**Old man's beard** is a type of lichen that grows on trees, bushes, rocks, and soil in temperate and humid climates worldwide ¹. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates is believed to have used it to treat urinary ailments, and it’s regarded as a treatment for wounds and inflammation of the mouth and throat in South African folk medicine ¹. Nowadays, **old man's beard** is commonly used to aid weight loss, soothe sore throats, accelerate wound healing, and reduce pain and fever ¹. Some people even suggest it may help fight certain types of cancer ¹. **Usnea**, another name for **old man's beard**, is rich in usnic acid and polyphenols, which are thought to provide most of its purported benefits ¹. Usnic acid, one of the main active compounds in **usnea**, may help promote wound healing, fight infection-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and stimulate wound closure ¹. Polyphenols, on the other hand, are a type of antioxidant that helps fight cell damage caused by unstable compounds known as free radicals ¹. **Usnea** is available as a tincture, tea, supplement, and medicinal cream ¹. It’s common to take it orally or apply it directly to your skin ¹. However, few of its uses are supported by current research ¹. Therefore, more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits and side effects ¹. Source: Conversation with Bing, 11/6/2023 (1) Usnea: Benefits, Side Effects, and More - Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/usnea. (2) 4 Benefits Of Usnea: Dosage & Safety | The Botanical Institute. https://botanicalinstitute.org/usnea/. (3) Foraging Usnea Lichen (Edible & Medicinal) - Practical Self Reliance. https://practicalselfreliance.com/usnea-lichen/.
