Usnea, sometimes called Old Man's Beard, is a lichen that grows on trees in virtually every part of the world. It has significant immune enhancing properties and is considered by many as a substitute for antibiotics, but it is regarded as both antibacterial and antiviral. This statement always needs qualifying because natural remedies are very seldom "anti" anything since they work by increasing immunity rather than destroying pathogens directly. They do this by providing nutrients for white blood cells. Traditionally, usnea is considered to be immune enhancing and antifungal. It is safe and can be combined with other immune herbs such as echinacea. It is used mainly for sinus and respiratory relief as well as gynecological protection.