Stachytarpheta jamaicensis vs Usnea Lichen

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis

Antimicrobial

Usnea barbata

Antimicrobial

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Usnea Lichen

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Tropical herb used across Africa, Asia, and the Americas for fever, constipation, and immune conditions.

Hanging lichen of forests worldwide used in European, Chinese, and Native American folk medicine as powerful antimicrobial.

Active Compounds

verbenalin, iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, tannins

usnic acid, diffractic acid, barbatolic acid, polyphenols, mucopolysaccharides

Traditional Uses

Fever treatment across tropical regions, Constipation relief, Immune support, Malaria management

Wound healing and antisepsis across traditions, Respiratory and strep infections in European folk medicine, Urinary infections, Immune support

Modern Uses

Antimalarial effects, Laxative properties, Anti-inflammatory

Antimicrobial via usnic acid, Anti-inflammatory, Antifungal, Antiviral

Adult Dosage

5-10 g leaf decoction daily

300mg usnic acid standardized extract twice daily; 3-5ml tincture 3x daily

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Liver disease

Liver disease - usnic acid hepatotoxic in supplements, Pregnancy, High internal doses

Side Effects

GI upset in high doses

Hepatotoxicity with high internal doses of usnic acid

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E