Botanical Overview
Usnea barbata, commonly known as Old man’s beard or Beard lichen, belongs to the family Parmeliaceae. It is a fruticose lichen growing widely across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. The medicinally used part is the thallus, the main vegetative body of the lichen.
Energetics
Usnea barbata is traditionally considered cooling and drying in nature, with bitter and acrid tastes. Its energetic qualities include an ascending directionality and tonifying qi effects.
Primary Actions
- Antimicrobial
- Antifungal
- Anti-inflammatory
- Expectorant
Indications
Western
- Respiratory infections including cough and bronchitis
- Skin infections and wounds
- Fungal infections
Syndromes
- Respiratory tract infections
- Superficial fungal infections
- Inflammatory skin conditions
TCM
No well-documented traditional use in TCM.
Ayurveda
No well-documented traditional use in Ayurveda.
Unani
No well-documented traditional use in Unani medicine.
Constituents & Mechanisms
The key phytochemicals include usnic acid, polyphenols, polysaccharides, and various secondary metabolites responsible for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Tincture 1:5 in 40% ethanol, 2-5 mL 2-3 times daily for topical and internal use
- Infusion prepared for topical application
- Extracts standardized to usnic acid content
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe topically, but oral use requires caution due to potential hepatotoxicity associated with usnic acid. Use is contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, and liver disease. Possible allergic reactions may occur.
Astrological Correspondences
No credible planetary or elemental rulers reliably attributed.
Selected References
- Usnea barbata Monograph, Plants For A Future (PFAF)
- Lichen biology, D.L. Hawksworth, Cambridge University Press, 1979
- Usnea barbata Profile, CABI Invasive Species Compendium
- Antimicrobial activities of Usnea species: phytochemical and pharmacological overview, M. Molnár et al., 2017