Healing Properties of Irish Sea Moss
Wildcraft Irish sea moss is an incredibly healing superfood with remarkable benefits. Harvested for 14,000 years, archaeologists estimate that people in China were consuming sea moss as early as 600 BC. Sea moss has a long history of being used for nutritional and medicinal purposes. Research has also discovered that sea moss contains 92 of the 102 minerals our bodies need to thrive.
What is Irish Sea Moss?
Irish moss, or its common name Chondrus crispus, is a species of red algae that grows abundantly along the rocky parts of the Atlantic coast of Europe, the Americas, and parts of the Pacific.
Sea moss is comprised of 55-65 % carrageenan, a gelatinous substance shown to have anti-cancer properties. It is a natural and healthy source of carrageenan, unlike the pharmaceutical stuff extracted and manipulated from its original state. Carrageenan added to nut milk and other products on the market is not the same as the carrageenan in sea moss. It's also not comparable to the dry flakes or powders that have been baked to death and have lost their healing properties.
Benefits of Irish Sea Moss:
Irish sea moss benefits anyone who suffers from IBS, Crohn's, missing gallbladder, fibromyalgia, lupus, alopecia, arthritis, and the hundreds of other immune disorders and aliments that plague our society today. Sea moss helps support the immune system; it is highly recommended for those with digestive issues as it's a soothing mucillagine that helps eliminate harmful gut bacteria and increases digestive health. Sea moss also works its healing properties on those with mental and emotional health issues due to its high-quality source of potassium. Potassium in such high-quality forms is said to help boost memory, brain function, emotions, depression, and anxiety. It's rich in amino acids, plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
Irish sea moss and its beauty benefits:
Not only is sea moss beneficial for medicinal purposes it's also a powerful aid for helping improve eczema, psoriasis, and acne breakouts when applied to the skin. Sea moss has excellent anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-aging properties.
Irish sea moss is an incredible source of collagen, helping to prevent aging by maintaining the skin's youthful elasticity. It moisturizes and protects the skin's barrier while helping balance oil production to support a healthy complexion.
Some of Irish Sea Moss's Vitamins & Minerals and how they support the body:
Bromine - is immune-boosting & helps to replenish the endocrine system.
Potassium - for a stronger immune system
Sulphur - smoother, healthier skin
Iodine - improved thyroid function
Iron - boosts your mood and energy
Magnesium - helps with muscle and nerve function
Calcium - strong bones
Silicon - gives skin its elasticity
Copper - prevents cardiovascular disease
Zinc - regulates the menstrual cycle, supports hair growth, strengthens hair follicles
Selenium - powerful antioxidant, may reduce the risk of cancer and protects against heart disease
Phosphorus - strong teeth and bones
Vitamin B12 - Red blood cell production
Vitamin C - protects your cells against the effects of free radicals
Vitamin A - eye health, immune function, & cell growth
Vitamin E- powerful antioxidant, immune health, & cellular signalling in the body
How to prepare and store Irish Sea Moss:
Dry Irish sea moss should be stored in a dark, cool place. Do not store dry moss in the fridge, it's too moist, and the salt crystals will not be able to protect the moss.
Soaked hydrated moss should be stored in the refrigerator. You can store moss in a glass mason jar and change the water daily. It will keep for up to 3 weeks but lose little of its gelling property with time.
Prepare your moss by thoroughly cleaning it. Soak moss for roughly 8 hours at room temperature in a large bowl with filtered water. I like to rinse and change the water once or twice during soaking to ensure it's clean from dirt or sea shells. Once it has doubled in size and starts to take on a translucent colour, it's ready to blend. Measure about 130 grams of moss with 1 & 1/2 cups of water and blend in the jar of a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy.
Sea moss will become thicker once stored in the refrigerator. If your moss is too thick, you can re-blend it with filtered water.
How to use your Irish Sea Moss:
Moss gel is easy to add to your morning smoothies, vegan cheese recipes, mousses, or anything you need to thicken. It will take about 1 hour for the moss to thicken up your recipe after being placed in the fridge. I like adding two tablespoons to my smoothies or vegan desserts and cheeses. I also use sea moss gel as a beauty product to help soothe my skin when I'm struggling with an eczema breakout. Also, having suffered from Alopecia Areata, a weekly sea moss hair mask was a way to help heal and promote hair growth. It provided a soothing and cooling effect that would calm the inflammation and irritation of my scalp. The sulphur content and vitamin C in moss are advantageous for healthy, shiny hair.
How much Irish sea moss can you consume daily:
It's recommended that you consume 1 -2 tablespoons of sea moss per day. Do not exceed this amount, as sea moss is high in iodine. Excess iodine consumption can result in thyroid dysfunction.
Who should not consume Irish sea moss:
Those with shellfish allergies.
Pregnant women.
Those on blood thinners.
Those who have a thyroid disorder.
