Scientific Name: Chondrus Crispus.
Other Names: Irish Moss, Wildcrafted Irish Sea Moss, Carrageen Moss, Red Algae.
Appearance: Small, spiny sea algae with firm fan-like branches.
Colors: Ranges from light to dark green, dark red, purple, brown, yellowish, and white.
Taste: Underwater, ocean/fish-like (similar to clams or oysters).
Texture: Slimy, Gel.
Potential Benefits: Immunity, digestion, thyroid, joint health, skin health, bone health.
Where Does Irish Moss Grow?
Chondrus Crispus or Wildcrafted Irish Moss, can be found growing underwater on the rocky shores of Ireland, and the coast of Europe. It is also found in the cold water of the Atlantic coasts of Canada.
This small red seaweed typically grows on rocks from the middle portion all the way down to the ocean floor.
Irish Sea Moss Health Benefits
Note that other types of seaweed – including the many red algae incorrectly called Irish sea moss – also have health benefits. However, here I am only going to talk about the benefits of chondrus crispus which have actually been backed up by scientific research. You can find links to the research papers and scientific journals at the end of this article.
Great for Skin and Hair
Irish sea moss is great for skin and hair on multiple fronts. For starters, it consists of 55% carrageenan, which is excellent at holding moisture. It also binds to keratin fibers. This is why sea moss gel is such a great moisturizer and makes skin and hair soft. Carageenan is also believed to break fat cells apart (lipolysis), so could help fight cellulite.
On an even more scientific note, Irish sea moss contains exopolysaccharides, a type of carbohydrate which improves communication between skin cells including collagen-producing fibroblasts. Wrinkles form when collagen breaks down so sea moss can prevent signs of aging. One study found that algae cream increased dermal thickness by 15% and collagen density by 2.4% after just 56 days.
In addition to this, sea moss also contains many nutrients and has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Thus, sea moss supplements and gels can have skin and health benefits including:
Reduced wrinkles and other signs of aging
Softer skin and hair
Heal wounds faster
Treating acne
Natural treatment for psoriasis and eczema
Source of Minerals
Sea moss is famous because it contains 99 of the 102 minerals that the body is made from. While this claim is a bit misleading (your body won’t absorb all of those nutrients from the algae), sea moss is still an excellent source of nutrients. It is especially a good source of iron, calcium, zinc, vitamins K, B vitamins, and trace elements.
Because seaweeds contain a lot of iodine (which is harmful in large doses), you won’t be able to meet all of your nutrient requirements with sea moss supplements – but a little bit goes a long way towards boosting overall health.
Gut Health
Another way that sea moss helps gut health is by balancing gut microbiota (the bacteria which live in our digestive tract). It works by serving as food for health bacteria in the gut, thus allowing them to thrive and keep our gut bacteria balanced.
We now know that many health issues ranging from autism to anxiety disorders are linked to gut health. Gut health is also key to a healthy immune system. This is why sea moss is gaining popularity as an antibiotic alternative for chickens: studies show that supplementing with sea moss improves the immune health in chickens and even prevents Salmonella.
Anti-Inflammatory
Sea moss contains numerous anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds. These include flavonoids, phenols, tannins, chlorophyll, and omega 3 fatty acids. Studies show that these reduce levels of free radicals in the body and may be effective for reducing inflammation linked to cardiovascular disease and metabolic diseases. Extracts of sea moss was even strong enough to kill human cancer cells. Also see these superfoods which reduce inflammation.
Antibacterial and Anti-Viral
Sea moss has the ability to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in multiple ways. For example, it prevented bacteria from forming biofilms, which are a layer of film that bacteria form to protect themselves against immune attacks. Irish sea moss was also able to block bacteria motility, growth and quorum sensing. Because Irish sea moss also contains antioxidants and aids gut health, it will boost your immunity so you can fight off infections better.
The antibacterial properties of Irish sea moss are one of the reasons it is great for treating acne. It will kill the bacteria which cause pimples while simultaneously reducing redness from inflammation.
Migraines, Depression, Parkinson’s Disease and Psoriasis
These health conditions might not seem similar but they are all linked to increased nitric oxide production. One of the lesser-known benefits of sea moss is that it reduces nitric oxide. Thus, sea moss is a potential treatment for these conditions. Also see these natural remedies for psoriasis.
Sooths Mucus Membranes
Like aloe, cactus and chia seeds, sea moss is a mucilaginous food. It forms a gel-like substance when soaked in water. The gel helps sooth mucus membranes in the body, which includes your digestive tract. In this way, sea moss smoothies can be very good for treating SIBO, leaky gut syndrome, and IBS. It is also a good natural treatment for respiratory ailments like coughs.
Unproven Benefits
Sea moss is often used to increase sperm count and libido in men. However, there is little evidence that sea moss works for this. Many people also use sea moss for weight loss. Because sea moss has lots of fiber, it can make you feel full for longer and help weight loss in this way. However, it’s probably not going to be better for weight loss than other high-fiber supplements like aloe vera.
