General info
Usnea is scientific and generic for several lichen species. It grows worldwide, like other lichens, a symbiotic relationship of fungus (Ascomycota) and algae (Chlorophyta division). A1947 monograph by Jozef Motyka listed 451 species, many regarded as morphological adaptations and variations to local conditions. Extremely sensitive to air pollution, they grow only a few millimeters under bad conditions; in unpolluted environment, they may grow up to 10 to 20 centimeters long. They grow in various colors, from pale yellow to green, reddish brown to black.

Botany
Lumot kahoi is a Philippine lichen found clinging or hanging on trunks of trees. Thallus is pendulous, terete, very slender and elongated, the primary branches up to 5.5 millimeters in diameter.

Distribution
- Grows on trunks of trees – the coconut trees in Laguna and on pine trees in the Mountain Province.
- Usnea grows worldwide.

Properties
- Most lichens are considered cooling, astringent, prophylactic, antimicrobial, analgesic, immune tonic, anti-tumor, antiviral, expectorant, febrifuge.
- Lumot kahoi is the only species on record in the Philippines to be used medicinally.
- Yields mucilage which makes it helpful for coughs.

Constituents
- Usnic acid (C18H16O7), a potent antimicrobial is found in most species. It works against gram-positive bacteria by wall penetration and blocking of ATP production.

Uses
Edibility
• Usnea is considered high in carbohydrate and vitamin C. Soaking in several changes of water is suggested before ingestion. Caution is given because of its ability to absorb pollutions, such as heavy metals and radiation.
• For making tea or decoction, herb is ground, wet with alcohol, let stand for half an hour, before steeping in hot water.
Folkloric
• Usnea species have been used medicinally for at least a 1000 years. Used as a poultice for surface wounds.
• In Ayurveda, used for infections with Pitta component.
• Used for fever, weight loss, loosening phlegm, wound healing, pain relief. Used for impetigo, leucorrhea, mastitis, pleurisy, warts.
• For impetigo and ringworm, topically apply decoction, diluted tincture or paste.
• In modern American herbal medicine, used for respiratory and urinary tract infections.
• In the wild, used as first aid to staunch wounds.
• In the Philippines, decoction lumot kahoi, which turns red, is used as a stomachic.
Tincture preparation
• Only partially water soluble. Tincture is the preferred form of use, for the alcohol extraction of usnic acid.
• Lightly pack a jar with crushed usnea, then fill with 60 to 100 proof alcohol (vodka or lambanog). Secure the lid, store in a cool, dark place, a minimum of 2 weeks, preferably 8 weeks or more. Daily shaking is suggested by some users. Strain and transfer into a dropper bottle. Usual dose is 5 to 10 drops.
Other uses
• Used in soaps and deodorants for its antibacterial properties.

Studies
• Safety Concerns / LipoKinetix: Safety concerns from its constituent -- sodium usniate (usnic acid) and the possibility of liver damage. Sodium usniate is an ingredient of LipoKinetix, a product marketed for weight loss. From July to December 2000, seven cases of liver damage were reported in patients taking LipoKinetix, with symptoms of fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, and jaundice, developing within 2 weeks to 3 months of starting LipoKinetix.

Availability
Wild-crafted.