IRISH
MOSS –Chondrous Crispus
Also
known as: Sea Moss, Carrageen
Parts
used: the whole plant
Systems/organs
affected: stomach, lungs, gastrointestinal
Properties: yin
tonic, alterative, demulcent, emollient, mild laxative, antiviral,
antibacterial, nutritive, anti-tussive, anticoagulant
IRISH MOSS
is a member of the Gigartinales family. It is a red algae that lives on
intertidal or subtidal rocks. The fronds
are fan shaped, cartilaginous and vary in color from green, red, yellow and
dark purple or brownish. The branches
are around half and inch broad and the fronds can get up to a foot long. It grows mostly along the Atlantic Coast although
it can also be found along the Pacific.
It grows off the coast of European countries as well as the United
States. The most prized is that which
grows near Ireland-hence the name. Irish
moss is actually a nutritious seaweed with an amazing history.
Irish moss is perhaps most well known because of the potato
famine in Ireland during the early 19th century. It was gathered by them and sustained them
through the great famine and became a staple in the culture. It was also used as mattress stuffing, to
cure leather, in paper marbling, soap making, as a thickening agent for inks
used in printing, to help in the manufacture of paper and linens and to give a
softer feel to material. Occasionally it
was also used to brew beer. It was used
in cattle feed and cosmetics as well as medicinals. Irish folklore tells us that it was often
carried by those traveling as they believed it would offer protection and
safety. It was also put under rugs to
bring prosperity and wealth to the home.
The first mention of irish moss was in 1810 in regards to it
being used for respiratory issues such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. It is also referred to as carrageen, which is
an irish word meaning ‘little rock’,
no doubt given to the fact that it grows atop rocks. It is harvested in the spring when the tides
are furthest from shore. The harvesters
would go out into the shallow water and rake the seaweed off the rocks. It was then laid out in the sun and dried for
about two weeks time.
It should be mentioned that carrageen is something that has
been added to a great many products over the years and come under heavy fire
for being toxic. This is because the
carrageen being used by companies is a synthetic copy of the original. Irish moss does NOT have the same toxic
effects in its natural form. Chemically
processed carrageen has little nutrition and is an isolated compound extracted
using harsh alkalis that can degrade in the stomach. When that takes place the composition changes
to a substance called poligeenan which is a potential carcinogen. This chemical is known to cause inflammation
and other diseases and yet it has FDA backing as ‘safe for consumption’.
GRRRR. Natural carrageen found in
irish moss has been used for centuries with little to no ill effects.
Irish moss is used by many countries. In Jamaica, Tobago and Trinidad it is used as
an aphrodisiac beverage made with milk and cinnamon believed to increase sperm
count. The Scots and Venezuelans boil it
with milk and honey for sore throats and chest congestion. It has been used for diarrhea, dysentery,
scrofula, bronchitis, gastritis, rickets, tumors, goiter, kidney and bladder
irritation, ulcers, joint complaints, enlarged mesenteric glands (folds of
tissue that attach organs to the body wall-usually referring to the small bowel
in the intestines), urinary system issues and as a nourishing food for invalids
and those recovering from serious illnesses.
Irish moss is rich in nutrients. It contains 15 of the 18 elements that are
necessary for human survival. Some of
these are sulfur, iodine, magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, selenium,
iron, zinc, manganese and the vitamins A, C, B, K, D and E. WOWZA!
It also contains beta-carotene, pectin and bromine. Perhaps its high nutritive content is what
makes it so effective against things like radiation poisoning. It has been found to help prevent cholesterol
buildup, help anemic conditions, improve cognitive functions, enhance one’s
immune defenses, boost energy levels, increase recovery time from illnesses,
surgeries and injuries, promote beautiful skin, helps with weight loss,
increases the elimination of toxins from the system, found to be very useful
against the mumps virus and influenza B strains. (Just to name a few..) It is an important edible that can be used as
a thickening agent for soups, desserts, dressings, dips, jellies, ice creams
and more. It is also used as an
emulsifier and moisturizing agent in lotions, creams, toothpastes and a host of
other cosmetics.
Irish moss comes in many forms-flakes, powders and as a whole
plant. Each have a number of different
applications. For instance, the flakes
have a bit of a fishy flavor to them so aren’t typically used for food recipes
even though they are higher in nutrition than the other forms. There are two companies that supply the
flakes that are dried properly without excess heat so as to maintain
nutritional value. (Main Coast Sea
Vegetables and Mountain Rose Herbs). The
whole seaweed is best used to make gels and can be used for cooking or
cosmetics. It is mildly scented and more
neutral in flavor. There are only a few
companies that sell it in its naturally dried state instead of being heat
treated. (Some of those are Traditional
Nutritional Divine Organics and Natural Zing).
The powdered form is also commonly used to thicken foods but use much
less of it as it does absorb more moisture than other varieties. It should be a fine grey color (U.S. versions
are often bleached so make sure it is from Ireland). It also has a strong fish flavor so don’t use
it for sweets or beverages.
Some precautions to make note of-it has been known to irritate
the eyes if you happen to get any in them.
As it does have blood thinning ability it is best not taken by those on
blood thinning medications. Those on
thyroid medication should avoid it as well as it contains a high amount of
iodine. (Interestingly enough, this plant is the only known source of the
naturally occurring thyroid substances making it effective for thyroid
conditions but if you are already on medication….perhaps best avoided). Pregnant and/or nursing women are encouraged
to consult a physician before using as is anyone starting a new herb or dietary
regimen.
As is customary with my posts I am including some links here for your perusal. Stay strong and healthy!
