Usnea Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Herbal Terra
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
Usnea is a dietary supplement by Herbal Terra 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.
HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Usnea by Herbal Terra
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.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains one active ingredient: usnea thallus extract in dried form. Usnea is a lichen used traditionally for cough, pain, and skin conditions, though the evidence supporting these uses isn't yet established in the data we hold.
The inactive ingredients are alcohol, water, and glycerin — common carriers in liquid herbal supplements.
Does it work?
Couldn't assess
We don't hold enough reliable evidence to say whether usnea works for cough, obesity, acute pain, wound healing, or tinea pedis (athlete's foot). The traditional uses are documented, but clinical evidence hasn't been established yet.
If you're considering this for one of those purposes, talk with your pharmacist about what the current research actually shows.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Oral use of usnea carries a genuine safety flag: the usnic acid it contains has been linked to liver damage. We have limited information overall about how often side effects occur, but topical application — applying it to skin — is generally better tolerated than swallowing it.
When used topically, usnic acid can cause contact dermatitis (allergic skin reaction), local irritation, and rarely, conjunctivitis or allergic reactions with breathing symptoms. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Meds to double-check
No known interactions
No interactions are documented in our data for usnea. However, because oral usnic acid has been linked to liver damage, it's important to discuss this product with your pharmacist or doctor before starting — particularly if you take any medications that affect your liver or if you have existing liver disease.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. No medication interactions are currently documented, and safety information is well characterized.
Usnea is generally better tolerated on skin than taken by mouth, but oral use carries a documented risk of liver damage from its usnic acid content. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver concerns, this isn't the right choice.
Talk with your pharmacist before starting, especially if you plan to take it by mouth.
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 Jan 23, 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
General information
Key facts about Usnea, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Herbal Terra |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 7238360705348 |
| Net contents | 2 Fluid Ounce(s); 60 mL |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jan 23, 2025 |
| DSLD ID | 325477 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Liquid |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Sugar Free |
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 Herbal Terra, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Usnea Thallus Extract, Dry | 983 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Alcohol, Water, Glycerin
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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
Shake well before use. Adults take up to 30 drops (1 mL, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) in 3-4 fl. oz. of juice or water up to 4 times a day.
Precautions
We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking. May have contraindications and cause adverse reaction.
Consult a physician before giving to children under 18, before using during pregnancy, if nursing, or if you are on any medications.
Consult a physician before giving to children under 18, before using during pregnancy, if nursing, or if you are on any medications. Keep out of the reach of children!
Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry, dark place.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Formulation
cGMP Made in compliance with cGMP 21 CFR 111 in an FDA registered and inspected facility.
Sugar free
Expertly extracted 100% natural Premium product
Organic alcohol
No artificial ingredients, color additives, fillers or binders.
Natural Gluten free
Formula
Usnea barbata
Organic alcohol
FDA Statement of Identity
Herbal Supplement
General Statements
Organic raw material.
Seals/Symbols
Made in USA
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Usnea by Herbal Terra label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
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)The Ingredients in Usnea by Herbal Terra
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.
Usnea Thallus Extract, Dry
No knowninteractions
Usnea is a lichen used in traditional herbal medicine, mainly for sore throats, skin infections, and as a general antimicrobial. Laboratory studies su...
Usnea Thallus Extract, Dry monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Alcohol, Water, Glycerin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Usnea by Herbal Terra 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.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Usnea, from the product label.
Herbal Terra
See all Herbal Terra products- Name
- Herbal Terra LLC
- Phone Number
- +18083857868
- Web Address
- herbalterra.com
Usnea by Herbal Terra: Common Questions
Does Usnea by Herbal Terra interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Is this safe to take by mouth?
Can I use this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
What side effects might I see?
Does usnea actually work for cough or wound healing?
What's usnic acid, and why does it matter?
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.
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.
The Full Monographs Behind Usnea’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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
- Favreau JT, Ryu Ml, Braunstein G, et al. Severe hepatotoxicity associated with the dietary supplement LipoKinetix. Ann Intern Med 2002;136:590-5. PubMed
- Ingolfsdottir K. Usnic acid. Phytochemistry 2002;61:729-36.
- 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
- Mitchell, J. C. Allergy to lichens. Allergic contact dermatitis from usnic acid produced by lichenized fungi. Arch Dermatol 1965;92(2):142-146.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
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