Usnea is a creature characterized by Mushrooms and Algae. It resembles Spanish Moss and hangs on branches that look like a beard; Therefore, one of the popular names, Beard of the old man. With health benefits, Usnea has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years and also has a long tradition of use in Western plant medicine. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates is believed to have used it to treat urological diseases, and it is considered a method of treating wounds and stomatitis in South African folk medicine. In traditional Chinese herbs, Usnea Lichen is known for its “cooling and drying” properties and reduces toxicity. The active ingredient Usnic Acid in Usnea is often included as an ingredient in creams, powders, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorants, hair shampoos, and sunscreen products. Usnic Acid is used as an active principle or as a preservative in these products.
1. Top Usnea benefits
1.1 Usnea benefits: Healing
✅ Usnic acid, one of the main active compounds in usnea, can help promote wound healing. Test-tube studies suggest that this compound can fight bacteria that cause infections, reduce inflammation, and stimulate wound closure. Research on mice shows that usnic acid increases wound healing markers, such as collagen formation, when applied directly to the wound. However, it is currently not clear whether the amount of usnic acid in some skincare creams is sufficient to provide similar benefits. Therefore, much human research is needed.
1.2 Usnea benefits: Cancer prevention
✅ Usnea is rich in polyphenols, an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals. These free radicals will cause disorders of chemical reactions and reactions in the body, destroying cell membranes, followed by damage such as protein structure change, enzyme inhibition, hormonal changes, and lead to dangerous diseases like cancer.
✅ Test-tube studies have shown that usnic acid may help prevent cancer cell growth and kill cancer cells while not affecting normal cells. Although these results are promising, more research is needed.
1.3 Usnea benefits: Supports weight loss
✅ Usnic acid, the main active compound in usnea, is a common ingredient in weight loss supplements due to its ability to burn fat. It is thought to promote weight loss by increasing your metabolic rate. However, you must pay close attention when using usnic-containing medicines because they have many side effects on the liver.
2. Notes when using Usnea
- Usnic acid, the main active compound in usnea, and diffratic acid, another compound that can be toxic to the liver when consumed in large quantities in oral form. Therefore, you should consult your doctor before using any form of drug-containing usnea.
- Using products containing usnea or usnic acid directly on your skin to heal wounds can be a safer alternative, although some people may have a red, itchy rash.
- Children and pregnant and lactating women should avoid use.
Recommended for you
🎁 Herb Pharm Usnea Liquid Extract for Cleansing and Detoxification
✅ Get support for cleansing and detoxifying with Usnea liquid extract from Herb Pharm. They prepare their Usnea Extract from various species of Usnea lichens which have been responsibly wildcrafted in their natural native habitat. To assure optimal extraction & concentration of Usnea’s usnic acid and other bioactive compounds, we custom extract the lichens with their special double-extraction process. Directions: SHAKE WELL BEFORE USING Two to four times per day take 30 to 40 drops in a little water.
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