Song Luo
Unknown
☯ TCM Properties
Opens the chest, clears the Lungs, resolves Phlegm, controls bleeding and removes toxins; Clears Heat, clears Damp-Heat, clears Deficiency Heat, invigorates the Blood, nourishes the Heart and promotes urination
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Song Luo is the dried thallus of fruticose lichens of the genus Usnea (Parmeliaceae), principally Usnea diffracta and U. longissima, that grow pendent from the branches of conifers in cool, humid mountain forests of southwestern China. The thallus is a pale greyish-green, hair-like, much-branched filament 10–80 cm long; each branch is round in section and contains a tough central white cord of densely interwoven hyphae surrounded by a soft photobiont layer of green algal cells. Cortical pores allow gaseous exchange. The lichen carries usnic acid and other characteristic dibenzofurans responsible for its bitter taste and antimicrobial activity. As a lichen it represents a symbiosis of fungus and alga, not a vascular plant.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.