SEA SALEP (Carrageenan), Irish Moss

Sea moss (Chondrus crispus), Sea Moss / Carrageen Moss / Irish Moss

Other names: Carrageenan, Irish Moss

Sea moss, Also known as Carrageenan (from the Irish word carraigín meaning "small rock"), the benefits of Irish moss were known to the natives of Ireland long before it gained the status of a "superfood". According to ancient Irish folklore, Irish moss was carried on journeys for protection and safety and placed under rugs to increase luck and ensure a steady flow of money to the household.

In Ireland and parts of Scotland, it is boiled in milk and strained, before sugar and other flavorings such as vanilla, cinnamon, brandy or whiskey are added. The final product is a type of jelly that resembles panna cotta. In Venezuela, it has been used for generations as a home remedy for sore throats and chest congestion , where it is boiled in milk and served with honey before bedtime. For this emollient use, it is also called sea salep.

Benefits of using the plant "Sea Salep"

Thyroid health
Perhaps one of the most important and underrated benefits of this sea moss is its ability to help balance thyroid hormones.

Respiratory function
Being a potent source of potassium chloride, this sea moss breaks up runny nose, phlegm and soothes inflammation of mucous membranes to prevent congestion, helping to clear the lungs of any phlegm that builds up with a common cold.

Rich in nutrients
The human body is made up of 102 minerals, and Irish moss contains 92 of them. It also provides a wealth of other important nutrients, including: protein, beta-carotene, B vitamins, pectin, vitamin C, and sulfur. One of the most important of these nutrients is a sulfur-containing amino acid called taurine, which is more abundant in Irish moss than any other seaweed - a nutrient that is often lacking in vegetarian and vegan diets.

Digestive system support
The high fiber content in Irish moss exerts a mild laxative effect while also soothing inflamed tissues within the intestinal tract, potentially providing relief from a host of intestinal disorders.

Weight loss
Irish Moss is thought to help reduce appetite due to its ability to absorb moisture, increasing its volume and filling the intestinal tract with a bulking-type material, thus increasing the feeling of fullness.