Fucus Vesiculosus (Bladderwrack)

 bladderwrack fucus vesiculosus

This sea vegetable has traditionally been used in the treatment of under active thyroid. If you are overweight due to a thyroid disorder, you may benefit from this herbal tincture by losing weight as your metabolism picks up. The iodine in Bladerwrack has been found to maintain a healthy thyroid, which, combined with its nutrients, may increase the body's ability to burn fat when exercising.

Bladderwrack Fucus Versiculosus is rich in algin, mannitol, carotene, zeaxanthin, iodine, fucoidan, and bromine. It is reputed to provide benefits to those with rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis by soothing inflammation and irritation.  For best results we suggest both oral consumption and direct application to the inflamed joints.

Bladderwrack is reputed to aid weight loss where an under-active thyroid is implicated, help burn calories by increasing cellular metabolism, boost stamina and stabilise cholesterol and blood glucose levels.

Bladder Wrack is often used as a flavouring and nutrient dense addition to various recipes throughout continental Europe.  It is commonly (but inaccurately) referred to as Kelp.  In fact Kelps are large seaweeds belonging to the brown algae (Phaeophyceae) in the order Laminariales. Bladder Wrack is quite specifically Fucus Versiculosus.

Bladder wrack is however commonly found as a component of 'kelp' tablets or powders used as nutritional supplements. These should not be confused with the far more specific Fucus Versiculosus tincture available here.

The primary chemical constituents of this plant include mucilage, algin, mannitol, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, iodine, bromine, potassium, volatile oils, as well as many other minerals.

The main use of bladder wrack in herbal medicine is as a source of iodine, which is an essential nutrient for the thyroid gland, breast tissue and prostate.  In fact iodine is required throughout the body but most concentrated in these organs. Bladder wrack has proved most useful in the treatment of under-active thyroid glands  referred to as hypothyroidism; as well as and goitre.[1]

Abnormal menstrual cycling patterns as well as menstrual-related disease histories.[2] have been shown to improve with the use of Fucus Versiculosus (Bladder wrack) at a dose of of 700 to 1400 mg/day.  This level was found to increase the menstrual cycle lengths, decrease the period of menstruation per cycle, and decrease the serum levels of 17B-estradiol. A subsequent study showed similar results.[3]

Bladderwrack Fucus Versiculosus Suggested dosage:

20 drops three times per day with water, with or without food.

Fucus Versiculosus Side Effects

Those with hyperthyroidism or cardiac problems are advised against the consumption of bladder wrack.
Hugely excessive dosages may contribute to hyperthyroidism, tremor, increased pulse rate and elevated blood pressure.

1. Graimes, Nicola: The Best-Ever Vegetarian Cookbook, Barnes & Noble Books, 1999, p. 59. ISBN 0-7607-1740-0
2. Iodine Helps Kelp Fight Free Radicals and May Aid Humans, Too Newswise.
3.  "Is Seaweed The Answer To A Dieter's Prayer?". Sky News. March 22, 2010.