| Irish Moss |
About Irish Moss: Carrageen / Irish Moss is one of the most widely used seaweeds throughout the world. Reddish brown and growing up to 10 inches (25cm) it inhabits the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America (particularly in the English Channel and on the Massachusetts coast). It grows just below the waterline attached to rocks and stones in shallow pools of salt water and is harvested in the fall with rakes or by hand. The harvesters are careful to leave some of the plant attached to the rocks so that it will grow back for future harvests. It is one of the seaweeds that you will have eaten - probably without knowing it! In the food industry world it’s E numbers are E400 to E420 and E406, E407 and E407a. These food additive numbers are important because some people are actually allergic to this sea vegetable.
Actions and Uses of Irish Moss:
How Irish Moss is used and How it Works: It is a stabilizer used in ---
Parts of Irish Moss Plant Used: The whole plant
Properties of Irish Moss: The polysaccharides become jellylike and thickens when exposed to water.
Chemical Constituents of Irish Moss: Polysaccharides, proteins (up to 10%), amino acids, iodine, bromine, iron, sulphur, potassium, magnesium, sodium, pectin.
Contraindications, safety issues, concerns, harmful drug interactions and allergy precautions for Irish Moss: Those people on blood thinners and anticoagulants should consult their doctor before taking this herb as it does thin the blood a bit. Some people may be allergic. One resource I read said that carragheenans were suspected of being carcinogenic and could possibly cause ulcerative colitis, but Dr. John Christopher (a famous herbalist) uses it in many ways not even discussed here and often for cancer. Basic preparation for Irish Moss – non-cook method. Soak one ounce of dehydrated Irish Moss (also called sea moss) in water to cover for 2-3 days, rinsing daily. This removes excess salt and any sand, and rehydrates the moss. It will swell and become an opaque white color. After it rehydrates, cut the moss in pieces and put it in a blender (preferably glass) which has been rinsed with hot water to warm it up. Cover the moss with boiling water and blend at moderately low speed. It will become thick and smooth. Add a bit more boiling water if needed to make sure all the pieces are blended. Slowly fill the blender with regular temperature water to full, still blending on low speed. Pour into a quart or larger container, cover and refrigerate. The moss will gel. Add a scoop or two to smoothies (fruit or vegetable) for extra nourishment. This is great in the mornings, especially if you don’t choose to make a “traditional” breakfast: Your juice(s) of choice, half or whole banana, other fruit, a half an avocado, and a scoop or two of the moss – blend and enjoy. For more intense nutrition therapy, you can add it to just about anything with liquid, such as soup. It doesn’t have a taste, and has a very mild seaweed smell. Variations on the preparation – instead of using boiling water, use boiling apple juice; and fill the blender with juice (any compatible flavor) in place of adding more water to fill the blender. Then when it gels, it can be eaten like a dessert – a couple of scoops in a bowl. This also works if you don’t have time to prepare smoothies. It has a texture similar to applesauce. This also satisfies the sweet craving - for ice cream for example. Traditionally the main use of Irish Moss is as a tonic nutritive therapy in respiratory illness where it is often the core of prescriptions to treat irritating coughs, bronchitis and many other lung problems, especially tuberculosis and pneumonia. It can also be freely used in digestive conditions where a demulcent is called for to sooth irritated or inflamed mucus membranes, such as gastritis and ulceration of the stomach and duodenum. The soothing activity is also seen in irritation of the bladder and kidneys; the moss was at one time used as extensively as Corn Silk. It has also been used as a food in maintenance diets for diabetes patients. Acid indigestion The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from a physician or other health care professional, and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. Consult your health care professional before beginning any diet exercise, supplementation, or medication program if you have or suspect you might have a health challenge. Do not discontinue any other medical treatments without first consulting your doctor. Under current legislation, Genesis 1 Nutrition, Inc. is not permitted to make claims to clients in support of health benefits derived from foods. Taking natural products and supplements should be a decision based on personal research and understanding of the role of food-derived benefits for your health and wellbeing. |