Bladderwrack Benefits – Fucus Vesiculosus Herb

Bladderwrack Benefits – Fucus Vesiculosus Herb

Bladderwrack is a brown algae seaweed that has been used for its healing properties in traditional medicine for the thousands of years. Bladderwrack’s botanical name is Fucus vesiculosus and it possesses numerous qualities that help achieve and maintain homeostasis. Bladderwrack is dried and used as an herb for the treatment of various illnesses.

Bladderwrack is a natural diuretic that flushes unwanted fluid from the body and removes dead cells and promotes healthy skin. It is also a nutrient rich seaweed that contains high amounts of iodine, magnesium, calcium, phosphate, and other health supporting minerals.

Bladderwrack’s Major Components

Though bladderwrack contains a vast array of nutrients that help the body achieve and maintain homeostasis, its main healing properties come from iodine, alginic acid, and fucoidan.

Iodine – Bladderwrack’s high iodine content has led to its use in traditional medicine in treating thyroid issues like hypothyroidism or goiter that stem from low iodine levels.

Alginic Acid – Bladderwrack contains calcium alginate which quickens the healing of wounds.^{[1] [2]} It is an polysaccharide fiber used to relieve both constipation and diarrhea. Bladderwrack contains anti-inflammatory properties^[3] and has a high mucilage content. It is used to treat acid reflex and heartburn because it reduces inflammation and forms a protective film, soothing mucus membranes.

Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide fiber that has anti-cancer,^{[4] [5]} anti-inflammatory,^[6] antibacterial,^[7] and anti-HIV properties,^[8] and it also lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Learn more about bladderwrack and other herbs used in Dr. Sebi’s methodology and how to use them in my book Alkaline Herbal Medicine.

Learn About Foods That Support Health and Vitality on the Dr. Sebi Nutritional Guide »