Wildcrafting usnea on a sunny afternoon!
By James Wood, Wild Water
Summer is the time to get outside and explore. For the herb lover this exploring is usually motivated by the collection of some sort of plant ally. For me today, this plant (or lichen) ally was Usnea!
Usnea is known in the herbalism community for its actions on the respiratory system and is known as the ‘Lungs of the Forest’. As noted in a previous post about the ‘doctrine of signatures’ concept, the signature of Usnea shows us how it may be good for respiration since it looks so similar to the bronchioles of the lungs. Our Swapper at Roots and Flowers says, “Usnea is an immune system tonic that can be used in acute situations as well as for long term immune enhancement and general prevention. Use it to help heal respiratory and sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, strep throat, colds, flues, as well as urinary tract, kidney, and bladder infections.”
In western Washington, this lichen is found growing on fir trees, and I’ve even found it on a huckleberry bush.
My journey today began with a barefoot hike into the forest with Usnea on my mind. Hiking up hills, over fallen trees, and over moss-covered rocks, I walked for thirty minutes with minimal sightings of Usnea. After meandering around the cedar forest with much distraction by the delicious beams of color coming from various huckle and salmonberry bushes, I saw an open clearing in the distance and headed for it in hopes of finding my forest friend Usnea.
When I reached the open clearing the bright sun was reflecting off of the salal bushes and there I saw the Usnea-drenched trees all around me! I proceeded to pick my medicine and eat my fill of red huckleberries while getting up close and personal with a few slimy banana slugs. Traditionally, it is best to collect Usnea from fallen branches, since the lichen takes a very long time to grow. I collected what I thought I would need, gave my thanks, and turned around and headed home.
When I found my way back to the cabin, I counted my blessings from the forest and was ready to make some medicine! I picked off all the tree scraps that found their way into my collecting bag, rough chopped my Usnea, and into the jar they went.
A simpler’s tincture worked in this case, which is roughly one part herb to one part alcohol. In this case my alcohol was organic everclear.
The medicine making process brought a smile to my face knowing that the Usnea tincture would be ready in just a few short weeks to provide immune and respiratory support!
Check out The Swap for some Usnea products made by our Swappers!
Herbal Antibiotic
Children’s Herbal Antibiotic Syrup
Respiratory Rescue-Lung Compound
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It was his encounters with the Reishi mushroom that inspired James to explore the rainforests of Washington. Lucky for us he never left! James is an explorer of all things wild. Wild water, wild food, wild medicine and wild nature! He is the manager of our Community Map and Social Media team on Poppy Swap.
Kiki is an East Coast transplant living in the deep cedar forests of the Pacific NW. In her life long study of Chinese Medicine, she has studied with herbalists all over the world but it was her love affair with the local Mugwort growing on her small island that brought her to her passion for local herbalism. She is the Creative Director for Poppy Swap and shares her hand~spun moxa and mugwort products through her Poppy Swap shop Moxa NW.
Originally from Northern California, Kristie moved to Westcliffe, Colorado to LIVE her dream life. Cultivating a garden in the Rocky Mountains, sharing her fields with her horses, dogs and feline friends she stays constantly inspired to learn and grow. Kristie is the social butterfly of Poppy Swap, as the Marketing Director and Event Coordinator. She is currently studying herbalism with Aviva Romm and offers her own line of herbals through Spirit Horse Herbals on Poppy Swap!
Natalie is a Traditional Herbalist whose roots are firmly planted in the South. Although she was born and raised in Tennessee, Natalie has spent the past 24 years living and loving life in North Florida. Natalie provides consultations as well as classes and is one of the founding members of the North Florida Holistic Network, a Non-Profit organization which is dedicated to promoting holistic and sustainable practices. She sells her herbal products on Poppy Swap as The Family Herbalist.
Rebecca is a Scottish girl who lives in the wilds of Los Angeles. She spends her time cooking wild foods, concocting magic healing potions, painting, and running her herb business, 
After years of activism in Vermont, Susan moved to her family's home in Fryeburg, Maine with views of her beloved White Mountains where she grew up, to dig in the Earth, learn from the healing plants and trees, and replenish her spirit. The first thing she did was put in a large, organic garden that has grown and evolved over the years into a beautiful and enchanted space, a mix of flowers, healing herbs, veggies, "weeds", rocks, crystals, and many surprises. Her land is bordered by huge white pines, large maples, and the old course of the Saco River. After years of sharing her creams, salves, and other herbal creations with family and friends, she created Gaia's Garden Herbals to offer them to the public. Everything is made in very small batches with only the best ingredients, often from her garden or wild-harvested nearby, and lots of love.
