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Beard lichen

Beard lichen is a lichen that grows on trees. Although lichens appear to be individual plants, they are actually a combination of fungi and algae that grow together and form a symbiosis. Lichens grow in the form of colored, flat patches. Beard lichen can be white, reddish or black. Beard lichen is used for the production of medicine. Beard lichen products are used to support weight loss during a diet, to relieve pain, to control fever and to support wound healing, as well as an expectorant to facilitate the expectoration of phlegm. Beard lichen products are also used directly on the affected areas for inflammation of the mouth and throat.

How does beard lichen work?

Beard lichen contains ingredients that are believed to fight germs that cause infections. They may also reduce inflammation, relieve pain and reduce fever.

How effective is beard lichen?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of beard lichen products for fever, pain and inflammatory swelling around the mouth and throat, or when used to aid weight loss.

Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of beard lichen products in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Beard lichen is potentially safe and harmless when used on the skin. However, allergic skin reactions may occur. It is not known whether oral use of beard lichen is safe and harmless. There are concerns that the sodium usnic acid it contains may cause liver damage. These concerns are based on the fact that sodium usnic acid is also an ingredient in the weight loss product LipoKinetix. In 2000, liver damage occurred in 7 people taking this product. Symptoms such as nausea, weakness and fatigue, abdominal pain and yellowing of the skin occurred 2 weeks to 3 months after starting to take this product. The symptoms disappeared again after discontinuation of the product. However, it is unclear whether the sodium usniate was the ingredient that caused these symptoms.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of beard lichen during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should refrain from using it.

Interactions

There is currently no information on interactions between beard lichen and medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of beard lichen products depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for beard lichen products. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

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