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Usnea Lichen

Antimicrobial

Usnea barbata

PregnancyNursing

Last updated Mar 29, 2026

Description

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

Active Compounds

usnic aciddiffractic acidbarbatolic acidpolyphenolsmucopolysaccharides

Traditional Uses

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

Modern Uses

Antimicrobial via usnic acid
Anti-inflammatory
Antifungal
Antiviral

Dosage Information

Recommended dosing guidelines

Forms: tincture, extract, topical, capsule
Adult Dose: 300mg usnic acid standardized extract twice daily; 3-5ml tincture 3x daily
Child Dose: Not established
Preparation Notes: Tincture in 70% alcohol most effective; apply topically to wounds; avoid high internal doses.

Safety Information

Not recommended during pregnancy

Not recommended while nursing

Contraindications

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

Possible Side Effects

Hepatotoxicity with high internal doses of usnic acid

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