Usneya bearded is a lichen, which is a strong natural remedy. Lichen thalli are used for rejuvenation, treatment of various ailments. Since ancient times, it was known about the beneficial properties of the plant. Treatment recipes have been handed down from generation to generation and have survived to this day.
Botanical description
Usneya bearded is a lichen with a long thallus, which is similar to a beard (hence the name). Thallus grows to 100-200 cm and has a yellow-green shade. Hyphae of the plant are woven, and in the middle of the branches of the thalli a dense axial cylinder is formed. Its branches are round, rigid, hair-like at the tips, and dotted with small tubercles. Because of the appearance of the usnyu is also called "beard of the devil" or "bearded lichen". 
Distribution and habitat
The plant is distributed in a temperate climate, mainly in coniferous forests, rarely in deciduous. The "beard of the goblin" grows on the branches and trunks of trees, and sometimes on the stones. Usneya prefers wet and lighted areas, which are located far from cities, factories and roads. The plant is not a parasite, but it applies the branches of trees as a support.
Did you know? One of the recently discovered lichens in the United States was named in honor of the 44th President of this state - Barack Obama.
Chemical composition
Usninic acid (about 1.12%) is contained in the mouth, which is a natural antibiotic. Also included in the Usney are:
- bitterness;
- iodine;
- live proteins;
- sugar;
- mineral salts;
- barbate acid;
- salacic acid;
- vitamin C;
- lichen acids;
- the lichen polysaccharide;
- hemicellulose;
- cellulose.
Thyme, propolis, pumpkin, leaves of Manchurian walnut are also considered natural antibiotics.
Did you know? Lichens are one of the longest-lived organisms on the planet. Their age can reach several hundred, and sometimes even thousands of years.
Health benefits: healing power
The healing properties of the beard of the goblin are known for a long time. On the human body usneya has:
- wound healing;
- deodorizing;
- expectorant;
- antipyretic;
- pain medication;
- antimicrobial;
- antifungal;
- anti-inflammatory;
- immunomodulatory;
- antiviral;
- bacteriostatic action.
Application
Due to its composition, the plant is used for the treatment of various diseases and for cosmetic purposes.
For medicinal purposes, use another lichen - Parmelia.
In medicine
Usnea is a natural antibiotic that can treat ARVI, influenza, tuberculosis, pneumonia, respiratory diseases. Lichen is able to activate the immune system, normalize blood pressure, improve metabolism. The plant has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, the digestive organs. Use usneyu with inflammation of the throat and mouth, with diseases of the urinary organs. 
Due to its antimicrobial action, it is able to cure purulent, oozing wounds and sores for a long time. As an antibacterial agent, it is used for burns, purulent diseases of soft tissues. The herb is good for abscesses, fissures, ulcers, fungal infections.
In folk healing, lichen, along with other herbs, is used in the treatment of asthma, whooping cough. A good effect of Usnea is in angina, thyroid disease. Infusions from the "beard of the devil" is used in the treatment of cancer.
For the treatment of bronchial asthma use saxifrage, purslane, rose, aloe, horseradish.
In cosmetology
Usney bearded often used for cosmetic purposes. Plant extract is a part of deodorants, gels, creams, toothpastes, sunscreens. Use the plant in the treatment of dermatitis, seborrheic crusts. It is also good at eliminating freckles and age spots. Baths with the addition of Usnei powder normalize the production of melanin in the skin. 
Contraindications
“The beard of the goblin” is a natural safe medicine. But there are several contraindications for lichen use. You can not use the grass during pregnancy and lactation, as the plant-contained usnic acid can adversely affect the baby. It is also not recommended to treat usney people who are sensitive to iodine. Begin treatment with a lichen should be carefully, as there is a chance of individual intolerance.
Important! To avoid negative consequences, it is important to respect the dosage and duration of treatment.
Harvesting and storage of raw materials
Thallus plants can be harvested year-round. Usnea grows slowly, so when collecting it is necessary to leave a small part of the thallus intact, so that the plant can recover. The plant should be cleaned from litter, for example, moss, needles, earth, sand. Then the thallus is dried at a temperature of +25 C. 
Usneya absorbs moisture very quickly, so it is necessary to store raw materials in a dry, ventilated place, protected from sun and at a temperature not higher than the same +25 C. The grass can be folded into paper packaging and placed on shelves. In the right conditions, the raw materials can be stored for a long time.
Recipes for healing potions
Consider how to prepare medicinal drugs from usney bearded.
Alcohol tincture: how to take
To prepare the tincture will need:
- crushed usneya - 3 tbsp. l .;
- alcohol 40% - 0.5 l.
Raw materials are poured with alcohol and put the container in a dark place. Insist the drug for 14 days, gently shaking the bottle daily. Take the resulting medication should be 15-20 minutes before a meal, 1 tbsp. l three times a day. The duration of treatment is 30 days.
Alcohol tincture is used to cure dysentery, with problems of the gastrointestinal tract, to improve appetite.
Veronica officinalis, tarragon, coltsfoot, dandelions, curative wormwood, evading peony will help improve the appetite.
Powder
To prepare the powder, you need to grind usne grass on a coffee grinder with the same amount of dry celandine. You can also take a little sage and succession. Such a means sprinkled wounds, ulcers, eczema. Powder well helps with varicose veins, fungal infections of the feet.
For oncological diseases and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract 0.5 tsp. powder pour 350 ml of boiling water, insist 3-4 hours and filter. The resulting infusion drink 3-4 times a day for the third part of a glass in half an hour after a meal.
Important! If, after applying the powder to the wound, you feel discomfort or itching, then it is necessary to immediately rinse the area with water and delay lichen treatment for a while.
Decoction
Ingredients for decoction:
- crushed thalli - 1 tbsp. l .;
- water - 200 ml.
Ointment
The ointment is used to treat burns, boils, fungal infections. For cooking, you need to mix 10 g of crushed thalli with 50 g of vegetable or butter and 1 tsp. honey It is necessary to apply means twice a day on a problem zone. It should be treated until full recovery.
Usneya bearded has many useful properties and is able to cure from many different diseases. Using funds based on it, it is necessary to observe the dosage in order to avoid negative reactions. It is recommended to consult a doctor before starting treatment.
