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- Dictionaryold man's beard
noun
- 1. a wild clematis that has grey fluffy hairs around the seeds.
- 2. a large lichen that forms shaggy greyish growths on the branches of trees.
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Common name(s): traveller's joy, old man's beard. Scientific name: Clematis vitalba. Family: Ranunculaceae. Origin: native. Flowering season: July to September. Habitat: hedgerows
Aug 22, 2008 · The French name for old man's beard is 'herbe aux gueux' – the beggar's or rascal's herb. Beggars were said to use its acrid sap to irritate the skin to give it a sore and ulcerated look in order to induce sympathy in, and a donation from, passers by!
- Overview
- Usnea’s main compounds and uses
- Potential health benefits
- Safety and potential side effects
- The bottom line
Usnea, also known as old man’s beard, is a type of lichen that grows on the trees, bushes, rocks, and soil of temperate and humid climates worldwide (1).
It has long been used in traditional medicine. 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 (2).
Nowadays, usnea is commonly used to aid weight loss, soothe sore throats, accelerate wound healing, and reduce pain and fever. Some people even suggest it may help fight certain types of cancer (1).
This article reviews the scientific evidence to tell you everything you need to know about usnea’s benefits and side effects.
Although lichens like usnea may look like single plants, they consist of an alga and a fungus that grow together.
In this mutually beneficial relationship, the fungus provides structure, mass, and protection from the elements while the alga produces nutrients to sustain them both (1).
Usnic acid and polyphenols, the main active compounds in usnea, are thought to provide most of its purported benefits (3).
Compounds called depsides, depidones, and benzofurans may also have health effects, but more research is needed (1).
Usnea is made into tinctures, teas, and supplements, as well as added to various products like medicinal creams. It’s common to take it orally or apply it directly to your skin.
SUMMARY
May promote wound healing
Usnic acid, one of the main active compounds in usnea, may help promote wound healing. Test-tube studies suggest that this compound may fight infection-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and stimulate wound closure (4, 5). Research in rats shows that usnic acid increases markers of wound healing, such as collagen formation, when applied directly to wounds. The lichen’s anti-inflammatory properties may be responsible (6). There’s also evidence that usnic acid may protect against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which are often responsible for skin infections (7, 8). However, it’s currently unclear whether the amounts of usnic acid present in certain skin care creams are sufficient to provide these same benefits. Therefore, more human studies are needed.
May protect against certain cancers
Usnea is rich in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that helps fight cell damage caused by unstable compounds known as free radicals. In turn, this antioxidant activity may safeguard against various diseases, including cancer (2, 9, 10, 11). Test-tube studies further suggest that usnic acid may help prevent cancer cell growth and kill cancerous cells while selectively avoiding non-cancerous ones (2, 12, 13, 14). Although these results are promising, more studies are needed.
May promote weight loss
Usnic acid, the main active compound in usnea, is a popular ingredient in weight loss supplements, including fat burners. It’s believed to promote weight loss by increasing your metabolic rate (15). Although it may be effective, many reports suggest that oral weight loss supplements containing usnic acid, like LipoKinetix, may cause liver failure and even death (15, 16, 17, 18, 19). Most people recovered after they stopped taking such supplements. However, a proportion experienced severe liver failure, required an emergency liver transplant, or died (17). While it isn’t clear whether usnic acid caused all of the ill effects from these multi-ingredient supplements, usnic acid and fat burners containing usnic acid are not recommended to boost weight loss due to the notable safety concerns. SUMMARY Usnea may promote wound healing, combat cancer cells, and aid weight loss. However, its use is discouraged due to its side effects, and human research is lacking for its wound healing and cancer effects.
When taken by mouth, usnic acid, the main active compound in usnea, has been linked to several cases of severe liver failure, the need for an emergency liver transplant, and even death (16, 17, 18, 19, 20).
Animal research suggests that diffratic acid, another usnea compound, is toxic to the liver when consumed in large amounts (21).
Moreover, some evidence indicates that drinking undiluted usnea tinctures or large quantities of strong usnea tea may cause stomach upset (1).
Dosages of usnic acid and diffratic acid can vary widely between supplements, and the doses large enough to produce any negative effects aren’t known.
Therefore, further safety studies are needed.
In the meantime, you should employ caution before using usnea teas, tinctures, or capsules. Consider consulting your healthcare provider before adding these products to your routine.
Usnea is a lichen that has been used for centuries to cure various ailments. While it’s said to offer numerous health benefits, very few are currently supported by science.
Some evidence suggests that usnea may aid wound healing and protect against certain cancers — though further studies are necessary.
Furthermore, while it may boost weight loss, it isn’t recommended for this purpose because of severe side effects.
In fact, when taken by mouth, usnea may cause stomach upset, severe liver damage, and even death. You should practice extreme caution with this supplement and always consult your healthcare provider before taking it.
Common Name: Old man's beard. Genus: Clematis. Species: vitalba. Skill Level: Experienced. Exposure: Full sun. Hardiness: Hardy. Soil type: Well-drained/light, Dry, Moist. Height: 3000cm. Spread:...
Clematis vitalba is a climbing shrub with branched, grooved stems, deciduous leaves, and scented greeny-white flowers with fluffy underlying sepals. The many fruits formed in each inflorescence have long silky appendages which, seen together, give the characteristic appearance of old man's beard.
Apr 20, 2022 · Often called “old man’s beard” or “the lungs of the forest,” usnea is a common edible and medicinal lichen that grows in forests around the world. Usnea has been used as a traditional antibiotic, both topically and internally, since pre-history.
Jan 9, 2023 · Usnea, popularly known as old man’s beard, is a lichen that’s been used as a traditional medicine in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Usnea has been used for pain relief, fevers, wound healing, and to reduce inflammation.
