Medicinal Use of Irish Moss

Irish moss, also known as Chondrus crispus or carrageen, is a type of seaweed that was once used as a source of food in Ireland. Irish moss is gathered and broken down into a paste, powder and even liquefied. The seaweed is found along the coastlines along Ireland and the North Atlantic, including New England. Today, the substance is used for a variety of medicinal purposes from being a cream for dry skin and wrikles to a treatment for a wide range of digestive problems, including easing the pain of uclers.

Dry Skin

• One medicinal use of Irish moss is as a skin cream to help ease dry and chapped skin problems. The substance has been used to help ease skin conditions since the Irish started using the seaweed as a food source. Irish moss acts as a skin softening agent. The substance is applied directly to the infected area and rubbed in. Other medical uses for Irish moss includes a treatment for wrinkles, an ingredient in lotions and a supplement in cosmetic products.

Bowel Problems

• Irish moss is found to be an effective laxative and a regulator for the colon and bowel systems. Often prepared as a dish or added in different foods, Irish moss is a natural laxative that is smooth to digest and expel from the body.

Respiratory Problems

• For respiratory problems, the substance is known to break up phlegm and open respiratory passages. Irish moss is used to treat chronic coughs, bronchitis and other respiratory issues and problems. The herb is usually mixed as a cream or paste and applied to the chest.

Digestive Problems

• Irish moss is found to relieve digestive problems as well, including indigestion, ulcers and other stomach issues. Irish moss also helps to reduce the symptoms related to gastritis and urinary infections like cystitis. The natural substance is usually combined with other herbs to help when dealing with digestive conditions.

Blood Issues and Diabetes

• Irish moss is useful in helping in thinning out blood, removing blood clots and in regulating blood sugar in individuals with diabetes. The substance also is used to speed up the recuperation time of individuals suffering from debilitating illness, including tuberculosis and pneumonia.