(Other names: Carrageen Moss/ Carrageenan (Chondrus crispus))
Irish moss is truly a treasure of the sea.
Irish moss has long been recognised for its ability to cure and abate the symptoms of colds and flu, thus the eating of Irish moss forms an effective barrier to the ills of winter.
Irish moss contains potassium chloride, this chemical helps to dissolve catharrs, which are responsible for the congestion associated with chesty coughs, therefore, Irish moss provides a healthy natural alternative to the in many cases man made over the counter pharmaceutical cough and flu remedies.
Irish moss also contains several natural antimicrobial and anti viral agents which not only prevents colds and flu’s, but Irish moss is reported to eradicate a wide range of infections in sufferers, reducing valuable time lost to the ills we all encounter every day. The respiratory ailments Irish moss has been reported to alleviate include, sore throats, bronchitis and pneumonia, there are even reports that indicate Irish moss exhibited activity against tuberculosis.
Due to the strongly alkaline nature of Irish moss, has led to this sea vegetables use in the relief and cure of bunions, the alkalinity of this wonderful herb is not attributed to sodium bicarbonate or potash, which are the major ingredients of many of the over the counter alkalisers. This fact has led to the use of Irish moss and dulse in the relief of the rigors of the day after excessive alcohol consumption, i.e. the hangover, it replaces much of the ion content that is leached from the body as a consequence of the dehydrative effect attributed to the consumption of alcohol.
It is an antitissuive, an alterative, effective against halitosis, the formation varicose veins, inflammation, against dysentery and Irish moss has been applied as an emollient. As a gelatinous substance Irish moss has been used to treat peptic and duodenal ulcers and to inhibit arteriosclerosis and therefore, hypertension, it protects from fat and cholesterol build up. Irish moss has a well documented anticoagulant effect on the blood, and clears up many bladder complaints.