Irish Moss
Botanical Description & Habitat
Chondrus Crispus
Family
Gigartinaceae
Common Names
Carrageen
Pearl moss
Habitat
Grows among submerged rocks off the coasts of France, Ireland and other North Atlantic countries.
Medicinal Parts
The whole plant, dried and bleached
Historical Properties & Uses
Irish moss is used as a stabilizer in such dairy products as ice creams, sherbets, chocolate milk, yogurt and whipped creams. It is used in syrups and toppings, and provides both texture and body to creamed soups and chowders. It is used as a laxative, demulcent, mucilage, anti-ulcer, emollient, antitussive and nutritive agent during convalescence. It is used in bronchitis and tuberculosis for coughing spasms and intestinal discomfort.
Method of Action
Since Irish moss is an unassimilated hydrocolloid, it is a bulk laxative in its raw form. It contains mucilaginous substances made up of a 55-80% mixture of polysaccharides occurring as sodium, calcium and potassium salts. The algae also contains upwards of 10% protein. These substances, acting together, form a reliable foundation for almost all reported applications. A patent has been registered detailing a procedure for treating stomach and duodenal ulcers with an extract of Irish Moss.
Irish moss is recognized in pharmaceutical manuals around the world as an ulcer treatment devoid of side effects in humans.
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia classifies Irish Moss as a demulcent, nutritive, antitussive and emollient to be used in the treatment of cachexia, dyspepsia, gastritis, bronchitis, cystitis and during convalescence. Irish moss is applied topically as a lotion for chapped hands and dermatitis. Especially indicated in atonic dyspepsia with nausea and heartburn.
This algae is combined with cinnamon and licorice root for bronchial catarrh, and with marshmallow root and black horehound in dyspepsia.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
Possible Interactions
The fibroinolutic action of irish moss may be potentiated by anticoagulant drugs.
Irish moss and sparteine may have synergistic oxytocic activity.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
Irish moss, like other tonics, is devoid of toxicity or side effects.
Preparation & Administration
Use three times daily
Infusion
Use 5-10g of dried thallus
References
Braun, H. & Frohne, D. Heilplanzen-Lexikon Fuer Aerzte und Apotheker. Gustav Fisher Verlag, Stuttgart, New York, 1987.
British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983.
D'amico, M.L. Richerche sulla presenza di sostanze ad azione antibiotica nelle piante sueriori. Fitoterapia, 26(1), 77-79, 1950.
Martindale The Extra Pharmacopoeia, J.E.F. Reynolds (ed.), 29th edition, London, The Pharmaceutical Press, 1989.
Mowrey, Daniel B., Ph.D. Exper. Psych., Brigham Young University. Director of Nebo Institute of Herbal Sciences. Director of Behavior Change Agent Training Institute. Director of Research, Nova Corp.
U.S. Patent 4150123 issued to W. Szturma, April 17, 1979.
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