Usnea, also known as Old Man’s Beard, is a genus of lichen found in many parts of the world, particularly in temperate and boreal forests. It has been used for centuries by various cultures for its medicinal properties.
Indigenous peoples and herbalists have used usnea as a natural antibiotic and antifungal agent. The lichen contains usnic acid, which has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Usnea was traditionally used to treat infections, wounds, and respiratory conditions.
In modern herbal medicine, it is valued for its ability to support the immune system, treat bacterial and fungal infections, and promote respiratory health.
