Bladderwrack Cut & Sifted,Frontier Quality 1 oz to 1 lb Botanical Name: Fucus vesiculosus L. Fucus vesiculosus, known by the common name Bladder wrack, is a seaweed found on the coasts of the North Sea, the western Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, also known by the common names black tang, rockweed, bladder Fucus, sea oak, black tany, cut weed and rock wrack. It was the original source of iodine, discovered in 1811, and was used extensively to treat goitre, a swelling of the thyroid gland related to iodine deficiency. In the 1860s, it was claimed that bladder wrack, as a thyroid stimulant, could counter obesity by increasing the metabolic rate and, since then, it has been featured in numerous weight-loss remedies.

Safety Info: Not to be used during pregnancy or while nursing, or by persons with hyperthyroidism. Not recommended for long-term use. Origin: France

Nutritional Facts Serving Size 1/4 tsp (1.10g) Servings 412

Amount Per Serving

Calories 0

Calories From Fat 0

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 0g 0%

Saturated Fat 0g 0%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 0mg 0%

Sodium 0mg 0%

Total Carbohydrate 0.5g 0%

Dietary Fiber 0g 0%

Sugars 0g

Protein 0g

Vitamin A 0%

Vitamin C 0%

Calcium 2%

Iron 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Common Name: Bladderwrack Plant Part: Thallus

Wikepedia info:

A common food in Japan, bladder wrack is used as an additive and flavouring in various food products in Europe. Bladder wrack is commonly found as a component of kelp tablets or powders used as nutritional supplements. It is sometimes loosely called "kelp", but that term technically refers to a different seaweed.

Primary chemical constituents of this plant include mucilage, algin, mannitol, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, iodine, bromine, potassium, volatile oils, and many other minerals. The main use of bladder wrack (and other types of seaweed) in herbal medicine is as a source of iodine, an essential nutrient for the thyroid gland. Bladder wrack has proved most useful in the treatment of underactive thyroid glands (hypothyroidism) and goitre.[6] }} Through the regulation of thyroid function, there is an improvement in all the associated symptoms. Though there are no scientific studies that would show a result, or lack therof; where obesity is associated with thyroid trouble, this herb may be helpful in reducing the excess weight.[citation needed] Though no studies have been done to confirm these kinds of claims since a healthy diet and proper exercise are the best methods of losing weight.It has a reputation in helping the relief of rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis, both used internally and as an external application upon inflamed joints.[citation needed] A chemical constituent of bladder wrack called alginic acid swells upon contact with water; when taken orally, it forms a type of "seal" at the top of the stomach, and for this reason is used in several over-the-counter preparations for heartburn.[citation needed] The same constituent gives bladder wrack laxative properties as well.[citation needed] Other proposed uses of bladder wrack include treating atherosclerosis and strengthening immunity, although there is no scientific evidence at present that it works for these purposes.

Bladder wrack should not be used in cases of hyperthyroidism or cardiac problems, or during pregnancy and lactation. Excessive dosage (many times the recommended dosage) may lead to hyperthyroidism, tremor, increased pulse rate and elevated blood pressure.