Irish Moss contains 15 of the 18 elements that make up the human body, including Vitamins A, D, E, F and K. It also contains high amounts of iodine, calcium and sodium as well as sulphur, potassium and phosphorus. Irish Moss aids in bladder disorders, bronchitis, halitosis (bad breath), intestinal disorders, glandular problems, goiter, swollen joints, lung difficulties, thyroid conditions, tuberculosis, tumors, ulcers and varicose veins. Also helps to soften the skin and prevent wrinkles.
It’s a form of seaweed containing polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, and iodine. The extract is known as carrageenan, a starch-like substance. This extract can be further differentiated into two types, k-carrageenan and I-carrageenan. The former type is the gelling fraction; the latter form is the non-gelling component.
Irish moss has expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antihypertensive, immunosuppressive, and antidiarrheal properties. It also interferes with the absorption of food, and may reduce serum cholesterol and possess antiviral activity. Irish moss is available as dried jellied fruit, jellies, puddings, raw leaves, and teas, in products such as Coreine, Gelcarin, Hydrogel, Seaspen, and Viscarin.
Medicinal Uses and Benefits
It is an excellent tonic, good for all lung problems and especially useful for the thyroid when it is underproductive (hypothyroid).
Irish Moss is said to be very good for tuberculosis, bronchitis and intestinal problems. It is used to soothe irritating coughs that result from various respiratory infections, and to produce bulky stools in patients with chronic diarrhea. Because of its demulcent properties, Irish moss is also used to treat gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. Because it contains ammonium, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium esters of galactose and 3-G-anhydrogalactose copolymers it’s also used as a nutritional supplement to facilitate recuperation in those with debilitating diseases. Irish moss can also be found as an ingredient in weight-loss products.
Irish moss is used as a skin softener in commercial cosmetic products and lotions. It’s used topically to treat anorectal symptoms. In manufacturing, Irish moss can be used as a binder, emulsifier, thickener, and as a stabilizer in drugs, foods, and toothpaste.
It is used sometimes in dietary uses as a gel or a thickening agent. In medical uses it forms a gel or viscous solution internally which coats the gastrointestinal tract which makes it an excellent applications for ulcers. It is used to increase the metabolic rate and give strengthen connective tissues, including the hair, skin and nails. The potential of irish Moss in reducing gastric secretions and treating peptic and duodenal ulcer as well as guarding against fat and cholesterol buildup is currently under scrutiny. Irish Moss widely use as remedies for expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory. Irish moss can sometimes be added to the regimen when you are trying to purge gastrointestinal parasites as it, like Slippery Elm, makes the tract very slippery and causes the parasites to pass very easily.
When irish moss mixed to body lotions, it helps to turn your dry, rough, patchy skin into smooth, silky, hydrated, glowing skin . It moisturizes and treats even the most unmanageable skin problems, including eczema, psoriasis, rashes and sunburns. Vitamins A,B,C,D help nourish the skin.
Irish Moss has some blood thinning properties, So people taking anti-coagulating medications should avoid using it.
Pregnant or breast-feeding patients should avoid it. Infants shouldn’t be given Irish moss because it may suppress the immune system. Patients with underlying bleeding disorders or hypotension should use Irish moss with caution.