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Irish Moss Herb - Uses And Side Effects

The term Irish moss usually refers to a seaweed called Chondrus crispus or to a mixture of C. crispus and Mastocarpus stellatus. The herb can be collected at low tide on the rocky Atlantic coastlines of northwestern Europe and Canada. The plant branches into 0,3-1 cm wide lobes with flat edges. It has a consistency that resembles cartilage, especially in wave exposed areas. Normally dark red in colour, but when exposed to excessive sunlight can transform to a light yellow (as shown on the left side of the picture) or green colour. Underwater it can have a blue shimmer (look at the plants on the rock on the right side of the picture).

The primary properties of this herb are alterative, anti-inflammatory, demulcent, emollient, expectorant, immune stimulant, laxative, nutritive, and yin tonic. Irish moss is available in tea and capsule forms. The known active constituents include protein, polysaccharides, iodine, bromine, mucilage, carrageenans, beta carotene, and Vitamin B1.

The French use degraded carrageenan (changed by acid or heat) in peptic ulcer medicines. In the United States, carrageenan is used in milk products (chocolate milk, ice cream, sherbets, cottage cheese, evaporated milk, puddings, yogurts, and infant formulas) and to thicken sauces, gravies, jams, and jellies. It's also an ingredient in various herbal drinks, weight-loss products, fruit juices, and aloe vera lotions. Irish moss is used extensively as a binder, emulsffier, or stabilizer in toothpastes, hand lotions, creams, and tablets. Because food-grade carrageenan isn't absorbed, experts believe it's nontoxic.

Common doses of Irish moss

Although available as tablets in some countries, Irish moss usually is taken as a decoction. Some experts recOlmnend the following dose:

• As a decoction, add 1 ounce of dried plant to 1 to 1 1/2 pints of boiling water. Simmer gently and strain the liquid. If desired, sweeten with lemon, cinnamon, or honey. Take two or three times daily in 1-cup doses.

Uses of Irish moss herb

Irish moss is used as a stabilizer in such dairy products as ice creams, sherbets, chocolate milk, yogurt and whipped cream. In its raw form, Irish Moss has been used as a bulk laxative, which also coats and soothes the entire gastrointestinal tract. Specifically, irish moss may help to some disorders :-

• Bronchitis
• Common cold
• Gastrits (inflammation of the stomach lining)
• Tuberculosis
• Ulcers

Side effects of Irish moss

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of Irish moss:-

• bleeding
• low blood pressure symptoms, such as dizziness or weakness.
• cramping
• diarrhea

Irish moss also can cause infection. In animals, it has caused stomach ulcers and kidney disease.

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you're taking, especially drugs that lower blood pressure.

Don't use Irish moss when taking:

• blood thinners such as Coumadin
• other drugs you take by mouth

Important points to remember

• Don't use Irish moss if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.
• Avoid this herb if you have active peptic ulcer disease or a history of peptic ulcer disease.
• If you use Irish moss, rise slowly from a sitting or lying position to reduce dizziness.
• Watch for symptoms of abnormal bleeding, such as easy bruising, bleeding gums, tarry stools, and nosebleed.
• Know that carrageenan is considered safe only in the small amounts normally found in foodstuffs and commercial creams and lotions. Researchers haven't tested its effects on people who use larger amounts.

What the research shows

Although carrageenan, the main derivative of Irish moss, is widely used in the pharmaceutical and food industries, researchers haven't confirmed its value in treating disease. Until more studies are done, medical experts can't recommend this herb.

Other names for Irish moss : -

Other names for Irish moss include carrageen, carrageenan, chondrus, chondrus extract, and Irish moss extract.

Products containing Irish moss are sold by various manufacturers.