Irish Moss is also known by the names Pearl Moss and Carrageenan. This plant is found on the Atlantic coast of both Europe and North America. Irish Moss is a seaweed that was used by the Irish during the famine of the 19th century. It was once used as a mattress stuffing, as cattle feed, and as a thickener for colored inks used in printing. Irish Moss can also be used for respiratory support and maintaining healthy digestion.

The primary chemical constituents of Irish Moss include protein, polysaccharides, iodine, bromine, mucilage, carrageenans, beta carotene, and vitamin B-1. The extract of this plant consists of sulphated, straight chain galactans. Of these, there are two different types: a gelling fraction known as k-carrageenan, and a non-gelling fraction known as l-carrageenan. They are both composed of o-galactose and 3,6-anhydrogalactose residues with a high proportion of sulphate esters, but are differentiated by the relative proportions and the number, type and position of the sulphate esters. There is a variety of grades of different molecular weight, including a food grade which has a molecular weight of about 100,000 to 500,000.

The mucilage present in Irish Moss is used in large quantities by the food industry to make jellies and as a smooth binder (adds texture and stability to ice cream, whipped cream, puddings, soups, and salad dressings). It can also be used as a thickening agent in cosmetics, and used as an additive in skin lotions.

Irish Moss is mainly used to help support coughs and coughs. It is mucilaginous and therefore sedates dry coughs and also upset stomach. It is considered to have mild expectorant and mild laxative properties. Extracted polysaccharides, known as carrageenans, may be used as bulk-forming laxatives for the symptomatic support of constipation and as non-digestible and non-toxic adjuncts in weight loss diets. They are also used as fillers, stabilisers and emulsiflers in the cosmetics industries, in the formulation of gels, ointments, creams, lotions, toothpastes and shampoos.

Irish Moss
Chondrus crispus (L.) Stackh.

Family: Gigartinaceaea.

Other Names: Carragheen; carageenan; mousse d'Irlande, crépue (French); Carrageen, Irländische Alge (German); muschio d'Irlandica, fuco carageo (Italian); musgo de irlanda (Spanish).

Description: This is a small seaweed (red algae) that grows on rocks just below the water surface.

Origin: North Atlantic coast (Europe and North America). Commercial aquacultures in USA, Canada, and Japan.

Parts Used: Whole plant (it is harvested at low tide and dried in the sun).

Therapeutic Category: Anti-irritant.

Active Ingredients: Carrageenans occur in high yields in Irish moss and several other red algae, together with proteins, amino acids, iodine and bromine salts. Carrageenans are galactans (polymers of sulphated galactose). They form viscous solutions in water but unique gels when K+ or NH4+ ions are added.

Health Effects: The polysaccharides have a soothing effect on mucous membranes.

Notes: Seaweeds are important sources of commercial polysaccharides (used mainly as industrial thickening and gelling agents (such as agar-agar), especially in the food industry. Fucus vesiculosus, a brown algae known as bladderwrack and Ascophyllum nodosum (knotted wrack) have been used to help support iodine therapy and as ingredient in slimming teas. The air bladders on the thallus are paired in Fucus and single in Ascophyllum, Iodine, present as inorganic salts, is supposed to stimulate thyroid activity, increase the metabolism and thereby reduce fat deposits. Note that there is a risk of hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis. Tablets made from kelp (Laminaria species) are used in the same way but are also considered to be highly nutritious and helpful in supporting general debility.

Status: Traditional health.

Preparation and Dosage: Isolated carrageenans are most often used. The dried, powdered product may be included in mixtures.

Irish moss, or carageenin, is a sweet and salty seaweed that contains polysaccharides, proteins, mucins, amino acids, iodine, bromine and manganese salts. Its demulcent, nutrient, and emollient healthy actions have made it useful for the potential to help support symptoms of symptoms of lung problems (associated with dryness), lung health, and sores and irritations. The systems of the body affected by Irish moss include the lungs and stomach.

Irish moss can be used to help support lung problems associated with dryness and/or wasting. It can also be tried topically or internally for irritations and sores. It is commonly prepared as a syrup with Iceland moss and blackstrap molasses.

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