: None – reproduction via spore-producing structures (apothecia)
Bark/Stem: Thin, wiry, branched filaments with a characteristic elastic inner core
Uses
Medicinal:
- Antibacterial: Contains usnic acid, a potent natural antibiotic effective against gram-positive bacteria.
- Respiratory Support: Used in teas or tinctures to relieve coughs, bronchitis, and sore throats.
- Wound Care: Traditionally applied externally to disinfect wounds and promote healing.
Anti-inflammatory: Sometimes used to reduce localized inflammation.
Culinary:
Not edible – too bitter and indigestible. Used only in extracted forms (e.g., tinctures or salves).
Decorative:
Usnea adds a mystical, natural aesthetic to tree branches and is used in terrariums and rustic decorations.
Other:
Air Quality Indicator: Usnea thrives only in areas with clean, unpolluted air.
Ecosystem Role: Provides habitat for microfauna and helps retain moisture in forest canopies.
Toxicity
Toxic Parts: None under appropriate external use, but internal use must be cautious due to usnic acid
Symptoms: Potential liver toxicity with overuse or incorrect internal application
First Aid: Do not ingest in large amounts; consult a healthcare professional if concerned
Look-alike Species
Similar Lichens: Alectoria, Evernia, and some mosses
Differences: Usnea has a central elastic cord (test by gently pulling it apart), and typically has a gray-green color and frayed, beard-like form
Additional Information
Care: Not cultivated – grows slowly in natural environments
Growing Conditions: Moist, cool climates with clean air; commonly found on conifers and hardwoods
Special Notes: Often protected – only harvest from fallen branches and never over-harvest
Usnea Tincture
Usnea Tincture
Equipment
- Clean screw-top jar (≈ 500 ml)
- Scissors or clean knife
- Fine sieve or muslin cloth
- Funnel
- Dark glass dropper bottles (30–50 ml)
- Labels and pen
- Optional (for dual extraction): small saucepan and heatproof jug
Ingredients
- 1 part dried Usnea cleaned and fully dry, cut into small pieces
- 5 parts high-proof alcohol at 60–70% ABV e.g., strong vodka or diluted Everclear
- Optional for dual extraction: 1 part water for the later hot-water step
- Example batch
- 50 g dried Usnea
- 250 ml alcohol at ~65% ABV
- Optional 50 ml water for hot-water step
Instructions
- Prep the herb: Remove debris; ensure the lichen is fully dry. Snip into short pieces for better extraction.
- Macerate: Place Usnea in the jar and cover completely with 60–70% alcohol (target ratio 1 : 5 w/v). Leave 2–3 cm headspace, seal, and label.
- Steep: Store in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking briefly once daily. Keep all material submerged.
- Strain: Filter through muslin/sieve; press the marc well to collect the tincture. Bottle in dark dropper bottles and label.
- Optional dual extraction (alcohol + hot water)
- Simmer marc: Take the already-alcohol-extracted Usnea marc, add ~1 part water, and very gently simmer 15–20 minutes (do not hard boil). Cool and strain.
- Combine: Blend the cooled water extract with the alcohol tincture so the final blend remains ≥40% ABV (e.g., 2 parts tincture + 1 part water extract). Bottle and label with approximate alcohol strength.
- Use
- External: Dab a few drops on clean, intact skin for minor, non-bleeding irritations; let dry.
- Internal (only with professional guidance): 5–15 drops in a little water or tea.
Notes
- Extraction strength: 60–70% alcohol is commonly used for Usnea’s mixed solubility profile.
- Clarity: If sediment forms, decant or filter again through fresh muslin or a coffee filter.
- Storage & shelf life: Keep tightly closed, cool, and dark. Tincture keeps ~2–3 years; dual extract ~1–2 years if ≥40% ABV.
- Identification & sourcing: Use only correctly identified Usnea gathered from clean, legal, and sustainable locations—avoid roadside or polluted sites.
- Safety
- Not a substitute for medical care. Avoid internal use in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, for children, and with liver disease unless advised by a qualified professional.
- Do not apply to open, bleeding, or oozing wounds.
- Discontinue if irritation or adverse effects occur.
- Alcohol content is high; always dilute drops in water before taking internally.
Usnea Salve
Usnea Salve
Equipment
- Heatproof glass or small melting beaker
- Saucepan for a gentle water bath (double boiler)
- Stirring spatula or spoon
- Small thermometer (optional)
- Clean tins or jars with lids (30–50 ml)
- Labels and pen
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Usnea-infused oil olive or sunflower
- 2 tablespoons beeswax pellets medium-firm salve
- Vegan option: 1 slightly heaped tbsp candelilla wax or ¾ tbsp carnauba wax stronger gelling; use less than beeswax
- Optional: 3–6 drops essential oil e.g., lavender for mild, tea tree very sparingly
- Optional: 3–5 drops vitamin E oil antioxidant
Instructions
- Melt: Add infused oil and wax to the heatproof vessel. Warm in a gentle water bath, stirring until fully melted and uniform.
- Adjust (optional): Drop a little onto a cold spoon; let set 1 minute. For firmer texture add a pinch more wax; for softer, stir in a little oil.
- Finish: Remove from heat. Let cool 1–2 minutes, then stir in optional essential oil and vitamin E.
- Pot & cool: Pour into clean tins or jars. Let set undisturbed at room temperature, then cap and label.
- Use: Apply a thin layer to clean, intact skin on small scrapes, dry or mildly irritated areas, or after bug bites. Use 1–3× daily as needed.
Notes
- Consistency: Beeswax gives a creamy glide; candelilla/carnauba set harder—use slightly less than beeswax.
- Infused oil: For best results, make a slow, low-heat infusion (e.g., several hours below 60 °C / 140 °F) and strain finely.
- Storage & shelf life: Keep cool, dark, and tightly closed. Best within 6–12 months. Vitamin E helps slow oxidation.
- Clean handling: Use a clean spatula to dispense; avoid introducing water into the tin.
- Safety
- External use only. Do not apply to deep, bleeding, oozing, or infected wounds.
- Patch test on inner forearm before first use; discontinue if redness or irritation occurs.
- People sensitive to essential oils should omit them.
- In pregnancy, while breastfeeding, for children, or with skin conditions, seek professional advice before use.
Medical Disclaimer
The recipes and information provided here are for informational purposes only and do not replace the advice of a physician or other healthcare professional. If you have any health concerns or uncertainties, you should always consult a doctor.