Bladderwrack is a type of brown algae that is abundant on
the North Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States
and the coasts along the Baltic Sea in Europe. Its thallus
or main stem, usually tough and with air-filled pods, is
priced for its medicinal value. Although it is commonly
called kelp, this term is considered inaccurate. This
seaweed contains about 0.1 percent of cellulose, mannite,
mucilage, volatile oil, soda, iodine, and bromine compounds
of sodium and potassium. It is noted for its rich iodine
content when harvested at the end of June.
Traditionally, bladderwrack's main stem or thallus is used
as an anti-inflammatory agent. It is said to soothe the
irritated tissues of the body. Because of its rich iodine
content, it is known for its curative effects on
hypothyroidism. For years now, people who live in villages
near the sea, has always been known to have low rates of
hypothyroidism. In the past, it has also been used as a
laxative. Maybe that's why it is also used against obesity
since this seaweed is known for its stimulus of the thyroid
glands. Recent studies have proved this true, as
bladderwrack have amazing weight loss-inducing qualities.
Of course, like all alternative medicines, there still has
to be a lot of research done to qualify the healing effects
of bladderwrack.
Aside from possessing rich iodine, bladderwrack also
contains alginic acid and fucoidan. Its iodine content
depends on its location in the sea. That is because some
parts of the sea contain more iodine than in some parts.
Iodine is an important mineral, as it helps maintain the
health of the thyroid glands. That is why people who suffer
from an iodine deficiency are recommended to take
bladderwrack as a supplement.
Alginic acid, on the other hand, has fibrous qualities that
can help cure constipation and diarrhea. Although it's
effectiveness on treating such digestive disorders has not
been medically proven, bladderwrack is also used as
treatment for indigestion and its special element, calcium
alginate or calcium salt in alginic acid, has been proven
to speed up wound healing in humans. This acid has also
been known to lower bad cholesterol levels and has been
used a thickening agent in cosmetics, food, and
pharmaceuticals.
Another dietary fiber present in bladderwrack is the
sulfur-rich fucoidan. It also can help lower cholesterol
levels, blood sugar levels, and it possesses
anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, anticoagulant, and
antibacterial properties. And that's a whole lot of "antis"
there for bladderwrack, though these antis are not yet
scientifically proven. Thus, to use them against the
mentioned conditions is not yet advisable.
Since iodine is the main chemical element in this seaweed,
it is noteworthy that our body only needs only 150 mcg. of
iodine from all sources. This being the case, it should not
be used until further tests have proven its healing quality.
----------------------------------------------------
Patricia McDougall B.Sc. is a Chartered Herbalist and
graduate of the Dominion Herbal College, British Columbia,
Canada. Originally from Peru, Patricia is the Director of
Research and Development for Amazon Botanicals LLC of
Newark Delaware.
http://www.amazon-botanicals.com/Wellness_s/48.htm
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