Lichen plant in folk medicine

Indications for use of Usney's lichen:

This lichen is used to treat cancer of various localizations, problems with the respiratory system, especially for various diseases of the bronchi and lungs - influenza, colds and other respiratory tract infections, tuberculosis and asthma.

Those who suffer from various types of diseases of the cardiovascular system - hypertension, tachycardia and angina pectoris - should also buy sleep in Moscow. The remedy is also effective for problems with the thyroid gland, problems with the human digestive system and in normalizing blood pressure.

You can order sleep by mail for use in the form of baths and various solutions. In this form, this lichen can be effectively used for problems with the bladder, as well as for various gynecological diseases.

Usnea has proven itself very well as an external use for the treatment of various skin lesions. The drug is especially effective for purulent surfaces, as well as for fresh bleeding lesions of the epidermis.

Usnea very well disinfects wounds, heals, scars the skin and tightens various scars. That is why those who suffer from skin problems such as purulent inflammation, cracks and cuts on the skin, boils and fungal infections should buy usnea. This drug can also be used to treat stomatitis, caries and other diseases of the gums and oral cavity.

Lichen CO2 extract

Lichen CO2 extract

Quality: Raw materials certified by ECOCERT Greenlife Production: France, Bosnia and Herzegovina Botanical name: Usnea Barbata Brief characteristics: - soluble in water - insoluble in oil - recommended dosage: from 0.2 to 0.8% (can be administered as during preparation , and directly into the finished product) - contains 4% usnic acid - a rather thick opaque liquid of yellow or green color Shelf life: 4 years from the date of manufacture Storage conditions: in a dry place, away from sources of heat and light Precautions: Store in out of the reach of children. Properties and methods of application:

• powerful antibacterial effect (use as a preservative, as well as in various antibacterial cosmetics)
• anti-inflammatory and soothing effect on the skin (remedies against acne, pimples and problem skin)
• deodorizing and other personal hygiene products (toothpastes, etc.)

Additional Information

Lichen CO2 extract is obtained from the Usnea Barbata lichen. This is a very concentrated product as it contains 4% usnic acid, which is known for its powerful antiseptic effect even at very low concentrations. Usnic acid is one of the specific lichen substances that are formed during metabolism and are not found in other groups of organisms. The name comes from the lichen genus Usnea. Among the properties of usnic acid, as biologically active, the greatest interest for humans is its antibacterial activity, which has already found application in medicine: the drug binan (sodium salt of usnic acid) is used in the treatment of many diseases, including against tuberculosis, and also as an anti-burn a product that can be bought in pharmacies. It also differs from other acids found in lichens because they are potentially allergenic. To facilitate the use of such a concentrated substance, it is diluted at 4% concentration in an oil phase of plant origin produced from renewable sources. The optimal effective dosage, most often used in cosmetics, is 0.5%. The antimicrobial activity of usnic acid is described in detail in the literature, which presents the results of studies of the effect of this acid on staphylococci, streptococci, as well as against parasitic fungi of the genus Trichophyton and yeast of the genus Candida. Convincing results confirming the activity of usnic acid were obtained for many strains of Staphylococcus aureus (99% reduction after 4 days), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (99% reduction after 7 days), Candida albicans (90% reduction after 7 days) and to a lesser extent for E. coli (75% reduction after 7 days) and Aspergillus niger (55% reduction after 7 days). A comparative study among 29 bacterial and fungal strains showed that lichen CO2 extract was the most powerful agent studied, inhibiting 9 strains studied at once. It should be noted that usnic acid has especially high activity when exposed to Propionibacterium acnes (bacteria responsible for acne). These and many other successful trials have demonstrated the high effectiveness of usnic acid as an agent for combating microbial contamination in cosmetic products.

Recipes from the manufacturer's website

Gentle creamy deodorant

An effective and at the same time very gentle and pleasant deodorant with a light peach aroma

Difficulty: medium. Cooking time: 25 minutes.

Ingredients (per 50 ml) - witch hazel hydrolate - 45 ml - guar gum - 0.5 g - arrowroot root powder - 2.5 g - lichen CO2 extract - 5 drops - German chamomile CO2 extract - 0.2 g - aromatic peach extract - 33 drops - grapefruit seed extract - 10 drops Preparation method: 1. In the first stainless steel container, mix the hydrolate and powder until smooth. 2. Weigh the guar gum and pour it into the first container. Then immediately mix with a whisk or mini mixer for two minutes until a homogeneous gel is obtained. 3. Add the remaining ingredients one at a time and mix after each addition until the mixture remains smooth. 4. Add remaining ingredients one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until smooth. Pour the resulting product into a suitable container. Notes:

• keep away from light and heat

Directions for use: use as a deodorant on dry, clean skin. Shake before use.

Two-phase cleansing and refreshing spray for feet A universal product for feet that perfectly cares for any skin type, relaxes and relieves tension.

Difficulty: low. Cooking time: 15 minutes.

Ingredients (per 50 ml) - mint hydrolate - 25 ml - calendula infusion - 25 ml - lichen CO2 extract - 5 drops - rosemary CO2 extract - 5 drops - palmarosa essential oil - 16 drops - grapefruit seed extract - 10 drops Preparation method: 1. Add all ingredients in turn to a stainless steel container except hydrolate and grapefruit seed extract. 2. Carefully move everything with a mixer or whisk. 3. Pour the melted gum into a container with hydrosol, stir vigorously for several minutes. 4. Add hydrosol and grapefruit seed extract and mix thoroughly again until smooth. 5. Pour the finished product into a suitable container. Notes:

• protect the product from light and heat

Directions for use: Shake well before use and apply to the skin of your feet. Can also be used as a shoe deodorant: to do this, shake the product and spray inside the shoes. The use of article materials without providing a direct link to the store page as the source of the material is prohibited.

Are you sure that Usnea (lichen):

• certified, i.e. the package contains exactly the declared Usnea (lichen), there is no admixture of weeds and poisonous plants, the collection is carried out precisely during the period when the plant is gaining strength, the drying technology allows you to preserve all the useful substances?
• in original packaging, i.e. exactly the one you see in the photo, with the stated expiration date and packaging weight? If you see a schematic representation of a plant in the photo, think about what might be inside the bag, where and under what conditions it was packaged.
• Isn’t this overdried plant matter from last year’s harvest with traces of mold or insects, which appears due to improper and long-term storage?
• the place of collection is indicated, i.e. Usnea (lichen) was collected not in the neighboring roadside forest, but in the purest regions of Altai or the Caucasus Mountains?

Where are the guarantees?

Online store "RUSSIAN ROOTS" - 5 reasons to choose us:

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Usnea is a type of lichen that grows only in clean and ecological places. Usnea grows on the branches and trunks of trees such as pine, birch or spruce. The hanging thallus of the usnea are grayish in color and look like a beard. The mineral composition of usnea depends on what tree it grows on, therefore, accordingly, usnea from different trees have different mineral indicators and components. A prerequisite, without which this type of lichen cannot exist, is clean air and a good humid environment. That is why it is impossible to meet the sleeper near cities and areas with poor ecology.

Lichen grows mainly in coniferous forests, sometimes in mixed types, and very rarely in deciduous ones. Usnea is also common in mountainous areas, both in shady and well-lit areas.

You should buy usnea due to its versatile and complex use in folk medicine. Usnea is used as an anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and analgesic in non-traditional methods of treatment.

In our online store “Russian Roots” you can buy Usnea lichen and consult on its use. Our managers will be happy to answer all your questions regarding our products, they will tell you where to buy Usnea lichen and how much it costs. A large assortment and excellent prices will pleasantly surprise you.

Ready-made dry mixtures can be bought at a pharmacy in Moscow or in our online store, or ordered by mail. You will learn about the benefits of Usney lichen, what it cures, and how it is taken by visiting the page of our website.

Usnea lichen - description, photo

Actually, as in the case of cladonia, it is incorrect to talk about any particular lichen. Usnea is a whole genus of lichens of the Parmeliaceae family. Almost all of them live on trees, so they are classified as epiphytes.

Usnea bearded hangs from spruce branches

I would like to especially note that the often-found statement that lichens “feed on tree sap” is completely incorrect. Yes, epiphytic lichens live on trees and shrubs. Just like epilithic ones - on stones and rocks, and epigeic ones - on soil. However, epiphytes “feed on the juices” of trees no more than epiliths “feed on the juices of ... stone?”

Because, at least, the lichen does not feel any need for this. Nutrients are created through the process of photosynthesis by algae living in its body. And the fungus forms a body, absorbs water from the air with substances dissolved in it, and at the same time provides algae cells. Moreover, it sometimes transforms the substances it creates beyond recognition, working like a small natural chemical factory. For such lichens, a tree is just a place of attachment.

The most common species of usnea in our forests is the bearded usnea. This is what we most often see on our trees.

Its thallus is a weakly branched bush, hanging down from the branches or bark of a tree, grayish or gray-greenish in color. In the usnea thallus there is always a main “trunk”, from which branches extend. They, in turn, are covered with thin greenish hairs - fibrils.

Sleeping on a birch

Most often, the usnea chooses spruce as its habitat. In a spruce forest, bearded bushes can be seen on almost every tree. But other trees can also become a haven for this lichen. They can often be seen hanging from the trunks of birch trees. And you can also find sleepy trees on pine trees. And on dry, already dead trees. By the way, the lichen has nothing to do with their death. The reasons may be different - primarily lack of light, as well as harsh winters and pests. But not lichens!

Usnea “beards” can be from a few centimeters to several tens of centimeters in length (usually within 30 cm). Sometimes lichens hanging from branches give the forest a fabulous look. It’s not for nothing that one of the popular names for lichen is “the beard of the devil.” Usnea grows very slowly. Its annual growth is only about 5 mm. Therefore, if you come across a thirty-centimeter “beard” in the forest, think about it - this bush is at least 60 years old!

Lichen usnea

In addition to the bearded lichen, other types of this lichen can be found - for example, the long lichen, protruding, etc. The thallus of the long lichen has almost no branches and consists of long - up to a meter or more - threads hanging from the tree. Usnea protruding, on the contrary, rarely forms hanging threads. This is a small bush with branches sticking out in all directions.

Like many lichens, members of the genus Usnea are very sensitive to air pollution. They grow only in ecologically clean forests. This is one of the main reasons for the lack of lichens in forest areas near large cities.

(I can’t resist throwing a curveball at those who like to “fight lichens” - here it is, the most radical way to solve their problem!).

Method of preparation and use of Usney lichen:

In order to prepare a tincture from usnea, you need to pour a glass of boiling water over a teaspoon of lichen thallus and let it brew for about an hour. You need to drink a glass of this mixture three times a day, half an hour after meals. The course of treatment is three months with a week break after every two weeks of use. Use the same infusion for compresses and washes.

To prepare the decoction, pour a tablespoon of the drug's thalli into a glass of cold water and boil for about 2 minutes. Leave the mixture for 30–40 minutes and drink a third of a glass three times a day.

To prepare a lichen tincture if you have problems with the digestive system, pour 20 grams of the drug into half a liter of clean, high-quality water and leave to brew in a dark place for half a month. The mixture must be shaken periodically. Take the prepared tincture one tablespoon three times a day 10 minutes before meals. The course should last two months with a break of two weeks between them.

Reviews indicate that the results of such treatment provide remarkable results. You need to tune in to the treatment until you get the result and try not to interrupt the procedure. If you don’t know where to buy Usnea lichen in your region, contact our online store “Russian Roots”.

Beneficial properties of lichens

• Due to the presence of biologically active acids, these organisms have a strong antibacterial effect. They are used to treat infected wounds, boils, ulcers, and inflammatory processes in soft tissues.

• These organisms have a strong antimicrobial effect and are part of medications that are used during operations, frostbite and burns.
• Reindeer moss has choleretic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Mucus is also extracted from it, which is used to improve the production of gastric juice and treat diarrhea and constipation.
• There are also cases of treatment of thrombophlebitis and thrombosis with moss.

• Parmelia decoction is used to treat cough, whooping cough, bronchitis and tuberculosis. They also help heal purulent wounds.
• Usnea barbata is used in gynecology to treat cervical erosion. Also, medications based on it are effectively used for inflammation of the pharynx, oral cavity or gonorrhea.
• Infusions from this lichen help in the fight against melanoma and lung cancer.