But, along with those carbs is a lot of rock-dissolving acid that can burn your insides, which is why they have to be prepared a certain way. A method used in China is to boil lichen for 30 minutes and then soak for two days in several changes of water. Copyright 2007-2018 – This web page is the property of Green Deane, LLC. I put a little in soup or beans a few times a year. How Usnea is said is a bit of debate: OOS-nay-ah or oos-NAY-ah are common as is US-nay-ah. Lichen can be harder to tell apart than twins in the dark. But, if the lichen you are looking at has any yellow parts, or is yellow, it is best not to eat it. It also resembles Spanish Moss, which was named after Usnea because Spanish Moss looks like it. A few state as you do. Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge) isn’t too different. Many thanks. Usnea is Latin for the Arabic word ushnah, meaning ‘moss’. I maintain the trails on our 400 acre natural island in the middle of the Delaware River. Looks like the tubes inside a lung. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. There it is far better, but not five stars. All rights reserved. In fact, they take very well to dish gardens and don’t have to be watered. A combination of nutritional studies suggest Cladonias are, by dry weight,  1.4% ash, 5.4% protein, 32.9% fiber, 2.1% fat, and 0.501% niacin  3.7% calcium, and 0.09% phosphorus. Lichen that resemble Usnea do not have this white cord. First, Usnea (OOS-nay-ah) is relatively low in acid (7% tops) and in small amounts can be eaten as is without soaking, and I have a tender tummy so it is quite compatible. Another lichen Usnea gets confused with is Ramalina, which also grows locally and often in profusion. It can be taken internally as well as used topically. Copyright 2007-2018 – This web page is the property of Green Deane, LLC. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. That alcohol and molasses could be made from lichen highlights their third interesting aspect: Most lichen, including most of those you see on trees, rocks and old cemetery stones, are some 94%  carbohydrates. It probably will not kill you but you will wish it had. You have mentioned that C. islandica, but it doesn’t look like you have clarified this is a different genus: Cetraria islandica. Here are some examples of fungal infections that you may use usnea for: athlete’s foot, jock itch, dandruff, ringworm, vaginal infections, etc. All rights reserved. Calgary, AB It would be good to clarify. 1682. Foraging should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. From the Journal of Economic Botany Vol. It’s branches do not look hairy, Usnea looks hairy. Personally I have tasted it raw(non consumption) searching for anything offensive and found it quite palatable, which makes me curious. Not only were lichen used to make alcohol but Russia managed to make a molasses out of it. λειχω (LEAK-ho) means to lick and  λειχην (leak-NEE) is an eruption. I always harvest the lichen that has been blown off the rock face by storms and not off the rocks itself. Prick them with a fork. I did treat it with ash water, but not sure it was neccesary. I’m surprised the Russians didn’t try to make rum. What about preserving it? After discarding the soaking water they are boiled and that water discarded, or they are steamed. Individual results can vary, try cautiously. Prepared the lichen then dry it. Also Usnea lichens do not change color during the growing season whereas lichen which closely resemble Usnea do.