Fucus vesiculosus

Also known as Fucus vesiculosus, Kelp, Ascophyllum nodosum, Black Tang, Bladder Fucus, Bladder Wrack, Blasentang, Cutweed, Fucus, Kelpware, Kelp-Ware, Knotted Wrack, Marine Oak, Meereiche, Quercus Marina, Rockweed, Rockwrack, Schweintang, Seawrack, Tang, Varech.

Introduction

Bladderwrack is a brown seaweed harvested from cool ocean waters around world, easily recognized by its air-filled thalli or "bladders" that keep the plant afloat. Constituents

Alginic acid, iodine.

Parts Used

Entire plant.

Typical Preparations

Added to soups and stocks, taken as tablets, as an extract, or drunk as a tea 2-3 times a day.

Summary

Modern research reveals that bladderwrack can be an alternative to soy is supporting women's health. A study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2004 reported that women who consume bladderwrack can experience normalization of short menstrual cycles and relief from severe PMS. Bladderwrack seems to encourage production of progesterone when there is excess production of estrogen. Ellingwood's American Materia Medica (1919) describes bladderwrack in considerable detail:"This agent is used for the specific purpose of reducing unhealthy fat in excessive adiposity. If given in doses of from 1/2 to 2 drams, 3 or 4 times daily, it has reduced excessively fat patients in a satisfactory manner without interfering in anyway with the normal health functions. "It is in the obesity of individuals of the lymphatic temperament that the beneficial effects of this drug are the most marked. It has little or no influence in the reduction of the fleshiness of persons of active habits or of those of the sanguine temperament. In these cases strict regulation of the diet affords the only prospects of relief, but owing to the keenness of the appetite usually present, this regulation is rarely enforced. Fucus shows its most decided influence upon women in whom there exist menstrual derangements, as menorrhagia and leucorrhoea, owing to a general a tonic and flabby condition of the uterine tissues. In such cases an improvement in the local derangements usually precedes the general reduction of fat and the improved tonicity of the general system. Fucus is advised as a specific remedy in the treatment of both exophthalmic and simple goitre. It is especially successful in patients not above 30 years of age. It is also suggested in the treatment of fatty degeneration of the heart. It is of service in desquamative nephritis and in irritation and inflammation of the bladder. When general muscular relaxation is present, it is of service in the treatment of menstrual derangements."

Precautions Don't use on a daily basis for more than 2 weeks at a time, taking a 2 week break before using again. This will prevent you from overdosing iodine with potential imbalance in thyroid function. The alginic acid in bladderwrack creates a feeling of fullness that helps you eat less, but also interferes with the absorption of iron. For periodic use only and not to be taken for extended periods of time. Not to be used while pregnant.

Bladderwrack, which is also known as Fucus vesiculosus, has been used in treating scrofula and is thought to reduce obesity through stimulating the thyroid gland. (Please note: Bladderwrack should not be used for hyperthyroidism, during pregnancy, or while nursing.)

Primary chemical constituents of this plant include mucilage, algin, mannitol, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, iodine, bromine, potassium, volatile oils, and many other minerals. The main use of bladder wrack (and other types of seaweed) in herbal medicine is as a source of iodine, an essential nutrient for the thyroid gland. Bladder wrack has proved most useful in the treatment of underactive thyroid glands (hypothyroidism) and goitre. Through the regulation of thyroid function, there is an improvement in all the associated symptoms. It has a reputation in helping the relief of rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis, both used internally and as an external application upon inflamed joints.A chemical constituent of bladder wrack called alginic acid swells upon contact with water; when taken orally, it forms a type of "seal" at the top of the stomach, and for this reason is used in several over-the-counter preparations for heartburn. The same constituent gives bladder wrack laxative properties as well. Other proposed uses of bladder wrack include treating atherosclerosis and strengthening immunity, although there is no scientific evidence at present that it works for these purposes.

Bladder wrack should not be used in cases of hyperthyroidism or cardiac problems, or during pregnancy and lactation. Excessive dosage (many times the recommended dosage) may lead to hyperthyroidism, tremor, increased pulse rate and elevated blood pressure.

For educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Information Obtained from mountain rose herbs @ http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/

Folklore Information