[This article contains information on medicinal herbalism, read our Medical Disclaimer here.]
Botanical name: Fucus vesiculosus
Other names: dyer's fucus, black tang, red fucus, rockwrack, rockweed, bladder fucus, cut weed, and rock wrack.
Not to be confused with bladderwort (Utricularia vulgaris)
Family Fucaceae, a family of brown algea
Botany
Bladderwrack is a brown algae growing off the coasts of the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, the British Isles, and the northern Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
Bladderwrack gets its name from the air sacs along its stems.
Historical use
A few resources have described bladderwrack as the "original source of iodine", this is in reference to the French chemist Barnard Courtois, who first isolated iodine from bladderwrack in 1811. Before then, iodine was an unknown compound.
Vitamins and Minerals
Rich in iodine, calcium, magnesium, sodium, also contains potassium, phosphorous, iron, manganese, chromium, strontium, selenium, zinc, and copper.
A, C, E, G, and B complex vitamins.
According to this study, bladderwrack from the Gulf of Riga contains more than three times the maximum recommended intake for lead, arsenic, and cadmium in edible seaweed. Because of the dangers of heavy metal contaminants from polluted waters, bladderwrack bought must be grown in clean waters or on organic farms. Here are some safe options:
Therapeutic Actions
Nutritive, nutritionally rich
Alterative: cleanses the blood
Anti-fungal: destroys and inhibits the growth of fungal
Anti-bacterial: destroys and inhibits the growth of bacteria
Anticoagulant: inhibits the clotting of blood
Diuretic: increases the production and expulsion of urine
Laxative: stimulate the bowel movements
Uses
Endocrine System
Long recorded use for an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), goiter (enlarged thyroid), and iodine deficiency due to bladderwrack's high content of iodine. However, this can be dangerous for those with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Bladderwrack stimulates thyroid function which increases metabolism. The metabolism is responsible for converting food and stored fat into energy and utilizing it. This means less fat being held onto in the body and more energy to enjoy life.
May balance too high levels of estrogen, improving symptoms of PMS and menstrual irregularity.
Circulatory system
Reduces blood pressure
Slows the clotting of blood
Cleanses and detoxifies the blood
Excretory System
Diuretic
Laxative
Relieves irritation and inflammation of the bladder
Immune System
Anti-cancer, may suppress the growth of cancer cells.
Antifungal and antibacterial properties make topical use of the seaweed beneficial for healing and preventing skin ailments.
Skin Care
Use topically for skin conditions like burns, insect bites, diseases of the skin, and to improve health of the skin. Use bladderwrack powder, add water or an herbal decoction, and apply over affected area. Can be combined well with clay for a face mask.
According to one study, bladderwrack applied topically to the skin twice daily for 5 weeks showed significant decreases in skin thickness and increases in skin elasticity, effectively reversing signs of aging of the skin.
Here’s where i source my bladderwrack
Safety
Safe when applied to the skin.
Possibly unsafe when taken whole by mouth, due to laxative properties, overconsumption of iodine, and heavy metal content. Instead, use an infusion or extract. Consumption of bladderwrack from polluted waters may contain high levels of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
Likely unsafe during pregnancy and nursing.
Not recommended to take in large doses due to high iodine content
Drug interactions
Anti-coagulant/antiplatelet drugs. Bladderwrack may slow blodd clotting, combining bladderwrack with medications that slow blood clotting could increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Anti-thyroid drugs, medications taken for an overactive thyroid. The high content of iodine in bladderwrack may stimulate the thyroid, further worsening the symptoms of an overactive thyroid.
Application
Infusion/tea
Standardized extract: take 15-30 drops 2-4 times per day. To enhance appetite and digestion, take 15 minutes before meals.
Skincare/topical: face mask with bladderwrack powder; bath infusion with dried herb in a cheesecloth bag.
Culinary: used in salads, soups, stews.
Sincerely,
Emilee Wright
A Mercurial Consciousness