
Irish moss | Chondrus crispus
general characteristics
general characteristics
Common names include Irish moss, Carragheen, Carrageen moss, Rock moss, Jelly moss, Curly moss and many others.
harvesting and preparation
harvesting and preparation
With a very good seaweed book, the odd youtube video and some meticulous checking and double checking, it is possible to harvest from all around the rocky shores of Britain and Ireland. It is often found in rock pools and clinging to rocks along to mid to low shoreline.
Irish moss dried herb is available to buy in our herbal shop.
therapeutic actions and uses
therapeutic actions and uses
Irish moss has a long history of traditional use as both a medicinal and nutritional plant and for use as a thickening and gelling agent. It is rich in nutrients such as sulphur, iodine, iron, bromine, trace mineral salts, vitamin A and B1, fibre, polysaccharides and lots of mucilage. In past times it was regularly added to soups, stews and salads for its nutritional content and for its thickening or gelling qualities.dosage and cautions
dosage and cautions
*Avoid if taking blood thinning medications.
*Avoid if you have an overactive thyroid or if you are on medications for hyperthyroidism (due to its high iodine content).
*Don't take Irish moss at medicinal doses for extended periods of time, up to a week or so maximum.
*Too high a dose can cause loose bowel movements.
*Seaweeds generally are known to absorb trace amounts of metals from the sea, some of which are toxic such as cadmium and lead. Avoid seaweeds from polluted areas where possible.
*There is some concern that carrageenan (present in irish moss) can cause gut inflammation. This is somewhat contoversial as in its whole form irish moss has been in use as a food and medicine for centuries - read more here and also here.
*Avoid during pregnancy.
Adult
Dried herb in tea form: use 1 teaspoon of dried herb and add boiling water, stand for at least 10 minutes and drink up to 3 cups daily. Alternatively, use 3 teaspoons of dried herb and simmer in 3 cups of water for 10 minutes or so, strain and drink throughout the day.
Fresh herb: add small amounts (a sprinkle) to salads or soups and stews occasionally.
Powdered herb: a small pinch of powder in mornings (to protect and strengthen lungs for example).
Children
E.g. dosage for a 4 year old...... 4 {age} divided by 16 {age + 12} = . 25 or 1/4 of the adult dosage.
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