Difference between revisions of "Bladderwrack"

Revision as of 03:00, 11 July 2012

Edible Seaweed
Other names : Fucus vesiculosus, Black-tang, Bladder,Bladder fucus,Sea wrack, Blasen-tang, Brown algae, Common seawrack, Cut weed, Dyers fucus, Fucoidan,Black tang, Rockweed, Kelp-ware, Quercus marina, Cutweed,Blasentang, Seetang. Bladderwrack is perennial that matures on the northern coasts of the Atlantic & Pacific oceans, the North and Baltic seas and is often washed up on beaches after storms.It is a common algae in the shape of long ribbons, about 1 meter long and 5cm across, leathery, shiny, brownish-green or light yellow in colour.The main stem of bladderwrack, called as the thallus, is used for various treatment. The frond at the bottom is fan-shaped, narrow & strap-shaped , the rest flat and leaf-like in shape, wavy, many times parted into 2 with erect divisions contain a strong, broad, compressed midrib running to the apex. Bladderwrack or Fucus vesiculosus is a type of seaweed or brown algae that grows along the northern Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United states and the northern Baltic coast of Europe, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Bladderwrack is used in alternative medicine to treat health conditions such as constipation, heartburn, hypothyroidism, iodine deficiency and diarrhea. UMHS states that bladderwrack is generally safe, but does have some side effects and risks.

Special Precautions of Bladderwrack

• Acne : Bladderwrack contains high levels of iodine, which can aggravate acne in some people, according to UMHS. People who have a history of acne should not consume bladderwrack.
• Thyroid Dysfunction : Although bladderwrack is used to treat hypothyroidism, because it contains iodine and excessive iodine can eventually cause disruption in the thyroid gland and cause hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, according to UMHS. If you have thyroid issues you should talk to your health care provider before taking bladderwrack.
• Nerve Damage : Seaweeds like bladderwrack are harvested from waters or areas that may be heavily contaminated with metals like arsenic and lead which can cause problems such as kidney damage and nerve damage. Read labels carefully to make sure the bladderwrack you purchase was harvested in clean waters or tested for metals and other contaminants.
• Allergy : If you are allergic to iodine you should not consume bladderwrack due to its high levels of iodine. Allergy symptoms such as breathing difficulties, rash, swelling of mouth or tongue, rapid pulse or flushing after ingesting bladderwrack should be addressed by a medical provider immediately.
• Other Side Effects and Risks : Bladderwrack may cause low blood sugar, rash, stomach pain, bruising or increased bowel movements, according to the Huntsman Cancer Institute University of Utah. HCI also states that if you have a bleeding disorder, kidney disease, blood clots, nerve disorder and diabetes or have suffered a stroke that you should not consume bladderwrack.

The benefits of Bladderwrack are

As a herbal remedy, bladderwrack has been used for traditional cosmetics, treatments for headaches , ulcers,asthma, cough, hemorrhoid, boils, goiters, stomach ailments, urinary problems, decreasing the incidence of tumors.The Vietnamese use bladderwrack as meal in various ways: pickle with sauce or with vinegar,raw as salad & vegetable, relish or sweetened jellies & also cooked for vegetable soup.

Bladderwrack contains moderate quantity of phosphorus, selenium, manganese and zinc and small amounts of vitamins A, C, E and G.But have a high content of several minerals such as iodine,sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, silicon & iron and high in some B-complex vitamins.

Properties

• Antibacterial.
• Antioxidant.
• Diuretic.
• Emollient.
• Endocrine tonic.
• Expectorant.
• Nutritive.
• Anti-hypothyroid.
• Thyroactive.
• Anti-obesic.
• Anti rheumatic.
• Demulcent.
• Gentle metabolic stimulant.
• Adaptagen.
• Anti-inflammatory.

Uses and Benefits

• Bladderwrack has an advantage to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis & rheumatism , both used as an external & internal application upon inflamed joints.It has great benefit to cure active thyroid glands & goiter. This plant may be very useful to mitigate the excess weight,Where obesity is combined with thyroid problem.
• Bladderwrack may decrease the blood cholesterol levels in the body possibly due to its fiber content and binding action.It enhance stamina by allowing cells to consume energy efficiently.Ebb irritation due to presence of putrefaction.
• Bladderwrack have a toxic action on some strains of E. coli & all strains tested of Neisseria meningitidis. It have fucoidan that inhibits the growth of some unfriendly bacteria and viruses.
• Bladderwrack is an antioxidant, which reduces free radicals known to trigger breast cancer cell growth.
• bladderwrack does appear to regulate female sex hormones in a similar manner to soy. The seaweed can be considered as a safe replacement for soy products.