Bladderwrack

The most impressive health benefits of bladderwrack include its ability to treat obesity, benefit the thyroid, improve the metabolism, reduce inflammation, strengthen bones, boost circulation, protect the skin, aid vision, prevent premature aging, lower risk of cancer, and strengthen hearthealth.

What Is Bladderwrack?

Although this has a bit of an odd name, bladderwrack is actually one of the most common types of seaweed found in the oceans. Around the British Isles, Europe, the Baltic Sea, and even the eastern coast of North America, this kelp variety has the scientific name Fucus vesiculosus. Some of the other names of Bladderwrack include rockweed, red fucus, and black tang, depending on where in the world you happen to be. This type of seaweed prefers shelters inlets without too much movement or current and is found in huge numbers in certain areas. The plant is highly identifiable by the small paired air sacs found along the midrib branches.

This has been an herbal remedy and a culinary element in various cultures for centuries. In fact, bladderwrack was the original source of iodine, which was hugely important in treating various conditions, and is also an important part of a nutritional diet. You can use bladderwrack most commonly as an herbal supplement or powder, which can be consumed directly or mixed into water or facial scrubs to improve its efficacy. While this has been used in alternative treatments for hundreds of years, it is only becoming well-known to the general public recently, so the demand for this herb is definitely rising. The high levels of mucilage, beta-carotene, iodine, potassium, zeaxanthin and other organic compounds give this herb so much power!