Irish Moss

Botanical: Chondrus crispus

Family: Gigartinaceae (carrageen) Algae (algae)

Other common names: Pearl Moss, Carrageenan, Red Seaweed, Chondrus, Carrahan, Carragheen, Carrageenin

Irish Moss, when added to body lotions, turns your dry, rough, patchy skin into smooth, silky, hydrated, glowing skin.  It moisturizes and treats even the most unmanageable skin problems, including eczema, psoriasis, rashes and sunburns.  And it nourishes and protects your skin from environmental elements.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Irish Moss is found on the Atlantic coast of both Europe and North America.  It is a seaweed that was used to sustain the Irish during the famine of the nineteenth century.   It was also once used as a mattress stuffing, cattle feed and thickener for colored inks used in printing. The entire plant has been used medicinally. Traditionally, use of Irish Moss was for easing respiratory illnesses, where it was often the core of prescriptions to treat irritating coughs, bronchitis and many other lung problems.  It has been used in digestive conditions, where a demulcent is called for, such as gastritis, ulceration of the stomach and duodenum.  This herb's soothing activity has also been useful for inflammations of the urinary system.  It has been useful as a nutritious food in maintenance diets for diabetes patients.  The primary role of this herb was in speeding recuperation from debilitating illness, especially tuberculosis and pneumonia.  Herbs such as Irish Moss and other tonic nutritive remedies have much to offer in facilitating proper recovery of health.  The primary chemical constituents of Irish Moss include protein, polysaccharides, iodine, bromine, mucilage, carrageenans, beta-carotene and vitamin B-1.  The extract of this plant consists of sulphated, straight chain galactans.  Of these, there are two different types: a gelling fraction known as k-carrageenan, and a non-gelling fraction known as l-carrageenan.   They are both composed of o-galactose and 3,6-anhydrogalactose residues with a high proportion of sulphate esters, but are differentiated by the relative proportions and the number, type and position of the sulphate esters.  Recent animal research has shown Irish Moss to exhibit an antiviral property against influenza-B and the mumps viruses.  This research supports the traditional use of Irish Moss in such conditions.  Studies have also confirmed the herb's value in treating ulcers, as well as its use as an anticoagulant.  The mucilage present in Irish Moss is used in large quantities by the food industry to make jellies and as a smooth binder, adding texture and stability to ice cream, whipped cream, puddings, soups and salad dressings.  It has also been used as a thickening agent in cosmetics and used in lotions as a skin softener and to prevent premature wrinkling.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Irish Moss is considered an anticoagulant, and as such, should not be used by those who take prescription blood thinners (Coumadin, etc.).  Irish Moss should be avoided by those suffering with Crohn's disease.

Capsule Information:
Our Irish Moss supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.