Usnea barbata is a green or gray lichen found on older trees in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Northwest. It has been used for thousands of years as a traditional herbal remedy and is known for its antibiotic and antifungal properties. Usnic acid, found in the lichen, has also been used in weight loss supplements, but has been linked to liver toxicity.
Usnea barbata is a pale green or gray lichen native to Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Northwest of North America. It can be found most often in forests where it grows on older trees. Also known as beard lichen, old man’s beard, oak moss, or tree moss, it grows in fibrous clumps that hang from branches. The lichen is parasitic in nature and can cause significant damage to the host tree.
Like all lichens, Usnea barbata is an amalgamation of fungi and algae that grow together in a symbiotic relationship. The lichen appears to be a single organism unless viewed under a microscope, when algae can be seen to live on the body of the fungus. It is the presence of the algae that makes the lichen capable of photosynthesis.
For thousands of years, usnea barbata has been used as a traditional herbal remedy. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese, and Native Americans relied on this lichen for its medicinal properties. That legacy continues with modern herbalism and alternative medicine.
As a source of usnic acid, usnea barbata is reputed to have antibiotic properties. It has an unpleasant and bitter taste, but it can be eaten safely, although it is most commonly taken in tablet form or as a tincture. Usnea barbata has been used internally to treat bronchitis, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, cold and flu symptoms, and digestive problems. There have even been claims of its effectiveness as a cancer treatment, but there is no medical evidence to support its use for any medical condition.
Externally, it has been used to heal wounds, acting as a pad and antibiotic. Usnea barbata is also known as an antifungal agent, and it can be used to treat ringworm, athlete’s foot, and other fungal infections. Lichen can be applied directly to the skin, but it is most commonly applied as a cream. It has also been used to produce lozenges and mouthwashes.
Usnic acid has also been used as an ingredient in some over-the-counter weight loss supplements. The US Food and Drug Administration received 21 reports linking liver toxicity to one particular supplement, a supplement called LipoKinetix. This led the FDA to issue a warning about the supplement in 2001. Both usnic acid and usnea barbata were nominated for further investigation by the National Toxicology Program. No findings have been reported.
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