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

Usnea Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Eclectic Herb

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 Eclectic Herb 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 Eclectic Herb

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

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 1 active ingredient.

This product contains one active ingredient: Usnea Lichen Extract, Dried. Usnea is a lichen — a plant-like organism that grows on trees — that's been used traditionally to support cough, pain, wound healing, and skin conditions like athlete's foot.

The extract is prepared in liquid form and contains alcohol as an inactive ingredient.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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 assessable

This is a single-ingredient Usnea product and its label doesn't state a use — see Usnea's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for usnea is limited. For cough, obesity, acute pain, wound healing, and tinea pedis (athlete's foot), we don't have reliable evidence to say whether it works.

The data we hold doesn't establish that this ingredient is effective for any of these uses.

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.

Here's where caution comes in: oral usnea carries a real safety concern. The ingredient contains usnic acid, which has been linked to liver damage when taken by mouth.

Topical use — applying it to skin — is generally much better tolerated, though usnic acid can still cause contact dermatitis, local irritation, or rarely conjunctivitis. We don't have enough safety data to recommend this product during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so avoid it in those situations.

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 for usnea in our data. However, because oral usnea may affect your liver, mention this product to your pharmacist or doctor if you take any medications processed by your liver or if you have any liver concerns.

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no assessable stated purpose. No medication interactions are currently documented, and safety information is well characterized.

Usnea is traditionally used for cough and skin issues, but the evidence for it doesn't yet exist in reliable form. More importantly, oral use carries a documented risk of liver damage from its usnic acid content.

If you're considering this, talk with your pharmacist about whether topical application might be safer for your needs, and avoid it if you're pregnant or nursing.

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 18, 2023.

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 Eclectic Herb
Barcode (UPC) 023363389827
Net contents 2 Fluid Ounce(s); 60 Milliliter(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 18, 2023
DSLD ID 294905
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Eclectic Herb, 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:
1 Dropper(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Dropper(s)
UPC/BARCODE
023363389827
IngredientAmount% DV
Usnea Lichen Extract, Dried0 NP--

Other ingredients: 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.
Formulation

Herbal extract

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Shake well; mix 1 full dropper in water; take 3 times daily.

Storage

Store Upright.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children. Consult your health care advisor regarding the use of herbs during pregnancy, with infants or prescription drugs.

Discontinue use if unusual symptoms occur.

Consult your health care advisor regarding the use of herbs during pregnancy, with infants or prescription drugs.

General Statements

@eclecticherb

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

See for yourself

Usnea by Eclectic Herb 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 Eclectic Herb

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

Serving size1 Dropper(s) Dosage formLiquid Amounts shown are per serving.

Usnea Lichen Extract, Dried

No known
interactions
0 NP 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 Extract, Dried monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Usnea by Eclectic Herb 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.

Eclectic Herb

See all Eclectic Herb products
Name
Eclectic Herb
Street Address
755 NE 6th St.
City
Gresham
State
Oregon
ZipCode
97030
Phone Number
503.668.4120
Web Address
www.eclecticherb.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Usnea by Eclectic Herb: Common Questions

Does Usnea by Eclectic Herb 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 carries a real safety concern. Its constituent usnic acid has been linked to liver damage when taken by mouth. Topical application to skin is generally much better tolerated, though it can still cause contact dermatitis or local irritation in some people.
Can I use this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. There simply isn't enough information to know whether it's safe in those situations.
Does usnea actually work for cough?
We don't have reliable evidence to say whether usnea works for cough or the other uses mentioned. The evidence just isn't established in the data we hold.
What are the side effects of usnea?
Topically, usnea is generally well tolerated but can cause contact dermatitis, local irritation, or rarely conjunctivitis. Orally, information is limited, but usnic acid — a key constituent — has been associated with liver damage, which is a serious concern.
Does this product interact with any medications?
No interactions are documented in our data for the ingredients we checked. That doesn't guarantee none exist, though, so run it through our medication checker or ask your pharmacist before you start.

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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