Fucus vesiculosus (Bladderwrack) Info

Fucus vesiculosus (Bladderwrack) , is a seaweed found on the coasts of the North Sea, the western Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, also known by the common names Sea kelp, Brown kelp seaweed, Sea wrack, Marine oak, Fucus, Kelp-Ware, Black-Tang, Quercus marina, Cutweed,Bladder Fucus, Fucus (Varech) vesiculeux, Blasentang, Seetang, Meeriche, rockweed, bladder fucus, sea oak, black tany, cut weed, dyers fucus, red fucus, and rock wrack. Bladder wrack is consumed as food and medicine and is a rich source of iodine. It is used in traditional medicine to treat hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency and has been proposed as a weight loss supplement. No clinical studies have verified this effect. It cannot be eaten and is used to make medicine and is used is to make health supplements. Bladder Wrack is a member of the protoctista group brown algae.

Serving:

Half Oz or 1 table spoon of bladderwarck

per cup and a half of water (Recommend distilled)

Instructions:

Wash off sand and sediment from Ocean Well

Set stove Hi flame Bring water to a boil. Then add the desired amount of bladder wrack and Set flame low boil For 30 to 60 minutes. Longer you boil stronger it will be. I personally boil all of my herbs for two hours and 33 minutes To get all medicinal properties out of the herb. BOIL WITH COVER TO REDUCE EVAPORATION. 

LIMIT USE TO 2 CUPS PER DAY MAX

Health Benefits of Bladderwrack

Along with vitamins and iodine, bladderwrack also contains mucilage (soothing soluble fiber), and a number of essential minerals. Bladder wrack’s mineral content supports the brain, nerves, blood vessels, hair, skin and nails. It also contains zeaxanthin, which can help to protect the eye from oxidative and light-induced damage.  Let’s take a closer look at some of the health benefits of bladderwrack.

1. Heart Health

Bladderwrack is one of the beneficial herbs that help you prevent atherosclerosis and any other cholesterol-related affliction. It also helps lower blood pressure, reduce your risk of strokes and heart attacks, and normally lessen the strain on your cardiovascular system.(1)

2. Vision Health

Bladderwrack consists of good amount of beta-carotene which makes it an ideal solution for someone trying to improve their vision. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that directly neutralized free radicals in the eyes and cornea. Apart from that, bladderwrack can help slow down macular degeneration and prevent the development of cataracts.(2)

3. Reduced Inflammation

Over the years Bladderwrack has been used as an anti-inflammatory substance. In case you are suffering from gout, arthritis, hemorrhoids, or skin irritation, bladderwrack can effectively neutralize the irritation, reduce swelling, and even relieve pain. Internal and external uses of bladderwrack are both useful methods and are even better in conjunction for sore muscles and joints.(3)

4. Anti-aging Properties

Bladderwrack consists of many valuable minerals that can help to make the skin beautiful. There are also powerful organic chemicals that can slow down the aging process. Antioxidants found in bladderwrack keep the skin looking healthy and young, reducing age spots and blemishes, and lessens the appearance of wrinkles. Antioxidants can also boost skin elasticity, keeping you looking tight and toned well into your old age.(4)

5. Weight Loss

Bladderwrack has been praised as a weight loss tool for generations, and the western world is just beginning to realize how beneficial it can be. When your body is working at a high level and burning off more fat, you also suppress the appetite, thus preventing obesity and the other related health issues that come along with it.(5)

6. Cancer Prevention

Fucoidan is a unique type of fiber which is found abundantly in bladderwrack. Research has connected fucoidan with many health benefits, including lowering cholesterol, reducing blood sugar levels, and having anti-tumor effects. Essentially, one of the functions of fucoidan is to control a substance necessary for cell reproduction and growth. By slowing down that cell growth process, cancer propagation can be reduced.(6)

7. Thyroid Improvement

As discussed earlier bladderwrack was the original source of iodine back in the 19th century. Iodine is an important modulator for our thyroid gland and can ensure that our hormonal and metabolic activities are under control. Therefore, as a powerful source of iodine, bladderwrack has become associated with treating many types of thyroid disorders. Mostly, bladderwrack stimulates the thyroid gland to increase hormonal output.(7)

8. Improved Digestion

Bladderwrack consists of alginic acid, which relieves constipation and adds bulk to the bowels, encouraging a smooth digestive process that is efficient in terms of nutrient uptake. Furthermore, this helps to relieve excess flatulence, bloating, cramping, and more serious conditions like gastric ulcers and colon cancer.(8)

9. Relieve Inflammation and Joint Pain

Bladderwrack is quite beneficial for relieving the pain. Bladderwrack is often used to reduce inflammation and joint pains caused by rheumatoid arthritis. It can be used in both internal and external forms of digestion and application. It is quite easy to find Bladderwrack capsules or tablets at most natural vitamin and health stores but you should purchase the herb in raw form in order to create an infusion by steeping or brewing it in a quart of hot water. Bladderwrack also contains some components including fucoidan, carotene, bromine, and mannitol that are all vital nutrients for bone and joint health.

Though generally recognized as safe, bladderwrack may have some unwanted side effects.

Applying bladderwrack to the skin is likely safe. However, avoid applying it to open wounds and cuts, and discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions, such as a skin rash.

Moreover, bladderwrack may interfere with other medications and herbal products, such as blood thinners (e.g., heparin, warfarin), antiarrhythmic medications (e.g., amiodarone), thyroid medications, St. John’s Wort, ginkgo biloba, and valerian root.

• Bladderwrack may be unsafe during pregnancy or while nursing. Bladderwrack might increase bleeding or bruising in individuals with pre-existing bleeding disorders. For the same reason, it should be avoided in the weeks leading up to surgery.

Be sure to consult your healthcare provider before taking bladderwrack.