Bladderwrack

50g (1.75oz)

 

Medicinal Name: Fucus vesiculosus

 

Common names: rockweed, red fucus, dyers fucus, rock wrack, black tang, and bladder fucus

 

Properties: mineral rich, high iodine content

 

Treatment: goiter, hypothyroidism, rheumatism, ulcers, antiviral, anti-HIV

 

Bladderwrack contains polyphenols, polysaccharides, and minerals, especially iodine (up to 0.1%). The polysaccharides are immunostimulant. The iodine is thought to stimulate the thyroid gland

 

Due to its iodine content, bladderwrack is taken as an antigoiter remedy. The plant appears to raise the metabolic rate by increasing hormone production by the thyroid gland, though this increase may be limited to poorly functioning thyroids. Bladderwrack is reputedly helpful in rheumatic conditions

 

In one clinical trial (Italy 1976), patients taking bladderwrack lost much more weight than the control group. In more recent German research, the polyphenols and polysaccharides appeared to have antiviral and anti-HIV activity

 

Preparation: add 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of dried bladderwrack to boiling water and allow it to simmer for 10–15 minutes

 

Caution: Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding. If suffering from a thyroid illness or taking insulin, take only under professional advice