Synonyms: Black-Tang, Bladder Fucus, Bladder-Wrack, Common Sea Wrack, Cutweed, Fucus, Kelp, Kelpware, Rockweed, Rockwrack, Sea Kelp, Sea Ware, Seawrack
Family: Fucaceae, Phaeophyceae
Genus species: Fucus vesiculosus, Ascophyllum nodosum
Type: Brown algae
Part Used: Whole plant (thallus)
Homeopathy: Tincture and trituration of the dried plant
Location: Rocky coasts of Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, France, Ireland, U.S.
Actions: Absorbs toxins from the bowels, anabolic agent, antiatherogenic, anticoagulant (fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide ester with 40-50% blood anticoagulant activity of heparin), antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antihypothyroid, antirheumatic, antitumor (laminarin, a sulfated polysaccharide ester), antiviral (extract), beneficial to sensory nerves and membranes surrounding the brain, blood purifier, bulk laxative, demulcent, emollient, increases and enhances metabolism, increases the population of beneficial intestinal bacteria (acidophilus and bifidophilus) and eliminating undesirable and pathogenic bacterial population, lowers bowel transit time, muscular alterative, nutritive, radiation damage preventative, skeletal alterative, strengthens connective tissues (bones, hair, nails, skin and teeth), thyroid alterative, tonic
Indications: Arthritis, atherosclerosis, debility, eczema, enlarged glands, fatigue, fatty heart, goiter, hair loss, hyperlipemia, hypothyroidism, lymphadenoid goiter, malnutrition, myxedema, obesity, parasites, psoriasis, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcer
Homeopathic Indications: Obesity, dyspepsia, goiter
Chemicals & Nutrients: Aluminum, Bromine, Calcium, Carbohydrates (65%), Chlorophyll, Fats (3%), Fiber (10%), Iodine (2, 800 ppm), Lead, Magnesium, Mercury, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein (7%), Sodium (5%), Vitamin C
Preparation & Dosages:
Dried Thallus: 5-10 g or by infusion, 3x/day
Liquid Extract: 1:1 in 25% alcohol, dose 4-8 ml, 3x/day
Contraindications: Cardiac problems, hormone replacement therapy, hyperthyroidism, lactation, oral contraceptives, pregnancy.
Drug Interactions: Fucoidan may potentiate anticoagulants. Use of this herb may interfere with and/or reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives and sex hormones. Due to the antihypertensive (hypotensive) action of this herb the following interactions are possible: when taken with anesthetics an increased hypotensive effect; potentiation of antihypertensives; when taken with diuretics difficulty with diuresis and hypertension may result; antagonism of sympathomimetics. When taken simultaneously, bulk-forming laxatives may inhibit the absorption of other drugs (e.g. aspirin, cardiac glycosides, antibiotics, anticoagulants, etc.) and dietary nutrients (e.g. calcium, iron, zinc, sodium, potassium, etc.).
Warning: Long-term use is not recommended. Overdose may lead to hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxicosis, tremors, increased pulse rate and elevated blood pressure. May be high in arsenic. May contain heavy metals, cadmium and mercury. Symptoms of an overactive thyroid are: heart palpitation, restlessness, insomnia. Bladderwrack may aggravate pre-existing acne causing the development of acne eruptions. Do not give to children. Prolonged ingestion can reduce gastrointestinal absorption of iron resulting in anemia, a reduction of packed cell volume and serum iron concentrations. Due to the bulk-forming fibers and mucilage found in this material, ingesting it without adequate fluid may cause it to swell, blocking the esophagus, and cause choking. This material should be administered with at least 8 ounces of water or other fluid (taken without enough fluid may cause choking).
Note: Algin found in kelp forms insoluble salts with heavy metals making them unavailable for absorption. High molecular weigh polyphenols have inhibitory activity towards digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase, trypsin) of pancreatin.
Safety: GRAS.