Sea Moss – Hype or Time-Tested?

With all the recent excitement surrounding sea moss, I decided to do a little research in my herb books to see what the old herbalists taught about it. It turns out this popular herbal trend has a very long history!

Sea moss is often called Irish moss, although the names aren’t always interchangeable. True Irish moss is Chondrus crispus, an herb Dr. Christopher included in his Thyroid Maintenance Formula and on the School of Natural Healing’s 100 Herb List. He wanted to make sure students studied this important sea plant, even if they didn’t live near the ocean.

What Exactly Is Sea Moss?

There are many varieties of sea moss, which aren’t actually moss at all—they’re algae! This is one reason why it’s important to check the Latin names of herbs. It helps us identify exactly which plant we’re using.

True Irish moss is Chondrus crispus. The name Chondrus comes from the Greek word for cartilage or gristle, while crispus comes from Latin and means curled or crumpled. Interestingly, crispus is also used in the Latin name for parsley, Petroselinum crispum. That might help you visualize the curled appearance of Irish moss.

Irish moss is usually reddish-purple, although it can become creamy white when bleached by sunlight during growth or harvesting.

Many products sold today as sea moss contain other species of red algae, particularly those in the
genus Gracilaria. These seaweeds may have some similar characteristics, but they aren’t botanically identical. Knowing the Latin name helps you understand what you’re actually purchasing.

What Did the Old Herbalists Teach?

Seaweeds have been used as food and in traditional medicine for centuries by cultures around the world. Ancient Chinese herbal traditions included seaweeds for conditions such as goiter and other health concerns. In Japan, several species of seaweed have long been part of the everyday diet—a wonderful example of using food as medicine.

Historically, various seaweeds have also been used in traditional preparations for digestive complaints, skin concerns, and other conditions.

Dr. Edward Shook studied Irish moss extensively and was particularly interested in its mineral constituents. In his teachings, he described several mineral salts and their
traditional associations with different tissues and functions of the body. 

Among those he discussed were:

• Calcium sulfate: Traditionally associated with tissue health and the body’s cleansing processes.
• Potassium sulfate: Described by Shook in connection with oxygen transport and skin health.
• Sodium sulfate: Traditionally associated with fluid balance.
• Potassium chloride: Discussed in relation to fibrin and
  mucus.
• Calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium phosphates: Associated with nourishment of the bones, muscles, brain and other tissues.
• Sodium chloride: Important in the body’s fluid balance.
• Magnesium phosphate: Traditionally associated with muscle and nerve function.

Dr. Shook was so enthusiastic about Irish moss that he suggested it might be considered useful for just about anything—from foot-and-mouth disease to bunions! (Herb Syllabus, p. 301.)

Irish moss naturally contains minerals that the body can easily assimilate, including iodine, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Dr. Christopher, Dr. Shook and Mrs. M. Grieve all discussed the high mineral content and traditional uses of Irish moss in their writings, reminding us that our bodies respond best to minerals found in whole foods and herbs. 

From the Ocean to the Kitchen

One of the most interesting things about Irish moss is how widely it has been used in food preparations.

Irish moss contains carrageenan, a water-soluble polysaccharide responsible for its jelly-like properties. Carrageenan extracted from certain red seaweeds is used as a thickener and stabilizer in foods like desserts, soups, sauces and other preparations. It is also used in products such as toothpaste, lotions and creams.

Choosing a Good Sea Moss Product

With sea moss becoming so popular, there are now many products available, from dried seaweed to capsules, powders and flavored gels and it’s worth taking a moment to read the label. Look for the botanical name so you know which seaweed you’re purchasing and choose a reputable supplier that tests for
contaminants such as heavy metals. 

Bringing an Old Herb Into Modern Life

One of the reasons sea moss has become so popular is the variety of ways people are using it.

There are commercial jelly-like preparations available in all sorts of flavors, and some are quite delicious! They can also be pricey, so making your own sea moss gel may be an appealing option.

I’ve been using sea moss
regularly for a few weeks and have personally noticed an improvement in my energy and mental clarity. 

Sea moss may be enjoying its moment in the spotlight, but seaweed has been part of traditional diets and herbal practices for centuries. I’ve enjoyed exploring this old herb in a new way, and I’m especially grateful for the herbalists who
recorded their knowledge so we could continue learning from it.

It’s wonderful to see people discovering plants that have been valued for generations. My hope is that the excitement encourages us to learn more about what we’re using, where it comes from, and how to use it wisely.

Sometimes the newest herbal trend has a very old story behind it.

Tara Christopher Eyre is a Master Herbalist and Foot Zone Therapist dedicated to helping individuals reclaim their path to wellness. Carrying forward the legacy
of her grandfather, Dr. John R. Christopher, she finds her greatest joy in teaching the simple, natural principles that restore both body and soul. 

Sources and Further Reading

• Dr. John R. Christopher, Herb Syllabus
• Mrs. M. Grieve, A Modern Herbal
• Maine Coast Sea Vegetables, Sea Moss, Irish Moss, and Irish Sea Moss: Are They the
  Same?