Usnea appears to have an antiobiotic effect against the Gram-positive class of bacteria responsible for sore throats and respiratory infections, athlete’s foot and protozoans.

Usnea is a lichen with strong anti-biotic, anti-cancer, and immune strengthening properties beneficial in the treatment of bacterial or fungal infections, tumors, tuberculosis, sinusitis, bronchitis, abscesses, pneumonia, ringworm, athlete's foot, yeast overgrowth, strep throat, pneumonia, vaginal infections, pleurisy, urinary tract infections, coughs, and to stimulate digestion.

WARNING: Reduce dosage if digestive disorders arise. Possible uterine contractions may occur. Do not use for more than three consecutive weeks.

Read More About It

• Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine: Usnea [HTML] by Belinda Rowland.

• Usnea: The herbal antibiotic and other medicinal lichens (Herbs and health series) by Christopher Hobbs.