Capuchin's beard (Usnea barbata)

Lichens are organisms with a dual nature: on one hand are fungi, and morphology can be compared with them. But, if you look deeper, we can see that also consist of an alga. In short, a lichen is a symbiotic association between an alga and a fungus. Both of them give their best to survive. The species of lichen that is trying branched, with numerous, thin twigs and hanging whitish hairs and a beard. It breeds in tree branches, mainly in the cork oaks, oaks, etc.., Nationwide, more abundantly in those wet areas.

FLOWERING

Lichens are not flowering, because they belong to a group of plants less developed. These organisms have structures more primitive sexual reproduction, though no less complex. Moreover, being an association of two living beings acquire reproductive mechanisms typical of them. Collection of all lichen interest, because what's really going to use for therapeutic purposes is an acid: usnic acid, extracted from it. It can be collected throughout the year, which is available in its natural ecosystem.

APPLICATIONS

As discussed earlier, the most interesting active principle of this lichen is usnic acid. You can get this acid yields of up to 4% from previously dried cappuccino beard. This acid is recognized as an antibiotic properties. Several studies have proved very effective against most common bacteria. It was found that the sodium salt of this acid is more active on bacteria, even at lower doses. In some areas of our geography wisely used this lichen as an antiseptic and drying and cracking injuries of the feet. This use is consistent with the experimental antibiotic effect has widely demonstrated. In conclusion, it is important to note that the beard of a Capuchin has long been confused with moss moss was called trees. Many years passed until the inception of the classification of plants, yet were still baptising some moss to this dual agency. But the true mosses are green plants, chlorophyll, can be self-sufficient and totally independent. In contrast, the lichen is necessary that fungus-alga association in order to survive, partnership in which the fungus out more beneficial, allowing the algae to live, even enslaved.

ADMINISTRATION

In fact, the only popularly used method of administration is the direct application of lichen on damaged skin. Usnic acid is used to treat infections require complicated technological processes and is therefore out of reach. Normally, this antibiotic prescription can be purchased in specialty stores.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Usneaceas
HABITAT: Branches of oak, oak ... in humid
FLOWERING: None
PART USED: Whole plant
CASTILIAN: Barba de fraile
CATALAN: Barba de caputxi
BASQUE: Árbol bizarrzuri

USES

Strong antibiotic, Strong Antiseptic, Secant Moderate.