Usnea, also known as Old Man’s Beard and Woman's Long Hair, is a type of lichen that grows on trees. Specifically, it’s an example of a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an algae.
Usnea is considered an herb because it has several practical uses, evidenced by its use for more than 1,500 years. The whole specimen, which is high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, is typically used to make tinctures and extracts for cosmetic use. Usnea lichen is also a common ingredient is natural deodorants.
whole
usnea lichen
Usnea is one of 600 species of lichen that exists as thread-like hanging clumps from the branches of certain trees, including conifers and hardwoods. It’s actually a fungus and an algae combined. The latter is represented by the fibrous outer strands, and the elastic white strand at the center of the clump is the fungus.
This herb has a long history of use in Chinese pharmacology, as well as in North American herbalism. It is used both internally and externally and is considered a potent antimicrobial and antifungal. Its compounds are particularly effective against gram positive bacteria, such as Streptococci and Staphylococci.