Usnea Lichen Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Gaia Herbs
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Usnea Lichen 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 Lichen is a dietary supplement by Gaia Herbs with 3 active ingredients. 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 Lichen by Gaia Herbs
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
Low disclosure
This product contains 3 ingredients total: usnea lichen extract, water, and 60–70% pure grain alcohol as a preservative. The usnea lichen extract is the active ingredient — it's a species of lichen traditionally used for respiratory and immune support.
There are no inactive fillers listed.
Does it work?
Couldn't assess
The evidence for usnea lichen isn't established in the data we hold. Studies haven't yet supplied reliable information on whether it works for cough, pain, wound healing, tinea pedis (a fungal foot infection), or weight loss.
That doesn't mean it's ineffective — just that solid proof isn't available yet.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Oral usnea carries real safety concerns. The constituent usnic acid has been linked to liver damage, and there's limited information about how safe it is to swallow.
Topical use — applying it to skin — is generally better tolerated, though usnic acid can cause contact dermatitis, local irritation, conjunctivitis, and in rare cases allergic reactions with respiratory 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 the ingredients we could check. However, we hold no interaction data for water or the grain alcohol in this liquid; alcohol itself can interact with certain medications, so mention this product to your pharmacist when you review your prescriptions.
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.
This is a traditional remedy with very limited safety and effectiveness data, especially when taken by mouth. If you're considering it for a specific health concern, talk with your pharmacist or doctor first — especially if you have liver issues or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Topical application appears safer than swallowing it.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 21, 2012.
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 Lichen, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Gaia Herbs |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 751063311427 |
| Net contents | 4 fl. Oz.; 120 mL |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Dec 21, 2012 |
| DSLD ID | 16496 |
| Product type | Other Combinations |
| Supplement form | Liquid |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years) |
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 Lichen by Gaia Herbs, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 0 NP | -- |
| Usnea lichen extract | 0 NP | -- |
| 60-70% Pure Grain Alcohol | 0 NP | -- |
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.
General Statements
333 mg/ml herb equivalency
Liquid Herbal Extract
Precautions
Keep away from children.
Use only as directed on label. Safety sealed for your protection.
Not to be used during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs, please consult with your doctor before use.
FDA Statement of Identity
DIETARY SUPPLEMENT
General
[01] 1382-0611
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Use Take 30-40 drops of extract in a small amount of water 3-4 times daily between meals. Shake well before using.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Usnea Lichen by Gaia Herbs 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 Lichen by Gaia Herbs
These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.
Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.
Water
Usnea lichen extract
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 lichen extract monograph & interactions60-70% Pure Grain Alcohol
Usnea Lichen by Gaia Herbs Drug Interactions
We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for the mapped ingredients in Usnea Lichen. 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 Lichen, from the product label.
Usnea Lichen by Gaia Herbs: Common Questions
Does Usnea Lichen by Gaia Herbs interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Is this safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
What does usnea lichen do?
I have liver disease — is this okay for me?
What are the side effects?
Why does this liquid contain alcohol?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Usnea Lichen 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 Lichen’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Usnea Lichen'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