Reindeer Lichen vs Opopanax

Arctic and subarctic lichen forming vast ground cover eaten by reindeer. Used by Sami and other circumpolar peoples for respiratory conditions and as survival food.

East African resin from Commiphora closely related to myrrh; used in Somali and Ethiopian traditional medicine for wound healing and respiratory conditions.

usnic acid, fumarprotocetraric acid, atranorin, perlatolic acid

furanoeudesma-1,3-diene, lindestrene, curzerene, beta-elemene, flavonoids

Traditional Sami and circumpolar medicine, Respiratory conditions, Nutritive food for people and reindeer, Arctic survival food

Wound healing, Respiratory conditions, Antimicrobial use, Spiritual use

Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Nutritive, Wound healing

Antimicrobial activity, Anti-inflammatory effects, Expectorant properties, Wound healing

2-3g tea or topical use

Topical resin application; 1-2ml tincture; burned as incense

Liver disease (usnic acid), Pregnancy

Pregnancy, Allergy to Burseraceae

GI irritation, Hepatotoxicity with excess

Contact sensitization, Mild allergic reaction