Irish Moss

Irish Moss is derived from the Irish word meaning “little rock”. It’s not a rock though, or moss in fact. So, what is Irish Moss exactly? Read on to find out.

What is Irish Moss?

Irish Moss is not a rock or a moss, but rather a seaweed that grows mainly along the European and American Atlantic coasts. In Europe, it can be found along the shores of Ireland (hence the Irish name) and also in France. It can be of various colours, from greenish-yellow to red or purple-brown.

This herb (or seaweed) is rich in minerals like calcium, iodine, sulphur, potassium, bromine, iron, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, zinc and pectin. It contains Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K and is rich in proteins and antioxidants too.¹

What Are The Health Benefits of Irish Moss?

Irish Moss was initially used as a food, medicine and also in beauty products. Today, it’s frequently used as a herbal remedy to treat various ailments, due to its numerous health-related benefits:

Blood Pressure-Lowering Effect

Irish Moss contains taurine, which lowers blood pressure and is important for a healthy heart, as it can prevent blood clotting.²

Immune System Booster

Need to boost your immune system? Irish Moss may help. How? It is rich in bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, which help strengthen the immune system, reduce risk of cancer and other chronic illnesses such as autoimmune diseases.³

It’s also known to be effective against flu, colds, coughs, sore throat, asthma, bronchitis, enlarged glands and chronic lung diseases. The herb promotes overall health and wellbeing, and helps a person to recover quickly after an illness.⁴

Urinary Tract Disorders

Irish Moss helps protect from bladder infections and other urinary tract disorders. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Irish Moss helps against inflammation of the upper tract (urethritis or nephritis) and lower tract (prostatitis or cystitis), thus decreasing pain and normalising storage function.⁵

This herb is also very effective against some age-related kidney disorders.⁵

Powerful Antioxidant

Irish Moss contains non-toxic antioxidants, including vitamins A and E. This helps to fight free radicals, preventing damage to the various body tissues. Modern science has demonstrated that it may even help prevent heart disease and even some type of cancers by reducing oxidative stress.⁶

Antioxidant properties of Irish Moss require further clinical studies, so it’s possible the science will discover even more health benefits in the future.

Beauty Use

Various compounds in Irish Moss help to strengthen connective tissues, hair, skin and nails. This is why the herb is an essential ingredient in many beauty products like oils, ointments, and creams.⁷

Irish Moss extract works as an excellent lubricating and moisturising agent, making it suitable for irritated, dry and ageing skin. One study found Irish Moss also provides UV protection, treats eczema, dermatoses, psoriasis, nasopharyngeal inflammations and conjunctivitis.⁷

Protection Against Radiation and Iodine

Irish Moss is rich in iodine, making it effective in protection against radiation and a potent treatment against radiation sickness.⁸

Some individuals have also experienced Irish Moss’s ability to help balance thyroid hormones.⁹

Is Irish Moss Safe?

Generally, Irish Moss is safe, but like anything there are risks and possible side effects such as, blood thinning, bleeding, hypotension, cramps, diarrhea or dizziness. If you suffer any of these symptoms, consult your doctor or health professional.

It is recommended that you do not take Irish Moss if you have a stomach ulcer, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

This “little rock” has many health benefits. Talk to your doctor or health practitioner to find out if it’s right for you.

Properties

Anti-Inflammatory³
Antioxidant⁶
Asthma⁴
Blood Pressure – Reduction²
Blood Tonic²
Breathing Difficulties⁴
Cancer Prevention⁶^,⁸^,⁹
Cough⁴
Cystitis³^,⁴
Demulcent³
Digestive Function¹
Digestive Restoration¹
Eye Health¹^,⁷
Hair Growth and Support⁷
Heart Support / Health⁶
High/Good Levels of B Vitamins¹
High/Good Levels of Calcium¹
High/Good Levels of Iodine¹
High/Good Levels of Iron¹
High/Good Levels of Manganese¹
High/Good Levels of Phosphorous¹
High/Good Levels of Selenium¹
High/Good Levels of Vitamin A¹
High/Good Levels of Vitamin D¹
High/Good Levels of Vitamin K¹
High/Good Levels of Zinc¹
Hormonal Balance⁶
Immune Booster³
Kidney Support¹
Pain Relief⁶
Respiratory Support⁴
Skin Issues⁷
Thyroid Support⁸^,⁹
Toxin Removal¹
Urethritis Support⁵
Urinary Tract Issues⁵
Weight Loss / Management¹

References: