For the Medicine Chest —
A powerful immune system tonic, Usnea tincture can be taken in acute situations as well as for long-term immune support.
Usnea works to rebalance bacterias and eradicate infection throughout the respiratory system, the mucus membranes, and the digestive and urinary systems.
A broad spectrum antiseptic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiviral, Usnea acts through disrupting, and thus destroying, the metabolism of harmful bacterias. This, of course, is unlike pharmaceutical antibiotics, which, while useful, indiscriminately kill bacterias—healthy gut bacterias, included—, weakening the immune system, overall.
Usnea roots out infection in the body while fortifying the immune system.
I made this potent plant medicine thinking of those with signs of infection in the lungs and bronchial area, accompanied by strained breathing, yellow or green phlegm, chest pain, and sometimes fever. But it can also be used for infections throughout the digestive and urinary systems, especially when accompanied by symptoms of heat, or heat with moisture.
. . .
While I’ve always loved and respected Usnea, it wasn’t until April of 2020, after the onset of Coronavirus, that I considered making a medicine with Usnea.
Usnea are extremely slow growing and ancient lichens, who serve as the literal lungs of a forest they grow within. They support the overall health of their ecosystem by cleaning the air of toxins, sustaining life beyond their own.
This is the medicine you are taking into your body.
As Coronavirus spread, and with it the fear among humans, my partner and I spent more and more time in the forest. While there, I collected the freshly fallen branches of White Pine to infuse with Rose petals. We sat with Ghost Pipe and Mosses, Rose Quartz and Garnet, Marble, the furled fronds of young Ferns. And again and again, I found Usnea on the ground, loosed from whichever tree it had grown upon. Soon, I had enough to make medicine.
This is that medicine.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product does not intend to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Before using any herbs, check for appropriate dosage, drug interactions, and contraindications. Please consult your primary care physician regarding your specific health concerns.
My Lungs are the Lungs of the Forest Tincture
1 ounce bottle, made in ceremony.
Ingredients: Usnea barbata, grain alcohol, + filtered water.
Take with Intention:
60 drops, 3-4 x a day
to fight virus or infection
for up to 10 days
OR take 1-30 drops, 3x daily as an immune tonic
How to Take with Intention:
As with all herbal medicines, it is best to start with a low dose and slowly work up to a full therapeutic or nutritional dose. This allows the body to adjust to the particular plant energetics, and, if one pays attention, is a way to determine whether it is the right remedy for you.
Before ingesting, and as I shake the bottle, I always call the plant being into my mind and heart to thank and further connect with the plant.
Safety Considerations:
The energetics of Usnea are cooling and drying. Usnea works to clear heat, move dampness, and resolve toxicity. Please be mindful of lowering a productive fever when taking Usnea or of over-cooling the constitution of an already cold person.Some Ways to Heal with Usnea:
Usnea tincture helps heal respiratory and sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, strep throat, as well as urinary tract, kidney, and bladder infections. Usnea also helps heal those with yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and chlamydia. Consider putting a dropperful in water and gargling several times a day for sore throat or strep throat. You may also take Usnea tincture as an immune tonic to build and protect your immune system over time. As a tonic, take, with intention, 1-30 drops, 1-3x a day.
Spirit Dose:
Consider taking one drop a day, with intention, to listen with Usnea.
How to store?
Please keep out of direct sunlight. You can store your tincture in a cool, dark place and consume within 2-4 years.