15/04/2023
Seeing "usnea" growing is an indication of air purity since usnea will not grow where there is pollution or poor air quality.
USNEA grows prolifically from trees in the forest.
This lichen is in no way harming your trees. However, lichen is rarely found on healthy, vigorous trees, so the presence of lichen may point to an unhealthy or dying tree (caused by other reasons, such as pests or disease).
SLOW TO REGROW
If you’re harvesting usnea fresh off the tree, don’t take more than ¼ to ⅓ of it, as it’s slow to regrow. You can harvest usnea year round, although I find the fall is often when it’s most lush from cool weather and heavy rains.
HEALTH BENEFITS
“Usnea is an immune system tonic that can be used in acute situations as well as for long-term immune enhancement and general prevention. It has no side effects or contraindications and is safe for children and animals. It can be used along with or instead of echinacea. Usnea is more specific for strep and staph infections than echinacea, and its antibiotic properties are most specific to the respiratory and urinary systems.
“Use it to help heal respiratory and sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, strep throat, colds, flues, as well as urinary tract, kidney, and bladder infections. Usnea is also beneficial for women with yeast infections, trichomonosis, bacterial vaginosis, and chlamydia. It can be helpful for people with chronic fatigue, HIV, herpes, and other chronic conditions related to depressed immunity."
