by Brian Kie Weissbuch, L.Ac., RH (AHG)
Herbalists of myriad traditions have explored the healing properties of life-forms from at least five kingdoms: Monera (bacteria)*, Protista (algae), Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia (the latter being primarily the domain of TCM practitioners, who use gecko, snake, oyster shell, various insects, and other animal-derived substances). Nevertheless, with few exceptions, herbalists have neglected an important life-form in our medicines: the symbiotic intersection of algae and fungi with a history of over 600 million years on our wayward planet — the lichens.
How little we know of this symbiotic lifeform, the pioneer community on bare rock that begins the process of soil creation, creating an environment for deep-rooted organisms! Beatrix Potter attempted to introduce her research on lichens, suggesting algae’s symbiotic relationship with fungi, to the Linnaean Society over 100 years ago; they wouldn’t entertain the then-radical notion of symbiosis, and certainly would never allow a woman to present a technical paper before this solidly male organization. The Linnaean Society posthumously apologized to Ms. Potter about 10 years ago. (Rejected but thankfully not dejected, Beatrix gave us Peter Rabbit and friends.)