Bladderwrack (Fucus Vesiculosus) belongs to the brown algae family (Fucaceae). Due to its shape reminiscent of an oak leaf, it is also known as sea oak and sea oak. In technical literature it is called kelb, hump kelp or seaweed. The seaweed has many uses: as a natural remedy, vegetable (Japanese cuisine) and food additive.
Occurrence and cultivation of bladderwrack
The perennial olive-green bladderwrack consists of leathery, widely branched algae leaves (thalli). They are 10 to 30 cm long, have a midrib and protuberances on the upper surface that are filled with air. The perennial olive-green bladderwrack consists of leathery, widely branched algal leaves (thalli). They are 10 to 30 cm long, have a midrib and protuberances on the upper surface that are filled with air. These gas bubbles help the seaweed to rise in the water. During the warm season, warty fruiting bodies filled with mucus form on the ends of the leaves for reproduction. The kelp is covered with a thin layer of mucus, which prevents it from drying out at low tide. It anchors itself to rocky substrates and driftwood with the help of an adhesive plate. During storms, the bladderwrack washes up on the beach and can be collected there. Before use, however, it must be thoroughly washed and dried at a maximum of 60 degrees Celsius. Bladder wrack thrives in the upper intertidal zone and occurs in the North and Baltic Seas at depths of up to 3.50 meters. It has not yet been possible to explain why this is so. Scientists assume that the algae leaves do not receive enough light at greater water depths. In addition to the North and Baltic Seas, kelp is also found in the northern Atlantic as far as the Canary Islands and in the Pacific. Even the ancients appreciated its positive effect on human health. Since the discovery of the chemical element iodine in 1811, kelp has been considered the most important natural source of iodine.
Effect and application
Bladderwrack contains organic iodine compounds, alginic acid, polysaccharides, beta-sitosterol, polyphenols, iron, xanthophyll, bromine, beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and a high amount of sodium as its main ingredients. Since the iodine content of plant bodies varies greatly, users should be sure to have their thyroid levels checked beforehand. The same, of course, applies to the time of use of bladderwrack preparations. Seaweed is used in naturopathy in various dosage forms to treat a variety of health ailments. Internally, it is used in tablet form, as capsules, drops and medicinal herbal tea. In homeopathy it is used as globules of various potencies, drops and as mother tincture. In thalassotherapy, bladderwrack is used externally as a bath additive for kelp baths. Kelb is well tolerated in the presence of certain medical conditions in the correct dosage. However, people with iodine allergy, hyperthyroidism, hypertension and heart disease should not use the natural remedy. The same applies to nursing mothers, children and pregnant women – unless the pregnant patients suffer from hypothyroidism. So far, bladderwrack preparations have not been found to interact with other remedies. Side effects only occur if the remedies are not used as intended or are overdosed.
Health significance, treatment and prevention.
Because of its very high iodine content, bladderwrack promotes thyroid activity. Seaweed natural remedies are used to treat and prevent hypothyroidism and goiter formation. In patients suffering from these conditions, they have an additional metabolism stimulating effect. They increase the basal metabolic rate of energy in the resting state of the body and thus also have a weight-reducing effect. People with iodine deficiency and goiter (goiter) take 5 to 10 homeopathic drops in the potency D1 three times a day. Patients with iodine deficiency related obesity (adiposity) are recommended to take 10 to 20 drops of this potency. According to recent research, the slimming effect is greatest in patients with blood group 0. Myxedema and cardiovascular problems caused by a too sluggish thyroid gland can also be treated well with bladderwrack. Centuries of use prove that bladderwrack even helps with intestinal sluggishness. The digestive effect comes from the alginic acid.Used internally, seaweed preparations combat hay fever and allergy-related asthma. In the form of baths and rubs, they are used to treat skin diseases such as psoriasis. Due to its anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects, bladderwrack is also successfully used to treat stomach pain and intestinal inflammation caused by Helicobacter pylori. Recent in vitro studies have shown that the mucilages (fucoidans) contained in seaweed prevent the bacteria from docking with the villi of the gastric and intestinal mucosa. They also inhibit the growth of many viruses and bacteria: Bladderwrack kills E. coli bacteria and Neisseria meningitidis strains and is also successful in the fight against herpes and cytomegaloviruses. The fact that the ancient natural remedy prevents excess stomach acid and thus heartburn has been known for centuries. It is even used for rheumatoid arthritis: a large amount of seaweed is boiled and added to the bath water. Regular 20-minute baths lead to a decrease in inflammation in the joints and, consequently, joint pain. In naturopathy, bladderwrack is also known as a remedy for heavy sweating, for the treatment of arteriosclerosis and as a blood clotting agent. In homeopathic applications, the ancient remedy from the sea is used in the potencies D1 to D6 against digestive problems (constipation, flatulence). From D6 it is used according to homeopathic doctrine in the opposite direction. It then helps to treat hyperthyroidism and emaciation. In such high potencies, homeopathic bladderwrack drops and globules can even be used by patients suffering from iodine allergy. However, they should still consult their treating physician beforehand.
