Bladderwrack (formal name Fucus Vesiculosis) is a brown seaweed which is a good source of iodine (the mineral needed for proper thyroid function) and of various L-fucose compounds.
Said L-fucose compounds can be seen as generally being anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-carcinogenic. There are also some implications of them being anti-viral and anti-diabetic.
Bladderwrack is used for thyroid disorders including underactive thyroid (myxedema), over-sized thyroid gland (goiter), and iodine deficiency. It is also used for obesity, arthritis, joint pain, “hardening of the arteries” (arteriosclerosis), digestive disorders, heartburn, “blood cleansing,” constipation, bronchitis, emphysema, urinary tract disorders, and anxiety. Other uses include boosting the immune system and increasing energy.
Some people also apply bladderwrack to the skin for skin diseases, burns, aging skin, and insect bites.
Benefits can be seen from ingesting brown seaweeds as foodstuff.
Bladderwrack Tea
- Take Bladderwrack Seaweed in a herb grinder and grind it till it becomes a powder.
- Take ½ tablespoon to 1 tablespoon of Bladderwrack powder in one cup of hot water.
- Allow the powder to soak in the water. Allow the cup to sit for at least 10 minutes before drinking.
There are some precautions which must be taken before consuming bladderwrack tea.
- Always consult your doctors before consuming Bladderwrack.
- Bladderwrack dosage should be under your doctor’s supervision. High iodine concentrations can lead to thyroid cancer.
- During pregnancy or nursing, it is unsafe to take Bladderwrack.
- Bleeding or bruising might increase in pre-existing bleeding disorders after taking Bladderwrack.
- Do not take Bladderwrack if you had surgery.
- Avoid Bladderwrack if you are allergic to iodine.