No known drug interactions for the matched ingredients — not a guarantee none exist. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Usnea Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herb Pharm

Usnea label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
No known interaction
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Usnea against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line No known interaction

Usnea is a dietary supplement by Herb Pharm with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for sore throat, skin and wound care, respiratory infections.We don’t currently list a known drug interaction for its mapped ingredients — but that doesn’t guarantee none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Usnea by Herb Pharm

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: usnea lichen extract (from Usnea species). The extract is suspended in cane alcohol as the inactive carrier.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Usnea's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Cleanse and detoxify with immune support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Wound healing, Respiratory infections, Urinary tract support, Antimicrobial activity.
  • The closest evidence on file: Usnea is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Wound healing (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for usnea is insufficient to say whether it works for the conditions it's marketed for — cough, pain, wound healing, tinea pedis (athlete's foot), and obesity all lack reliable data in our files. That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means the scientific picture isn't clear enough yet.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Usnea

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Usnea is generally well tolerated when applied to the skin. When taken by mouth, however, it raises a concern: the active compound usnic acid has been linked to liver damage, and information about oral safety is limited.

Topically, usnea can cause contact dermatitis (allergic skin reactions), conjunctivitis (pink eye), and local irritation in a small number of people. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Usnea

Meds to double-check

No known interactions
Known Interaction Concern · database check
No known interactions

No medication interactions are currently documented for the matched ingredients — that isn't a guarantee none exist.

Why this rating?
  • None of the 1 matched ingredient has a documented medication interaction on file.

No interactions are documented in our data for the ingredients we could check. That said, because oral usnea has been linked to liver damage, mention it to your pharmacist if you take any medication that's metabolized by the liver or affects liver function.

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. No medication interactions are currently documented, and safety information is well characterized.

Usnea is a single-ingredient herbal extract with insufficient evidence to confirm it works for its marketed uses. The main caution is liver safety if taken by mouth — that's worth discussing with your pharmacist, especially if you have any liver concerns or take multiple medications.

Topical use appears better tolerated, though skin sensitivity is possible.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 24, 2025.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Usnea, straight from the product label.

Brand Herb Pharm
Barcode (UPC) 090800000379
Net contents 1 Fluid Ounce(s); 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 24, 2025
DSLD ID 334558
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Usnea by Herb Pharm, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Servings per container
42
UPC/BARCODE
090800000379
IngredientAmount% DV
Usnea lichen (Usnea spp.) extract570 mg--

Other ingredients: Cane Alcohol

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use Shake well before using Adults: Add 1 squeeze of the dropper bulb to 2 oz. of water or juice, 2 t o5 times per day. Best taken between meals.

Precautions

Keep out of the reach of children

Storage

Store away from heat & light

Formula

Usnea spp.

Usnea Liquid Extract Dry herb / menstruum ratio: 1:4

Formulation

Cleanse & detoxify

Gluten-Free

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Usnea by Herb Pharm label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Usnea label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Usnea by Herb Pharm

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.7 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container42 Amounts shown are per serving.

Usnea lichen (Usnea spp.) extract

No known
interactions
570 mg per serving

Usnea is a lichen used in traditional herbal medicine, mainly for sore throats, skin infections, and as a general antimicrobial. Laboratory studies su...

Usnea lichen (Usnea spp.) extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cane Alcohol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Usnea by Herb Pharm Drug Interactions

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for the mapped ingredients in Usnea. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining a supplement with your medications.

The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Usnea, from the product label.

Herb Pharm

See all Herb Pharm products
Name
Herb Pharm
City
Williams
State
OR
ZipCode
97544
Phone Number
800-348-4372
Web Address
www.herb-pharm.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Usnea by Herb Pharm: Common Questions

Does Usnea by Herb Pharm interact with any medications?
We do not currently list a known interaction for the mapped ingredients in Usnea. This does not guarantee none exist, so confirm with your pharmacist.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Usnea contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is usnea safe to take by mouth?
Oral usnea is a concern. The compound usnic acid in it has been linked to liver damage, and safety information is limited. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before taking it by mouth, especially if you have any liver issues.
Can I use usnea on my skin?
Topical usnea is generally well tolerated. However, some people develop contact dermatitis (allergic skin reactions), conjunctivitis, or local irritation from usnic acid. Test it on a small area first and stop if you notice redness, itching, or eye irritation.
Can I take usnea while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — there isn't enough safety data. The product safety information advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor if you're pregnant or nursing and considering usnea.
Does usnea actually work for cough or wound healing?
The evidence isn't established. We don't have reliable data showing usnea works for cough, wound healing, pain, or the other conditions it's marketed for. It may help, but we can't say based on what's in our files.
What's in this liquid besides the usnea extract?
Cane alcohol is the carrier. It keeps the extract stable and helps your body absorb it — that's the only inactive ingredient.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Usnea is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Usnea label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Usnea’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Usnea

Usnea is a lichen used in traditional herbal medicine, mainly for sore throats, skin infections, and as a general antimicrobial. Laboratory studies suggest its main compound, usnic acid, can...

Read the full Usnea monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Usnea's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 10 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Usnea 10 references
  1. Favreau JT, Ryu Ml, Braunstein G, et al. Severe hepatotoxicity associated with the dietary supplement LipoKinetix. Ann Intern Med 2002;136:590-5. PubMed
  2. Ingolfsdottir K. Usnic acid. Phytochemistry 2002;61:729-36.
  3. Scirpa, P., Scambia, G., Masciullo, V., Battaglia, F., Foti, E., Lopez, R., Villa, P., Malecore, M., and Mancuso, S. [A zinc sulfate and usnic acid preparation used as post-surgical adjuvant therapy in genital lesions by Human Papillomavirus]. Minerva Gin
  4. Mitchell, J. C. Allergy to lichens. Allergic contact dermatitis from usnic acid produced by lichenized fungi. Arch Dermatol 1965;92(2):142-146.
  5. Durazo, F. A., Lassman, C., Han, S. H., Saab, S., Lee, N. P., Kawano, M., Saggi, B., Gordon, S., Farmer, D. G., Yersiz, H., Goldstein, R. L., Ghobrial, M., and Busuttil, R. W. Fulminant liver failure due to usnic acid for weight loss. Am.J Gastroenterol. PubMed
  6. Neff, G. W., Reddy, K. R., Durazo, F. A., Meyer, D., Marrero, R., and Kaplowitz, N. Severe hepatotoxicity associated with the use of weight loss diet supplements containing ma huang or usnic acid. J Hepatol. 2004;41(6):1062-1064. PubMed
  7. Hsu, L. M., Huang, Y. S., Chang, F. Y., and Lee, S. D. 'Fat burner' herb, usnic Acid, induced acute hepatitis in a family. J Gastroenterol.Hepatol. 2005;20(7):1138-1139. PubMed
  8. Arneborn, P., Jansson, A., and Bottiger, Y. [Acute hepatitis in a woman after intake of slimming pills bought via Internet]. Lakartidningen 7-11-2005;102(28-29):2071-2072.
  9. Sanchez, W., Maple, J. T., Burgart, L. J., and Kamath, P. S. Severe hepatotoxicity associated with use of a dietary supplement containing usnic acid. Mayo Clin Proc 2006;81(4):541-544. PubMed
  10. Rafanelli, S., Bacchilega, R., Stanganelli, I., and Rafanelli, A. Contact dermatitis from usnic acid in vaginal ovules. Contact Dermatitis 1995;33(4):271-272. PubMed

See these in context on the Usnea monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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