* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
Agar Agar is a seaweed gathered on the East Indian coast and sent to China, it is derived from the various species of Sphaerococcus Euchema and Gelidium. It is brownish-white in colour with thorny projections on its branches; the best variety, known as Japanese Isinglass, contains large quantities of mucilage. The seaweed after collection is spread out on the shore until bleached, and then dried; it is afterwards boiled in water and the mucilaginous solution strained, the filtrate being allowed to harden, and then it is dried in the sun. The time for collection of the Algae is summer and autumn when the bleaching and drying can take place, but the final preparation of Agar-Agar is carried out in winter from November to February. The Japanese variety is derived from several kinds of Algae and comes into European commerce in two forms: (1) In transparent pieces 2 feet long, the thickness of a straw, prepared in Singapore by treating it in hot water. (2) In yellowish white masses about 1 inch wide and 1 foot long. The latter is the form considered the more suitable for the culture of bacteria.
Agar Agar is widely used as a treatment for constipation, but is usually employed with Cascara when atony of the intestinal muscles is present. It does not increase peristaltic action. Its' therapeutic value depends on the ability of the dry Agar to absorb and retain moisture. Its action is mechanical and analogous to that of the cellulose of vegetable foods, aiding the regularity of the bowel movements. It is sometimes used as an adulterant of jams and jellies.
User Group Forum
Share your questions and information with the ZooScape community!
Bichha - April 3, 2007, 12:02
#10001094
Will agar agar irritate the digestive system? What's the difference between powder and flakes?
ZooScape Moderator - July 16, 2007, 18:57
#10001496
Agar agar has more of a cleansing, soothing, and laxative effect on the body rather than an irritating one. The only unpleasant sensation you may experience is a suppressed appetite and feelings of fullness due to the swelling action of agar agar in the stomach and intestines. Agar agar is rich in iodine and trace minerals and it is often combined with other herbs like cascara sagrada to promote regularity. It is known for its high fiber content and its ability to expand in the stomach promoting the sensation of fullness. This property, of course, has lead to its use in a well-known Japanese diet as well as a popular gelatin substitute in vegan cooking (unlike gelatin, agar agar is derived from seaweed not animals).
Both forms, powdered or flaked, are the same seaweed substance - just in a different format. It's simply a matter of the varying densities and, therefore, varying quantities required for a given recipe. For every teaspoon of powdered agar required, you need to use 1 tablespoon of the flakes (or 2 teaspoons of powder to 3 teaspoons of flakes), because the flakes are less dense. Or, if you want to boil the jelled mixture, as some like to do, it will take about 5 minutes for the powder to dissolve and 15 minutes for the flakes to dissolve.
Although it is more often boiled to a gelatinous texture for culinary uses, agar agar can be used as a medicinal supplement. For use as a laxative or cleansing bulk agent, you're best to use just a portion of a teaspoon in a glass of water to start, and consume 3 glasses throughout the day; this will insure that you are getting adequate water with the supplement to maintain intestinal hydration for easy, regular bowel movements. (Many find this approach to be quicker and less of a 'production' than the boiling and dissolving method that requires more patience). Then, increase the dosage, if need be, once you become confident that the agar agar is compatible with your system. Poweder or capsules are probably preferred for this application, although flakes could be used.
Directions
Stir 1/4 of a teaspoon into a glass of water and consume 3 times daily, with meals.
Additional Information
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
