Usnea, commonly known as Old Man’s Beard, was one of the first wild medicinals I had the privilege of getting to know. This kin is very slow growing, so I don’t harvest it from Trees. Instead, I wait for Big Wind then go for a forest walk. I take only what has fallen and offer gratitude for the gift of good medicine. Usnea is Lichen: a symbiosis of fungi and alga. It can be used as a natural dye. It produces oranges, yellows, purples, greens, and even blues. An excellent fire starter, I’ve used it many times in my tinder for bow drilling. Usnea is also known for its potent anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It’s great in tinctures, teas, and salves. Given the current COVID climate, I thought I’d try it in a hand sanitizer. It’s now my favorite go-to! 
 
Ingredients: Usnea tinctured in isopropyl alcohol (70%), aloe witch hazel, essential oils: tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, grapefruit, vitamine E drops 
 
Note: It is normal to see some separation in the ingredients. Shake well before using.