Evidence supporting the use of: Usnea
For the body system: Bladder

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Usnea, commonly known as old man's beard, is a type of lichen that has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine. Its primary traditional applications have been as an antimicrobial and for immune support, but it has also been used historically to support urinary tract health, including the bladder. The rationale for using Usnea in bladder support stems from its traditional use as a urinary antiseptic, leveraging its believed antibacterial and antifungal properties to address infections that can affect the bladder, such as cystitis.

However, while there is some in vitro evidence suggesting Usnea species possess antimicrobial activity against certain pathogens, including those that may infect the urinary tract, clinical evidence in humans is very limited. No robust clinical studies have directly evaluated the efficacy of Usnea for bladder health or urinary tract infections. Its use for these purposes is thus largely based on historical and ethnobotanical records, rather than on contemporary scientific validation. The most notable active compounds in Usnea are usnic acid and other secondary metabolites, which have demonstrated antimicrobial activity in laboratory settings.

Overall, Usnea’s use to support the bladder is primarily justified by tradition, with insufficient scientific evidence to conclusively support its efficacy for this specific body system.

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Products containing Usnea

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