Page 279 - Lost Book Remedies
P. 279
The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies
jock itch, ringworm, dandruff, and other common Usnea. Personally, I use a tincture double-extracted
fungal infections. For vaginal use, dilute the tincture in water and alcohol to access all of the medicinal
in boiled water and use as a douche. For thrush, put compounds (p. 38). I do this for most lichen and
your tincture in a spray bottle and spray on the af- mushroom extractions and also add a little heat. You
fected area. This is such a relief to cancer patients can either extract it with water first as in the recipe
experiencing thrush. below or else extract it in alcohol and then extract
the Usnea in water afterwards, pouring the alcoholic
Conjunctivitis: Usnea can be used in a cooled tincture back in to your medicinal water in a ratio of
down tea as an eyewash along with other herbs (Yar- 3 parts alcohol: 1-part water. If you have a cloudy so-
row, Chamomile, Plantain, raw honey) for conjunc- lution in your finished product that is OK – it is the
tivitis.
water-soluble polysaccharides coming out of solu-
Stops Bleeding: When applied to wounds, this li- tion as they are mixed back with the alcoholic part of
chen quickly facilitates clotting and controls bleed- the tincture. Simply shake before use. Usnea is also
ing. Apply the lichen directly to the wound and bind very soluble in oil for internal and external use – fol-
in place with a gauze bandage for best results. low our recipe for oil infusions (page 38 or page 268)
and grind the Usnea well before infusing in oil.
Harvesting: I like to harvest Usnea just after a
storm has just passed. At this time, tree branches Usnea Lichen Tincture (Recipe can be scaled up
have broken and are lying on the ground, just wait- or down as desired). *Note: I like to use a small
ing for me to collect Usnea. In this way, I do not crockpot for this recipe. You may also place the herbs
have to struggle to reach high branches or har- and water into a jar, which is then covered and
vest from live trees. Usnea, like other lichens, placed into the crockpot of water or a pot of water
grows slowly, so only collect from downed on low on the stove.
branches. Lichens are used as pollution indi- Double-extraction (scale as needed,
cators so make sure you collect from very keeping your alcohol to water ratio at
environmentally clean areas.
3:1): You’ll need: ½ jar-full of dried Usnea Li-
Pull on the lichen strands to find its white chen, 24 oz. (710ml) of 80 to 100 proof alcohol,
core. In this way, you’ll have confirmation that 8 oz. (250ml) distilled water. Start with a large
you have the right lichen and good medicine. (40-52 oz.) glass jar. Cut up the Usnea into very
Use fresh or dry and store in a cool, dark place small pieces so that the core will be exposed to
for future use. your solvent. Fill the jar half-full with dried
Usnea (this is the best way to gauge how much
Warning: Usnea lichen is a highly concen-
trated medicine and should not be taken con- you need). Then place the distilled water and
tinuously in large doses. Take it as needed for the dried herbs into a crockpot or double-boiler
specific problems. I personally use a spray in my and stir well. Cover and cook on the lowest pos-
throat often as a preventative for illness but that is sible setting for 3 days. Allow the herb and water
a very low dose (versus taking a large amount of in- mixture to cool and pour it all into your glass jar.
ternal tincture daily) and I have had no ill effects or Add the alcohol while the mixture is still quite warm,
abnormal liver enzyme readings. Do not use Usnea but not hot. Cap the jar tightly, label and date the jar
internally during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as and allow it to macerate for 8 weeks, shaking the jar
safety is unknown. Usnea lichen absorbs pollutants daily. Strain out the herb (cheesecloth works well for
and toxins from the environment. Do not harvest the this). Store it in a tightly capped glass jar. Label and
lichen in areas exposed to heavy metals, roadway ex- date. Note: If you are using this tincture internally,
haust, industrial areas, or waste areas. your alcohol must be drinking quality. See page 39
or page 268 for another way to double extract Usnea.
Recipes: Tea is ineffective as a delivery method to
access all of the medicinally active compounds of
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