Benefits and Uses of Usnea (Old Man's Beard)

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NOTE: This information is meant for educational purposes only .I am NOT a doctor nor pretend to be one. Nothing I say should be used to replace professional medical counseling. Also, PLEASE do your OWN research!

[@chitownmountain]

I live in rural west Tennessee. When I hear a chain saw going I will follow the noise and ask to harvest the "moss" from the cut tree. Never been turned down yet. Those branches will be cut up into chips or burned anyway so that's where I prefer to harvest. What I see growing on trees I leave alone so that it can continue to grow and spread to other trees. Just harvesting from fallen branches or cut down trees will quickly have you over flowing with Usnea in no time!

[@99773-HGG]

I'm trying to grow it in my armpit hair so far it's working.

[@joycealphin5549]

I had gotten spider bitten and the area was REALLY red and hurting..I put Usnea tincture made with vokia on it and you could literally see the red fade to a pink with in a minute. The next morning it was completely gone. Only a dot

[@michellebarnhill5130]

Thank you. Good to know.

[@thelittlelearningfarm622]

Wow

[@SleepyHead76]

I’m so glad this is the top comment! I’m suffering from a spider bite right now. I’ll get my tincture drained and apply it!

[@7owlfthr]

A lot of spiders carry staph, so in addition to fighting the inflammation initially, it probably prevented a nasty staph infection!

[@tammywilson959]

My friend had ulcers in his stomach and was vomiting bloody phlegm....I put him on a white rice banana diet with old man's beard boiled up in the rice....it cured his ulcers which he had gotten from imbibing too much cheap vodka....I live in Georgia near two national forests and responsibly forage many of my medicinal and herbal remedies and foods. Usnea is in great supply here in the mountains and seems to prefer the deciduous tree areas with dappled sunlight.

[@pics2023-ty1jb]

I would love to follow you if you have a page, i love people who have knowledge about what's around, Im close to the dragon ❤

[@sarahpak5237]

What is cool is I made chapstick with usnea oil and I made some without it. I made too much and fast forward to two years later and the few left without usnea went bad and I had to throw it out, but the one ones with the same ingredients with added usnea oil is still good. I let olive oil soak in the usnea for 8 weeks. So I have some plain olive oil left over and it’s gone bad, but the usnea infused oil from same batch of olive oil is still good. Amazing that it can heal so many things and preserves oil.

[@Reiko29DBS]

I always chime in with your intro and it makes me smile "God is good.... All The Time!"

[@nightowl2481]

I know right!? Can’t help myself either 😊

[@a.w.6907]

All the time God is good. AMEN

[@BruceChunn]

Live in the Shelton Wa area and I find lots of Usnea on fruit trees that haven't been pruned in quite a while. Also, you might want to show your audience how to pull and stretch the Usnea to determine if it's the real thing (it' elastic acting) instead of something else like Spanish Moss (which won't stretch and will snap instead). That's my go-to method to check for real Usnea. Thanks for you video, it was very helpful

[@DonnaMM6361]

We have a lot of this kind of stuff in Snohomish County. My grandfather lived in Shelton, back in the 1960s. Other paternal family in Lacey and Forks!

[@blessedbloominghomestead9134]

Our usnea in the south doesn’t look beard like, more Brillo pad with tiny flat disks interspersed in it. It still has the pale silver white threads when you pull it. It also grows from a single base attached the branch or trunk. I did read it has benefits similar to doxycycline. Usnea was the first tincture I ever made, it grows on my oaks, mimosas, crepe myrtles, about everything. I haven’t used it yet, but it’s good to go if I need it. Thanks for clarifying about Spanish moss. We live Northeast Florida, so it does grow in hot humid climates also. Many Blessings!!

[@thelittlelearningfarm622]

I live in the South too and you described it exactly how I find it in Georgia.

[@blessedbloominghomestead9134]

@@thelittlelearningfarm622 I’m almost in Georgia 😃, just about a mile south of the St Mary’s River. Originally from Savannah.

[@never2muchcoffee]

I'm in Alabama and you nailed the description. I cut some limbs from a tree in my yard last year and harvested 3 gallons (tightly packed pickle jars) of usnea!

[@rats2themoon]

I’m glad you posted this...i was second guessing my find. I’m in nw fl. Looks like tiny lily pads in it. Got me a bowl full from my kids school and i harvested where i could reach. Im vertically challenged... so plenty left behind!

[@shirleyhall1924]

I'm glad you posted this because I was just in Georgia and found some usnea. Your description matches perfectly with what I found.

[@katrinabranson9918]

One of my Elders would have me gather it for her when I was really young. She had two specific trees that she wanted it from, for different purposes. From fir and other conifer trees she said it was warming and would moisten up thick congestion and mucous and get it moving. From oak and other deciduous hardwoods it was used for wet and moist issues like watery lungs and runny nose, drying and solidifying so that coughs could be productive. She said other things that it was good for also but I don't remember with my 4 or 5 year olds memory. I really wish I had the ability to recall everything the woman said. I have used a dilute mixture for washing a wound on my x-boyfriend who had fallen on a logging landing and had a limb penetrate his elbow. It swelled and festered and I cleaned it really well. He came back a few months later and it had festered up again so I cleaned it really well and removed as much necrosis as he would allow and irrigated with the usnea tincture and boiled water. It did the trick and his elbow finally began healing without infection setting in again.

[@trimbaker1893]

I live up at 4,000 feet elevation in the mountains of western North Carolina. Old Mans Beard grows up in the tree tops mostly but does cling to the trunks too. Today, I boiled a pot of it to make a decoction to soak my feet in when it cools down. I have been working in snug fitting steel toed boots for the last couple of weeks and some athletes foot has got a grip on my feet. this will cure that for me.

[@lindabarber3132]

We spend lots of time in the forests and mountains of Colorado where there's loads of Usnea. It is known as the survivor's best friend as it is so useful, i.e., starting a fire, healing wounds, increasing energy, providing substanence. I've used it for all these and found it very effective.

[@pinemeadowshobbyfarmafruga8319]

I do observe deer eating this. I taught Marty Raneys of Homestead Rescue about this which we featured on our show. This is a very informative video. Thank you for taking the time to create this. Especially in this day and age.

[@marthatomguglielmetti6720]

I started collecting this on many fallen sticks mostly silver birch I noted . Made a tincture w ever clear . There is a slight white ribbon band that stretches slightly at base of the clumps that makes it an identifier of true USNEA. Placed tincture in small dark glass bottle w spray attachment , works well w mouth issues or tooth pain .

[@theresariter]

How long is the tincture good to store?

[@marthatomguglielmetti6720]

@@theresariter Forever if kept in a dark glass bottle stored away from light dark & cool .

[@heathermcever7970]

Thanks

[@growyourownnorthlandltd]

How do you use it for tooth pain or mouth issues?

[@kayb7415]

In east TN it grows on hardwood trees everywhere. I have a tincture ready to drain. Thanks for all the information.

[@iheartherbs]

Wow, I found some the other day in the woods on an unbeaten path growing on twigs on the ground. The Holy Spirit told me it was useful though I didn't know how or why. Now I know it has wonderful uses. I'm going to spread some next time I see it and even try to incorporate it in my forest garden. Sooooo many gems in this video. Literally gave several remedies and other herbs and uses, this is why I love you and I watch your videos with my tea, pen and paper. Thank you for being you 💛

[@laurenhawley5610]

I mainly forage! I made a tincture for bug bites but did not know about it’s uses for lung and sinuses. When it was first taught to me I was told you can know it’s true usnea from pulling it apart, there’s the little stretchy white band inside.

[@lynnsorensen503]

I am in inland Mendocino county & it is everywhere here. I usually collect it after a storm or high wind as it gets blown out of the trees (fur & oak mostly), that way I’m not taking it away from the trees. It is one of the herbs I use for making tea.

[@bassskirtgirl]

how does that taste?

[@lynnsorensen503]

@@bassskirtgirl I usually add some spearmint & dried apple to give it a nice flavor…covers up the not so great taste of the more medicinal herbs😊

[@bassskirtgirl]

@@lynnsorensen503 I used to live inland Mendocino. Moved to oregon 5 yes ago. Never looked back. So much better, cheaper, and people are very nice.

[@mamau7796]

My father in law makes me tinctures and I use it for my bladder pain. Works great. I use it for bronchitis as well. He gets it on his property. I live in Oregon so it is everywhere!! Thanks for the good video! I love watching your content. Keep up the good work! 💐

[@thesheshed2853]

I live in Oregon as well, we have it everywhere here. I got mine out of my back yard and front yard. I plan to make a tincture and a powder and later a salve. I am just starting out with Usnea and hoping to use it regularly. Thanks for the info on the bladder pain and bronchitis.

[@ritamccartt-kordon283]

Hello from TN! I lived near Springfield, Oregon for 10 years. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I loved going to Reedsport/CoosBay! They have a Beautiful Lighthouse there! I loved going to Eastern Oregon. The Smell of the Sagebrush is wonderful! Silverlake when all of the Geese and Ducks migrate is a site to behold! Really, I don't know if they still do that. I moved in 1986. I really hope that they do! Beautiful state! GOD bless

[@amberh4109]

My husband and I used Usnea when we got covid, and it helped... We were both feeling better after just a couple days, and I have some pretty serious asthma.

[@jeffgarrett9154]

I just got a pound of Usnea today. I have Covid now and it's hard to breathe. How did you prepare it? I made a tea out of it and it burned my mouth and throat. Not because of the heat of the water. It felt like a chemical burn that lasted 10 minutes

[@amberh4109]

@@jeffgarrett9154 I made a tincture out of mine, but that takes about a month to make... I am not sure how to use it immediately. I hope you feel better soon though!

[@tracymacdonald24]

I gather mine while on woods walks with the pups. I was taught only to harvest the fallen usnea, not to remove it from the tree. This is very easy after storms and I feel better about gathering it this way. I add dry to my plantain salves. I have been warned about consumption, that it may be hard on the liver. But I would consider trying the next time I have bronchitis. Thank You for the teachings.

[@iartistdotme]

I'm in Florida and it grows side by side to Spanish Moss but falls down with every storm/heavy rain. Usually seen on dying or dead branches of Oak and I collect it on the ground, after every rain. You can tell it is Usnea by gently pulling a strand apart and notice the tiny whitish, slightly stretchy fiber inside. I understand it is latex and never found in Spanish moss. After cleaning and letting it sit out for a day (let any critters crawl out (very few) but not very many use it for a home unlike Spanish Moss). I stuffed it into a glass jar and covered that with Vodka put into a very dark cupboard. I shook it every day making sure all Usnea. After 2 months, I strained it and bottled it up in amber bottles. We use it all the time. My SIL use to tease me saying it was just the vodka until he had a head cold and coughed all night. He asked to try it and within 15 minutes, no more coughing. I found the same thing when I had his cold. They say you can take it when you feel one coming on to help fight it and I've done that but I don't know what would be real proof it works since I may just get better on my own - I KNOW it worked for coughing. I've used a half teaspoon several times in the last 3 years for my 5 yo grandson who had colds with coughing. Worked great for him. I LOVE this stuff but the taste is not great. I use mullein soaked in honey then strained for my grands as they love the taste of that which works well, also, but not as quickly as the Usnea did. I've heard that it has been used in other countries for hundreds of years with no side-affects. We have never experienced any.

[@talapeanutbutter4250]

I’m in Tallahassee Florida on 6 acres and have a mix of hardwoods and soft. I’ve gotten it off of fallen limbs and trees and don’t mess with it growing on trees. Maybe in the future if there’s none on downed trees, I will though. I don’t see that happening and it’s just for personal use for family.

[@pamswafford9994]

Usnea grows like crazy here in the mountains in upstate SC.

[@marilynwalsh7957]

Going Into our woods today to look for some.

[@paintedtorso]

Greetings Heidi, I harvest responsibly and have made a small batch of tincture for home use. After it was done tincturing in the vodka, I put the usnea in a pot and added 2 cups of water and simmered to reduce to 1 cup, then added another cup of water and reduced to 1 cup again, then one more time for a total of 3 times reducing to 1 cup. Then I added the triple decoction to the vodka tincture. Blessings to you and thank you for being YOU❤

[@hobiefarms6019]

Does that stay shelf stable when adding water?

[@HelmyNilsson]

​@@hobiefarms6019If you keep the final tincture above 20% it's shelf stable. I prefer 30% to be on the safe side. Reduce the water decoction more if you use a less strong alcohol to the tincture.

[@journeytowhole1302]

Im taking the boys out today to harvest some. It was fun to watch your video to learn before we did. They were cute, they were like her we know her!😆

[@sunset212004]

Hi, im in Nova Scotia, Canada. I have usnea all over my property by the beach, I only found like what it was yesterday by a friend! Loves your video.

[@amyjo987]

I live in WNC & after a windy day or heavy rain I find it on the ground pretty easily under hardwoods but my clusters aren't as big as yours. Everytime I go for a walk I mindlessly pick it up & bring it home to add to my stash. Thanks for all the info!

[@valeriebennett1011]

It grows fine down here in Mississippi. I moved to the country close to 3 years ago before crazy happened. I've found usnea all over the place mostly on oaks. I just pick up what has fallen on the ground until I fill up a pint jar. I have 2 piles of limbs where I put any more that I find on the ground. I have 2 jars now and plan to make a tinture. Thank you so much for all of the information! We appreciate you!!

[@debbiehall6616]

Thank you Heidi for everything ❤

[@theresariter]

In May i flew to Southern Oregon to see my elderly parents. I was able to go to their property in the mountains and gather two gallon size zip lock bags of usnea (I've been unable to find it in the upper Midwest). I have it in 3 quart jars on my counter. When i get some time, I'll prepare it and make a tincture. Was so excited to be able to gather it for future use!

[@ColRubyDimplesManacha]

This property we moved to last year has an old, overgrown peach, apple, cheery, and crabapple orchard, and it's growing on them all. It's also growing on the Japanese maple, and on most of the trees that surround the property. I've collected a good deal of it, but haven't tinctured it up yet. You've helped motivate me to do that. It's wonderful how things grow where you need them most! I just read a couple testimonies on usnea's bug-bite healing capabilities in the comments, and we sure need that here, the mosquitoes and spiders are relentless! Gotta make a salve, stat! Thanks for everything you do, Heidi!

[@kiebelemily]

God Bless you! Thank you for the information. My 6yo daughter watched your video with me while she examined her Usnea in a jar. ❤️🙏

[@pamopdyke6805]

Wow! We live in southern Oregon. Bingo! Usnea central. I'm going out my door to collect right off the deck. I loved this super informational video. I wish I was your neighbor! Lord bless your family, and especially you for educating us on all things God has provided for our health. Thank you, thank you!

[@sourabhtanwar6737]

Why this plant is poppin up everywhere lol😋🥰🥰

[@umpquagirl9890]

Oregon neighbor here! I collect mine on our property on the Umpqua River. I find it mostly grows on dead or dying branches.

[@mycrookedlittlehomestead8363]

I have usnea all over my property I've never used it before thank you for this video

[@jw81]

Great content. In NSW Australia we have it growing on the timber farm fences!

[@barbour121]

I've never seen it here in my area in GA so I ordered mine from etsy so I could add it in my comfrey salve

[@Peachy08]

I live in N. Georgia and our wooded areas are loaded with it. After heavy rains or winds I go out and gather it.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I know Spanish Moss is common there, I did not know Usnea was as well

[@hikewithmike4673]

Very interesting it is very common in the woods of Florida

[@candaceparsons529]

This is the first time I have heard that is is medicinal… thank you for the information

[@rough-hewnhomestead5737]

I forage it from our local forests and I have had a little come in on some firewood that we bought from a neighbor who cuts and sells it. I have a jar tinctured and some dried but I've never used it. We're rarely ill, but it's at the ready just in case.

[@trishthehomesteader9873]

Thank you Heidi! 🙂

[@thelittlelearningfarm622]

We just had some Bradford pear trees taken down at our new homestead. It was full of usnea filipendula. Thank you for the awesome video. It reminded me to go out and harvest it before we feed the branches out to the goats.

[@stockmom5508]

Great info! Looks like I need to go for a walk in the woods. :)

[@witchofthewildwoods3496]

There’s lots of maple and cedar growing on our hill and I find usnea on broken branches that have fallen to the ground. One way it can be differentiated from moss is that it has a stretchy inner core. My tincture is still brewing and I haven’t tried it as a tea yet either but am looking forward to it!

[@fourbigbirds]

Does it grow on rocks?

[@deniseview4253]

To bad I didn’t know about this fungus/algae a couple months ago. I fought respiratory problems. Thank you for all the information about it.

[@spinderella3602]

I cut in my roads by hand and established an off grid home in Oklahoma. It was the chiggers that chased me away. Every inch of my body was covered in itchy bites! Don't get chiggers! I forage for usnea in San Juan/Uncompahgre, Colorado.

[@Boone22]

I live about 1 hour from you, I really enjoy your videos. I was wondering about St. John Wort

[@RainCountryHomestead]

While I know it is good for depression, I personally have not taken time to study that one nor do I grow it

[@Boone22]

@@RainCountryHomestead it grows wild in our area. I also don't know how or what part is used. It will be my newest study plant. Lol! Learning is great!

[@mariatorres9789]

Omgosh, I thought they were the same thing!

[@lynettetucker544]

Hi Heidi thanks again for sharing this video on Usnea I haven’t heard about this in a long time good information on how to use it .

[@eugenegreenin1903]

@Rain Country PLEASE do not pick living Usnea off of trees. FYI It's a threatened species in most areas and usually only grows in areas with lower air pollution. I always harvest an usnea off of the ground or how you did from trimmed branches. The best time to do this is after a windstorm. You still get a ton and a rare lichen gets to grow. Thanks for the great video and please share this info on a powerful and RARE plant medicine.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, I understand about sustainable harvesting and most of what I have gathered has come from fallen trees and branches but you also need to understand that here in RAIN Country where we are very close to a rain forest, it is not in the least bit rare. In face right now I can see a bunch on my neighbor's tree in her yard now that all the leaves have fallen. We have a lot of trees on our other property that have great amounts, most of it too high to reach so I only harvest it from the reachable areas and get plenty.

[@amyreid9649]

I find it on branches that have fallen from Oak trees. Surprised I found some early spring when pruning my pear trees. I don’t think I ever touched Spanish moss. But with Usnea, if you pull on the little branch pieces there is a white like stem (another sure what it’s called) in the missed. If not dried out it is stretchy.

[@dianemurowany9126]

We forage for Usnea on our property from fallen branches. I've made a tincture that we love. It is great for my eczema and we use on ourselves and our pets for cuts and scratches. I haven't taken it internally yet as I haven't been sick but look forward to trying it out.

[@denisesummers3107]

I find it on branches that have fallen. I have only made a tincture with it but now that I’ve watched your video I plan to make salve with it. Thank you so much

[@jenniferbates4264]

I found a lot that fell on my car from the tree. I'm currently dealing with congestion and sinus, thanks to spirit!!

[@JoyOfJamie]

I have used this in a tincture and has been a lifesaver!

[@michaelsherby6896]

God you are magnificent! I know I can't reed, but I love your KZbin I would love to learn to download all of them! Thank You

[@MichaelR58]

Good informational video , thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@WendyK656]

Heidi, I am going to have to look for Usnea, and I am not sure if it grows in North/East Missouri! Thank you so much Heidi, for more helpful information you always have for us.

[@sbrown3317]

I found some yesterday at my mother in laws while picking up peach tree logs here in Tennessee. It was growing all over the tree. Im about to make my first tincture. My daughter is also sick so i may have to make her some tea .

[@tamathaaviles3113]

This is so timely! Just a few days ago I was looking to see the medicinal uses for "old man's beard". Spanish moss is very similar, it can be confusing for me to distinguish the two. Can you tell me where you get your plastic lids for your dehydrated herbs please or a link? Love all your content Mrs. Heidi!!

[@claudiacolarusso229]

I am in the USA, Rhode Island. I have found this on our property, but after a windstorm on the ground. Has the white vein and elasticity as she says.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, it does

[@amandaaskew7606]

Very interesting! Thank you!!!

[@aaronbrown3982]

God is good 🙏🏾

[@dfreak01]

I finally started an oil infusion yesterday and put in tons of stuff that seemed right. Then I second guessed myself so looked up usnea because I convinced myself I'd done something wrong. 😐 I used usnea, pansy, plantain, marshmallow, comfrey, rose petal, calendula & yarrow. I may have used too much oil. The usnea kept popping up but now it's suspended. Thank you!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I am sure it is because how light weight it is. I would just make it a point to shake it daily if you can remember (I know I would not remember to do it daily! haha)

[@giancolabird]

Is there a look-a-like other than spanish moss? I heard every beneficial plant has a poisonous twin.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

The best way to find this out is to type into your browser: Usnea Look A likes. You can do this with any wild herb or mushroom. Study the photos of all of them to get familiar with what is what

[@giancolabird]

@@RainCountryHomestead thank you

[@kleineroteHex]

I need to move! No woods only fields of soy and corn. Since the corn gets sprayed heavily there is not even corn smut😁

[@bashfullbuzzard]

find ours on dead oak limbs in southern oregon

[@sebdob9708]

God is good!

[@gsgarden2781]

Thank you

[@debbiehall6616]

I have it growing on my white pines and dead elms

[@jessicamelhus6523]

We live in Northern Minnesota and have usnea here, although it looks a little different than what you have there. Ours has stretchy white stuff inside when you pull the usnea apart. I use it mostly when I need it for an antibiotic. I mostly have made vodka tinctures with it and tea. I found your other suggestions and uses intriguing. Thanks!

[@jessicamelhus6523]

Oh and I find it mostly under pine trees on the ground.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, this is the same, all Usnea has that

[@madmecyr]

Here in northern Maine it grows on spruce predominantly. I don't think I've seen it on anything else. I haven't really used it yet for anything and from what I read from another herbalist, when tincturing, she uses a double infusion (infuse vodka, strain, put in fresh usnea and steep again). Seems it is very difficult to extract the medicinals especially in alcohol.

[@heavenbound2713]

I see it mostly on spruce here too in NH. 😊

[@dawnelder9046]

I am in North Nova Scotia. Oak and birth.

[@lmitchell3604]

I have a slightly different yet similar type of lichen all over the place- usnea strigosa (bushy beard). I wonder if the properties are pretty much the same. I had no idea the stuff was so useful. I love to pick it up and tell people from out of state that it’s partially a fungus and see the looks on their face 🤣

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I would assume it is but I suggest looking it up to be certain it is at least as safe

[@Marra7777]

Is this the same as oak moss? The use that in perfumes amongst other things. Have fried it before. Gives off a nice smell

[@joycewedel9084]

Ty!

[@ChingFong58]

I am new at making tinctures. I've made a few different ones in the past year. This will be my first tincture using usnea. I am in central Maine. I found mine on a dieing red spruce that was in a clearing that was getting good sun light. Other live red spruce next to it didn't have any.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

It does grow on live trees, I find it on our live alders frequently but the difference is they get more light. So the reason it is more often found on dying trees or branches is due to the lack of leaves creating shade. It seems to prefer to have light and air flow

[@knottymom88]

Hey everyone! Curious to know if this can be purchased in bulk? Dry , so I can process myself? I'm in San Diego (I KNOW...don't get me started...planning my escape ) and would LOVE connect with someone who harvests it? I know its a long shot...thanks so much Heidi! Have a great day all! ❤

[@beckystanton8936]

Hello! Yes I just bought some on Etsy 2 one gallon bags for 27.00. Harvested sustainable in Oregon. Hope this helps

[@spinderellas6272]

You can go to Mountain Maus Remedies too. Great company.

[@knottymom88]

@@beckystanton8936 awww u guys are the BEST! THANKS ❤ 😊

[@desertfrog1581]

Mountain Rose sells it also

[@sabbyjones2308]

I live in Oregon and have tons of usnea very good quality. Would love to send you some no charge

[@thebandplayedon..6145]

Good to know it has some benefits, as I've always just cringed when I saw it as it's death to evergreens once it attaches. May take a few years, but then there's nothing left but sad, bare branches when it's done.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I know at least for the hard woods, it does not harm the tree at all

[@thebandplayedon..6145]

@@RainCountryHomestead I see another commenter said the same , mostly it's on her evergreens, she's in Northern Maine, I'm in Atlantic Canada, so it's interesting it has different growth habits based on zones apparently.

[@ediemurray1692]

Ty

[@dawnlilagrace2024]

Heidi, do you have a link for the microphone, camera, and other equipment you use for your videos?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I do not use a microphone, my camera and my mic are simply my phone. I do use a ring light though: amzn.to/49q6PSk

[@darleneallen3135]

Wow, so informative . I have a question, is it good for asthma ?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

It is supposed to be good for any lung issues so if I did not cover that in the video, I would assume so but you can always do some further research for yourself to see what you can find out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2rVZWukitd2b5I

[@KossolaxtheForesworn]

according to wikipedia there is 451 different species of usnea. tho the one Im most familiar with is bryoria fuscescens. which looks like green unkept hobo beard. which I suppose could easily describe all of them, but this varient I believe looks more like actual hair than most others do. its like leshen got tangled on a tree and rip its beard.

[@robingalloway3541]

Chiggers? Ewww! Thank you for your thorough information!!

[@kayleighg8346]

You can't find it anywhere it's literally solely in our old growth forrests. It can not survive outside of it. It is a symbiotic relationship. It can not exist without certain conditions

[@RainCountryHomestead]

We have had it growing on trees in our own yard for years. Those trees are gone now as we took them out to make more garden space but I did find some growing on our peach tree as well and have a bunch on the alders on our other piece of property which is not an old growth forest and have seen it growing on other trees all around our town. So the statement about only growing in old growth forests is not true, at least not around here. It may be that location matters

[@AmbersCorner2.0]

My question is I made this in my magic butter machine , did water extraction first then alcohol next … 50/50 mix when placed in final jar. Now I got that from the internet … not saying it’s right … but how long does a water tincture mix with alcohol last ? I am assuming it does not have to be refrigerated cause it’s a large amount more than I will ever consume . Do you know ?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I do not know how long off hand but the alcohol should preserve it for a decent time but keeping in the fridge may be a good idea to make sure.

[@AmbersCorner2.0]

@@RainCountryHomestead I tried to research it as long as it’s 20 percent alcohol by volume? Well 50/50 should work..lol I hope…I put it in the fridge too lol

[@Southern195]

If that likes cool then I won’t find it in Arkansas!! 🤣 It’s going to get up to 110 this week so that would dry up and crumble to dust ~ on the tree. However ~ we have plenty of Spanish moss.

[@lenoraln]

I have harvested it in Ark when on vacation with family. I added Mullen to it. Just look for heavy forest damp areas.

[@mariehenriksen67]

I live in SW Arkansas. You can find it here. Look for oak,maple,hickory, and sweet gum branches. Depending where you live in arkansas, you should be able to find it in any wooded area.

[@Southern195]

@@mariehenriksen67 I’m in the SE and we have woods all around us so I need to go foraging!

[@Zara_4545]

Mam i see your shampoo recipe but i don't understand measurement and also ingredients so please say exact measurement and exact ingredients😔💔😭 Please say🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@kleineroteHex]

It does not have to be exact 😊

[@macnasty1729]

What do you use on your skin? It looks nice

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I make my own skin cream and have a recipe out on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZelgIOir7iooKc Here is also a video on natural skin care: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZelgIOir7iooKc

[@ewc435black9]

I'm relatively new at making tinctures and I have never seen anybody ask this question before...so here goes. Do you think it would be okay to use 80 proof flavored vodka? I have a hard time swallowing plain vodka and wondering if something like a vanilla vodka would be okay just for flavoring? My mom used to make us take Nyquil and I almost always gagged getting it down and the burn was unpleasant. I'm in central NC and collected a bunch that falls from the trees in my backyard after storms and it's the short, spindly usnea with the little green caps. I'm very interested to see what you think.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

My personal opinion i sit should work great and it would also taste better!

[@ewc435black9]

Thank you very much. Vanilla Usnea tincture it is!@@RainCountryHomestead

[@anncolburn3722]

Heidi - Question: I made Usnea tincture. After it sat for the 6-8 wks, there is a silt at the bottom of my jars. Should I filter that out or leave it? I hope you see this!! Thx!! 😘

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Sediments are common in any tincture or extract. I usually strain mine once I am ready to use them

[@Minnesota_Mama_Bear]

💚🌞

[@jaspenzer]

I don't see any products on your etsy page. Are you no longer selling there?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Etsy made changes that pretty much forced me out so now we sell only directly. You can email me at [e-mail] and I can send you a product list with instructions on how to order

[@baldknobfarmstead5167]

I've heard many "regulated" sites that say it causes liver issues. Has anyone had these liver issues? Also what is the dose?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Those sites will say that about nearly everything and every day there is some new food or herb that people are being fearmongered about as I spoke about here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWqQaJpqbthle7s

[@HeyHeyAlabama]

Would rum work for tincturing usnea or do you prefer vodka ?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, I have used rum for extracts before

[@TheresaDarylsWife]

Where can I buy this? looking now

[@wiremanibew]

Do you sell this on your Etsy store or know where it can be purchased. TiA

[@RainCountryHomestead]

No, I do not sell the things I grow or forage for as I need them for us and would not be able to keep up on the demand and still have enough to put up for ourselves. I recommend just doing a search online. Frontier Co Op sells a lot of organic herbs but I do not know if they sell Usnea

[@T.HudsonTheAngelicOneSoul]

Is it the same as Jamaican ball moss?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I do not think so but really cannot say as I have never heard of that

[@chrisjensen1814]

Hi, I’m also in WA. I have been trying to find usnea but I’m unsure of how to definitively identify it. Yesterday on a hike I think I found a lot of it but now that you mention Spanish moss I don’t know if it’s that. I found it in the woods on the Boulder river trail near Oso. Any idea if that might be usnea?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I do not think Spanish moss is found in Washington but I suppose it is possible if you live on the east side of the mountain range but if you live on the wet West side, you can find Usnea

[@chrisjensen1814]

@@RainCountryHomestead ok thank you! I’m on the west side. Do you mind telling me where exactly you get yours from?