Usnea Lichen

What is Usnea lichen? If you ever come across what seem like long, green, fuzzy threads hanging from a tree while out for a stroll in the woods, there's a strong likelihood that it's a lichen like Usnea. For generations, this nutrient-rich plant has been used in traditional medicine. However, there isn't enough evidence to support many of its alleged health benefits. Furthermore, when taken orally, some US chemicals might have serious adverse consequences. Read on for more info, and consult your doctor before using Usnea products. One kind of lichen called usnea grows on soil, rocks, shrubs, and the bark or branches of trees, particularly pine trees. It may be found in many different areas with moderate or humid climates. Lichens such as Usnea seem to be a single plant species, but in fact they are made of a fungus and algae mixture that coexist, with the fungus giving structure and protection and the algae supplying nutrition. Usnea lichen is sometimes referred to as an "old man's beard" because it resembles long, tangly, grayish-green clumps of hair. How do I use Usnea lichen? People add usnea to a variety of goods, such as medical creams, and prepare it into tinctures,…