usnea

noun

1. Any lichen of the genus Usnea.

   “The plantlike result of a symbiotic association between algae and fungi, usnea lichen is an important and versatile natural medicine that demands a place in these pages.”

   “In Latin the various species of usnea are called Usnea barbata, U. longissima, U. hirta, U. florida, U. ceratina, and U. dasypoga. Because of its appearance the common name for usnea is Old Man's Beard. The Dakota called usnea Chan wiziye.”

   “Another powerful herb with antibiotic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, usnea is used internally or externally against bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. Usnea is often combined with spilanthes or echinacea.”