Bladderwrack

Fucus vesiculosus

COMMON NAMES

• Black Tany
• Bladder Fucus
• Bladderwrack
• Cutweed
• Hai-ts'ao
• Kelp
• Kelpware
• Rockweed
• Sea Oak
• Seaweed
• Seawrack

The seaweed called the kelp is a very common sight along many areas of the seashore in the New England area and the Eastern seaboard of the American continent, it is also called the bladderwrack because of the bladder like pneumatic floats attached to the branches - it is found predominantly in the rocky beaches and areas which have some well defined low tide water marks on the shoreline. The kelp is seaweed, and has an olive green coloration, it is also spread out in regular branches, with each of the branches characterized by a peculiar spiraling shape, and the seaweed has a leathery feel and is slippery to the touch. Like most underwater sea weeds, the kelp has paired bladders, though some of the branches may sometimes be without any air bladders - these pneumatic structures keep the kelp floating in the tossing waters of the sea shore. The leaf life branches has a distinct and well marked midrib, while the stipe remains without definite branching of any sort because of its origin from a disc shaped holdfast by which the sea weed anchors itself to the underlying substratum.

As an herbal remedy, medications based on the kelp are used in the rectification of a reduction in the normal level of glandular secretions. Herbalist suggests that taking a simple clear broth made from either fresh or dried kelp can result to the resolution of such problems in the body of patients. Glandular activity in the body is increased by the kelp broth, normally the boiled liquid is strained and then consumed like a soup, used this way the kelp is known to be a very sweet and delicious broth.

PARTS USED

Whole plant.

USES

The main use of the kelp as an herbal remedy is based on its high content of the essential mineral iodine, as an herbal remedy the kelp is used in the form of an anti-goiter medication - the success rate of such treatments is very high. The main action of the remedy is in bringing about an increase in the thyroid glands production of hormones, the kelp does this by raising the metabolic rate and functioning of the gland, at the same time, impaired thyroids seem to respond best to the treatment and the kelp may not promote the same metabolic increases in healthy glands. In another role, various rheumatic conditions are also believed to be rectifiable by the use of the kelp based remedies.

Other medical uses
Colorectal cancer.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Harvesting of the kelp is conducted throughout the year as the seaweed growth is not limited by seasons; the kelp is native seaweed of the shores along the North Atlantic and in some areas of the western Mediterranean shoreline.

RESEARCH

A comparative trail on weight loss demonstrated that patients on kelp tended to lose much more weight than those who did not, this trial was conducted in Italy in the year 1976, and it involved a comparison between a controlled group given no kelp and a test group given kelp as a food supplement.

CONSTITUENTS

Kelp contains phenols, polysaccharides, and minerals, especially iodine (up to 0.1%). The polysaccharides are immune-stimulant. The iodine may stimulate the thyroid gland.

USUAL DOSAGE

The kelp can be taken as an useful dietary supplement in the form of tablets or it can be taken in the form of an infusion that can be prepared by pouring a cup of boiling water over two to three teaspoonfuls of the dried herb, and letting the herb steep in this water for ten minutes by leaving it closed with a lid. The resulting infusion can be drunk thrice every day as a part of the treatment.

APPLICATIONS

Thalli:

TINCTURE – The tincture prepared from the kelp can be used in the treatment of a thyroid deficiency, it acts within the body by gently stimulating the metabolic processes, and this form of the remedy is also very effective in the treatment of all types of rheumatic disorders affecting patients.
INFUSION – The kelp can also be used in the form of an herbal tincture to treat a variety of conditions affecting different patients. The kelp in this form is often utilized in various programs to reduce the weight of obese individuals; this is particularly effective where the obesity has come about due to very slow metabolism in the person. At the same time, this treatment using infusion of kelp is not to be taken as some quick technique at losing weight and is only for the use of specific individuals, it is not a magical weight loss agent.
TABLETS/CAPSULES – Kelp is also taken in the form of herbal tablets and capsules, these are normally used to stimulate the metabolic rate in the body, and dosage can vary from three to six tablets or capsules every day. In people affected by obesity due to thyroid under activity, these tablets and capsules may be able to bring about significant loss in body weight.
INFUSED OIL – The kelp is also used to make infused herbal oil, this can be prepared by macerating about half a kilo of the dried kelp and soaking it in half a liter of sunflower oil, this can then be left overnight to allow the herb to infuse into the oil. Once this infused oil has been prepared, the oil can then be heated in a water bath for up to two hours and then carefully strained to remove the particulate matter in the oil. The oil thus prepared can be used topically as a rub for the treatment of rheumatism and the pains resulting from arthritic joints in the body.

SLIMMING POWDER

• 1 1/3 oz (50 g) kelp powder
• 1 oz (30 g) marshmallow
• 3/4 oz (20 g) licorice powder

Combine all the ingredients and preserve in a glass jar away from light. Take 1 T (15 g) powder before meals, diluted in 1/2 cup (125 ml) warm water. This mixture fills the stomach, produces a loss of appetite and softens the digestive mucous membranes. It provokes weight loss and acts as a laxative and a tonic.
Caution: Do not consume any sugar, brewer's yeast or too much starch at the same time, for there is a risk of too much gas!

SEAWEED MINERAL BATH

by Louise Gaudet - www.bckelp.com

• Bladderwrack (Fucus spp.) about 40 grams
• Muslin pouch or cotton scarf

Place Bladderwrack Flakes in pouch or scarf, tie well closed with elastic or string (loose seaweed flakes may clog drain).
Throw pouch in hot bath water. Jump in .Gently squeeze pouch and rub algin (rich seaweed gel) all over body and face. Breath in fresh ocean breeze (not fishy at all). Relax!

Bladderwrack contains all the minerals that your body needs. It is very nourishing to the skin and soothes muscles and joints.
I am a professional Wildcrafter of seaweed, and we sell high quality kelp (Nereocysiis leutkeana) and Bladderwrack (Fucus spp.) in whole, flakes or powdered form. We also sell Seaweed Bath Pouches and all natural Kelp soap.

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