It is used in treating colds, flu, and bronchitis. Usnea is good for respiratory, urinary tract, sinus, and lung infections including staphylococcus and streptococcus and pneumonococcus. It is an anti-fungal useful in treating athlete's foot, vaginal infections and candida. Traditional uses of usnea include dusting the powdered herb directly onto open or infected wounds, making strong decoctions, and tincturing the herb in alcohol. The salve form is also effective.
Usnic acid is poorly water soluble, so ethyl alcohol is used to produce a tincture.