Evidence supporting the use of: Usnea
For the health condition: Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Usnea, also known as "old man's beard," is a lichen used in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Western and some Asian herbal traditions. Its primary historical uses are as an antimicrobial, especially for respiratory and urinary tract infections, due to its content of usnic acid and other compounds. In folk medicine, Usnea has sometimes been used to support the lymphatic system, especially when lymph nodes become swollen during infections, under the belief that its antimicrobial properties help the body fight infection and reduce lymphatic congestion. However, this use is largely anecdotal and traditional, with little to no direct scientific research validating its effectiveness specifically for swollen lymph nodes or lymphatic gland conditions. Most available research on Usnea focuses on its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro, not on lymphatic system support or swollen glands in humans. As such, while it is sometimes used in herbal protocols for lymphatic support, this application is based on traditional practice rather than robust clinical evidence.
Other ingredients used for Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
burdockcat's claw
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
fu ling
ginger
goldenseal
licorice root
platycodon root
slippery elm bark
sarsaparilla
atractylodes
rubia cordifolia
lingzhi
pau d'arco
prickly ash
teasel
ganoderma
hydrangea
polyporus
cleavers
Aralia
Andrographis
Baliospermum
Barleria
Banyan
Black Nightshade
Bupleurum
Chinese Mountain Ant
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Codonopsis
Cinquefoil
Crinum latifolium
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Castor Oil
Copaiba Oil
Deer Root
Devil's Club
Dipsacus
Echinacea
Embelia
Mistletoe
Spikenard
Other health conditions supported by Usnea
AbscessesAcne
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Fungal Infections
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Skin (infections)
Staph Infections
Thrush
Tuberculosis
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores