Bladderwrack Profile

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

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.