Bladderwrack

Fucus vesiculosus

Bladderwrack

King’s American Dispensatory, a classic source of Western botanical medicine written in 1898 by Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D. and John Uri Lloyd, Phr. M., Ph.D., has some interesting comments on the actions of this perennial seaweed. They mention it in regard to its function in helping to maintain body weight within a normal range and for its overall support to the endocrine system. It has been used by herbalists to support a healthy endocrine system and to support healthy function of the thyroid gland in particular, due to its naturally rich Iodine content.

What is Bladderwrack Used For?

Bladderwrack is one of the highest iodine containing sea vegetables known. The iodine in bladderwrack is present in the form of di-iodotyrosine (DIT) which is a normal precursor of the Thryoid Hormones T4 (Thyroxine) and T3 (tri-iodothyronine). T4 is manufactured by the condensing of DIT and thyroid peroxidase enzyme in the follicular luminae of the thyroid gland. The naturally occurring source of iodine makes Bladderwrack a great choice in the support of a healthy functioning thyroid gland when more iodine is required for optimal function. Also of interest is the high amount of fucoidin found in Bladderwrack. Fucoidans and Fucans are sulfated polysaccharides found in most brown seaweeds. These substances have been researched for modulating a healthy inflammatory response, and have shown strong properties for supporting a healthy immune system and intestinal flora. It is also recognized as a source of other naturally occurring minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium.