Lungs of the Forest

USNEA

Old Mans Beard/Crones or Witches Hair

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This is the top plant/fungi/algae/herb (but most accurately Lichen) I turn to when in need of deep, inner wisdom. Usnea is a Lichen, which is a cross between a fungus and an algae. Both of those are very interconnected with communication network that is invisible to the naked human eye. In this case, I like to think that Usnea is the communication between other realms to our physical realms-- passing messages from our ancestors and guiding spirits. 

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Usnea only tends to thrive in areas where the air quality is fresh and clean, and tends to grow on dying trees and large shrubs. Facilitating it's transition into the spirit realm, it is also breathing in new life to the forest canopy. I would like to think that Usnea would be represented by Mercury and Saturn for it's communication (Mercury) to the ancestors (Saturn) and tends to do it very slow (Saturn). In fact, it's frowned upon to harvest Usnea directly off the tree as it takes this Lichen a VERY long time to grow and it is a necessary part of the dying tree/shrubs transition. Best time to harvest Usnea is after a wind storm when the branches break off from the tree, leaving abundant Usnea on the forest floor. Since Usnea is incredibly anti-microbial/bacterial/fungal, it is okay to harvest after it has been disconnected from it's original growing source. 

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Medicinally, Usnea shines best as a respiratory aid (Mercury) for deep infected pulmonary issues that may or may not need anti-biotics. It is considered a natures anti-biotic, fighting against infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. It has usage history in helping combat candida and H.Pylori , as well as UTI's. It is a strong anti-viral and can help with herpes outbreaks (topically and internally) and help protect against other viral infections. It is also a strong immunomodulator-- helping to strengthen the immune system as a whole. To get the most out of Usnea's medicinal value, you will need to do a double decoction (24 hour hot water extraction and alcohol extraction).. this will help break down the lichen and provide the water soluble and alcohol soluble constituents. Make sure while harvesting, to only grab the lichen that falls on the ground naturally after wind storms.. Usnea is known to grow incredibly slow so we don't want to disturb it further---or worse over-harvest to extinction! 

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Interestingly, it has anti-tumour properties and could be a great alley to use in cases of cancer. As you can see, it has an affinity for dying trees which shows it's affinity for dying cells (as above so below theory). This is also why I attribute it to Saturn which rules the elderly and weak. 

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My all time favourite part of taking Usnea is it's musky smell and taste. To me it tastes and smells like an ancient forest--giving me visions of water vapour that condenses off the trees during a quick temperature change. Again, breathing in new life to the forest. When our internal forest is burnt down/damaged/or abandoned, Usnea breathes life back into it. It reminds me of strong elder authority, that reorganizes the chaos and speaks words of wisdom into all our internal organs. 

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I hope you experiment with Usnea in the near future, and allow it to speak wisdom into your own bodies, minds, and souls. Whether that means sitting beneath an old growth tree covered in Usnea, or drinking it's tea or tincture. Allow yourself to connect with the grandparent of the forest. 

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Love Syd

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