Botanical Name:   Fucus Vesiculosus

Bladderwrack Facts
Bladderwrack, or kelp, is useful in the treatment of underactive thyroid glands. People who are overweight due to thyroid trouble may benefit from this herb by reducing their weight. The iodine in the kelp helps maintain a healthy thyroid, and the nutrients and oxygen increase the body's ability to burn fat when exercising. Bladderwrack is rich in the constituents algin, mannitol, carotene, zeaxanthin, iodine, fucoidan, and bromine. It is reputed to have a beneficial effect for relief of rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis (internally and externally applied to inflamed joints).

How Bladderwrack Works
Bladderwrack contains three main constituents: iodine, alginic acid, and fucoidan. The iodine in Bladderwrack helps those people deficient in this trace mineral to regulate and improve thyroid function, thus it is beneficial for hypothyroidism and goiter. It works as an anti-inflammatory and possesses anti-rheumatic properties to relieve arthritis and rheumatism. Bladderwrack's anti-bacterial properties help ward off bacteria and viruses. The alginic acid constituent, a type of dietary fiber, is useful in relieving constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn. The fucoidan constitutent, another type of fiber, contributes to lowering cholesterol and glucose levels.

Possible Benefits

• Contributes to a healthy thyroid gland and better metabolism
• Helpful with hypothyroidism and goiter
• Relieves rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis
• Soothes irritated and inflamed body tissues
• Aids in weight loss if thyroid problems are a factor of obesity
• Helps burn more fat when exercising
• Boosts stamina by allowing cells to consume energy efficiently.
• Lowers blood cholesterol (like bad LDL) and blood glucose levels
• Works as dietary fiber to help with constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, and indigestion
• Acts as an anti-bacterial to ward off bacteria and viruses and to speed wound healing

Usage Guidelines
Bladderwrack can be taken in tablet form or as an infusion. No known toxicity.