11/12/2025
I bottled up the last of the Usnea glycerite and Winter sunset digestive bitters (one of the main herbs in the blend is Usnea) for sale orders today and decided to get another batch going. I came across the most beautiful Usnea Ive ever seen outside of the PNW (the lichen capital 😆) I figured it was time for a recap on this beautiful lichen, and a little informational on other types of lichens.
Usnea is one of those plants (a Lichen rather) that almost feels like it glows during the winter. Far harder to spot during the warmer months, but in the winter is truly stands out and almost seems like its calling out to you. Unless there's a blanket of fresh snow and no wind. Then it's a little more challenging 😆
Usnea is a Lichen, which is a symbiotic relationship of Algae and Fungi. Two completly separate organisms fully capable of living and thriving separately, but coming together when conditions aren't ideal and creating a mutually benifical relationship. They're stronger together and its beautiful. Its nickname is "Lungs of the Forest" as it only grows in clean, pollution free environments. This wonderous Lichen has been used medicinally for thousands of years across the globe. With strong antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties it's been traditionally used to aid with infections from the throat to the lungs and down to the urinary tract. While it's been shown to have incredible antimicrobial properties, it's been shown not to harm the human microbiome which is a rarity! Usnea supports us through the most minor of colds up to the flu. It's also often used for candida overgrowth and vaginal yeast infections as well as ringworm. However, I'd say it's most known for clearing toxic heat in the body and wind in the lungs (respiratory infections-pneumonia ect). It does not have any known contraindications.
This Usnea will go through a slow maceration process and then finish with a heat extraction to extract the polysaccharides 🌿🍄🤗
When most folks hear Lichen they think of Usnea because of it being such a medicinal powerhouse, but there are SO many types of lichens that are way more common too!
You often find lichen on trees that are coming into their last breath. There's a few ways you can tell a tree is coming to the end of its life cycle, aside from the obvious absence of leaves forming in Spring. Often times trees that are in distress are invaded by insects, that in conjunction with the softer bark of a dying tree makes it ideal for wood peckers. If you see wood peckers going after a specific tree you know something is up. Another clue is Lichen growth. Lichens generally appear on trees that are in their death stages. So the trees you'll find them on all show signs of departure (so don't be like me and climb up then 😆)
There's a lot of different types of Lichen. They're basically Seaweed on trees as far as their nutritional powerhouse goes. Far more prevalent and often mixed in with Usnea are Fruticose and Foliose. Most Lichens are edible (but there are a few poisonous kinds), and you do want to stay away from any that have turned orange or yellow. This indicates toxic compounds are present as well as usinic acid.
When consuming other lichens it's a bit if a process. They'll need to be boiled and neutralized before use. For about a cup of Lichen just cover with water and add 1/2 tsp of baking soda to neutralize the acid. Boil for 10 minutes keeping an eye on water levels and then change out the water and continue for 20-30 minutes. You can then use the gelatinous lichen. It's super rich in vitamins and minerals and has been used as food for tens of thousands of years. It's also a great anti inflammatory food. There's even studies being done on deriving antibiotics and sunscreen from lichens. You can use it as a base in lots of dishes like soups, and even dry and powder the gelatinous lichens and use in flour.
