Old Man Beard

Usnea
Old Man Beard
Medicinal Benefits
Overview
Usnea, so so known as old man’s beard, is a type of lichen that grows on trees, bushes, on rocks where soil temperatures or climates are humid.
Lichens are a combination of fungus and algae that have a mutual relationship that allows them to grow together.
The fungus provides protection from the elements by providing mass and structure, while the alga provides the food, sustaining both.
Usnea is rich in usnic acid, sulfate acid, polyphenols.
The plant body of the usnea plant is used to make medicine, treat urinary infections, treatment of wounds, inflammation of the mouth and throat.
Here are other benefits:
- Aid in weight loss
- Soothe sore throat
- Makes getting rid of phlegm easier
- Accelerate wound healing
- Reduce pain and fever
- Cure for athlete’s feet
- Genital warts
- Cancer
- Improvements for sexually transmitted diseases
- Fever
- HIV
Usnea is made into tinctures, tea, supplements, topical creams, oral oils for them mouth.
Warning:
Usnea called usnic acid or sodium urinate taken in large quantities is toxic to the liver. Drinking undiluted usnic as a tincture may cause an upset the stomach.
Applying directly to them skin may cause redness or itchy skin.
Side effects:
Some people who are taking this for weight loss, for extended periods of time, may develop symptoms, including nausea, weakness and fatigue, abdominal pain and yellow of the skin, usually develops from 2 weeks to 3 months after consistent use.
Dosing:
The amount of dosage will depends on the person and their diet or health condition. Start with very small doses to guage your tolerance. A 3 day fast would provide you with a better guage of your tolerance or limitations.

