What is Bladderwrack?
Bladderwrack or Fucus vesiculosus is a type of seaweed or sea moss.
It is found in the oceans and around the British Isles, Europe, the Baltic Sea, and even in the eastern coast of North America.
Bladderwrack has many names such as rockweed, red fucus, sea kelp and black tang.
Seaweeds like these prefer shelters without too much movement or current. These grow in considerable numbers in specific areas.
For centuries, people have been using bladderwrack as a herbal remedy and a culinary element in various cultures. You can use bladderwrack most commonly as herbal tea.
The benefit of this tea is now becoming well-known to the general public. This herb is full of potent therapeutic values. It has high levels of mucilage, beta-carotene, iodine, potassium, zeaxanthin, and other organic compounds. [1]
Recent medical research suggest the beneficial effects of bladderwrack for weight loss, digestive health, heart health and various inflammatory diseases.
This article reviews only the science backed benefits and uses of Bladderwrack tea, plus precautions and side effects of the seaweed.
10 Uses and Benefits of Bladderwrack Tea
1. Bladderwrack Tea Improves Thyroid Condition
Iodine is a modulator of our thyroid gland. It can ensure that our hormonal and metabolic activities are under control. It can also treat many types of thyroid disorders.
Bladderwrack tea encourages the thyroid gland to increase hormonal output. It ensures enough hormones are produced and reduce thyroid related problems. [2]
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2. It May Help Lose Weight
Bladderwrack tea can heighten metabolism. For generations, it has been treated as a weight loss tool.
When your body is working at a high level and burning off more fat, you use the stored fat of your body, thereby preventing obesity and the other related health issues that come along with it.
Bladderwrack tea can suppress your appetite and make you feel sated. You will eat fewer calories throughout the day, and it makes it easier for you to lose weight. [3]
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3. Bladderwrack Tea May Improve Eye Vision
Bladderwrack has high levels of beta-carotene.
Beta-carotene is an antioxidant.
Beta-carotene is also responsible for giving certain fruit and vegetables their rich colors.
It can directly neutralize free radicals in the eyes and cornea.
If you have cataracts, don’t be scared. Bladderwrack teas can also prevent the development of cataracts.
RELATED: 5 Best Essential Oils for Allergies & Itchy Eyes
4. It is Anti-inflammatory
Bladderwrack has natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Bladderwrack can successfully neutralize the irritation, reduce swelling, and relieve pain by arthritis, hemorrhoids or skin irritation.
The topical use of bladderwrack is also beneficial for sore muscles and joints.
You can find Bladderwrack capsules or tablets, but it is better if you consume the tea because it ensures that all the vital nutrients are not ruined. [4]
READ ALSO: 12 Useful Essential Oils for Arthritis & How to Use Them
5. Bladderwrack Tea May Prevent Cancer
Bladderwrack has a unique type of fiber called Fucoidan. Fucoidan has many health benefits, reducing blood sugar levels, lowering cholesterol, and anti-tumor effects.
One of the essential functions of fucoidan is to control a substance necessary for cell reproduction and growth.
Fucoidan slows down this cell growth process, and in this way, can prevent cancer. [5]
6. It Can Enhance Digestion
An essential acid in bladderwrack tea is alginic acid. It relieves constipation and adds bulk to the bowels.
It ensures a smooth digestive process and efficient nutrient uptake. It makes the food we eat more beneficial to our bodies.
Bladderwrack tea is excellent in relieving bloating, cramping, and more severe illnesses like gastric ulcers and colon cancer. [6]
7. Bladderwrack Tea May Improve Cardiovascular Health
The beneficial herb bladderwrack can help with higher levels of HDL cholesterol. The name of “good cholesterol’’ is given to HDL cholesterol.
By increasing the levels of ‘good’ HDL cholesterol, this helpful seaweed can protect your heart from diseases like heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis.
Bladderwrack tea can lower blood pressure, reduce your risk of strokes and heart disease. It also lessens the stress on your cardiovascular system. [7]
8. It’s Good for Skin Nourishment
Bladderwrack tea can make your skin beautiful. There are many minerals and powerful organic chemicals that can slow down the aging process.
The minerals cleanse and nourish your skin from the inside.
Toxins can cause wrinkles, acne, and dryness.
The minerals will also remove these harmful toxins from the body.
The antioxidants help you to look young looking and fresh skin.
The antioxidants improve the appearance of your skin and also combat the damage done to your insides from the harmful free radicals that we bump into every day.
Bladderwrack tea can also reduce blemishes, wrinkles and age spots. It also keeps your skin tight and toned by boosting the skin elasticity into your old age.
Apply the Bladderwrack tea to the skin twice a day. There will be a considerable decrease in skin thickness and an improvement in elasticity. [8]
READ ALSO: 15 Arnica Tea Benefits & Uses for Skin, Hair, and Health
9. Bladderwrack Tea Can Stimulate Hormones
Iodine is essential when it comes to thyroid glands working correctly.
The thyroid gland is also responsible for encouraging females hormones. Without hormones like Progesterone, it is difficult to conceive babies.
Bladderwrack can help to increase Progesterone production. Progesterone helps to prepare a woman’s uterus lining for fertilization each month.
Women who included bladderwrack in the diet has short and light menstrual cycles. [9]
RELATED: 11 Essential Oils for Menopause that All Women Should Know
10. It May Help People with Diabetes
Bladderwrack can be very useful for people with diabetes.
In a study published in 2011, it has been proved that bladderwrack can reduce insulin levels.
Bladderwrack can increase the insulin sensitivity in response to carbohydrate consumption and prevent their uptake.
Bladderwrack capsules have no adverse side effects. It is a safe and natural choice for people with diabetes.
ALSO READ: 13 Real Home Remedies for Diabetes (That’ll Work )
Some Precautions and Side Effects of Bladderwrack
There are some precautions which must be taken before consuming bladderwrack tea. [10]
- Always consult your doctors before consuming Bladderwrack.
- Bladderwrack dosage should be under your doctor’s supervision. High iodine concentrations can lead to thyroid cancer.
- During pregnancy or nursing, it is unsafe to take Bladderwrack.
- Bleeding or bruising might increase in pre-existing bleeding disorders after taking Bladderwrack.
- Do not take Bladderwrack if you had surgery.
- Avoid Bladderwrack if you are allergic to iodine.
A Simple Bladderwrack Tea Recipe
Here is an easy recipe for bladderwrack tea which you can quickly make at home!
Things you will need:
- Bladderwrack Seaweed
- Herb Grinder
- Water
Directions:
- Take Bladderwrack Seaweed in a herb grinder and grind it till it becomes a powder.
- Take ½ tablespoon to 1 tablespoon of Bladderwrack powder in one cup of hot water.
- Allow the powder to soak in the water. Allow the cup to sit for at least 10 minutes before drinking.
Bottom Line
Bladderwrack is a common cold water seaweed. It has many health benefits.
Bladderwrack is high in iodine and other therapeutic components. People in different cultures have been using Bladderwrack for many years to treat various health problems.
Modern medical science supports many of these benefits and uses of bladderwrack tea.
If you still haven’t tried this herb yet, its high time to include it in your natural medicine cabinet!
If you are a tea lover, including this new bladderwrack tea is a bonus for you!
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