Bladderwrack Benefits | Thyroid Health & Metabolism
Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) is a species of brown seaweed that thrives in the Baltic Sea, Northern Atlantic Ocean, and the North Pacific Ocean. Bladderwrack is one of the highest iodine-containing sea vegetables commonly used for thyroid health and improving metabolism.
Bladderwrack Pharmacology
Botanical Name
Fucus vesiculosus
Other Common Names
Black Tang, Bladder Fucus, Bladder Wrack, Blasentang, Cutweed, Kelp, Kelpware, Ocean Kelp, Sea Kelp, Sea Oak, Seawrack & Seaweed.
Part Used
Whole Plant
Main Therapeutic Compounds
Iodine, minerals, polyphenolics, polysaccharides & sterols
Herbal Actions
Antiobesity
Thyroid Stimulant
Antirheumatic
Nutritive
Bladderwrack Herbal Benefits
Low Thyroid Function | Weight Loss | Skin & Hair Health
Thyroid Health
Bladderwrack is rich in iodine, an essential nutrient for many body functions but, most importantly, thyroid health. It is believed that consuming Bladderwrack and other iodine-rich foods maintains healthy levels of vital nutrients and improve the absorption of iodine due to the synergistic effect of other trace minerals present in Bladderwrack.The thyroid gland needs enough iodine to produce the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones help regulate metabolism and support nervous system health.
Weight Loss & Metabolism
Bladderwrack has been found to increase metabolism and weight loss via stimulating thyroid hormone production. One of the causes of metabolic syndrome and weight gain is low thyroid function. Bladderwrack is a rich source of fucoxanthin, which is currently being investigated for its potential to reduce fat mass. In addition, Bladderwrack also has diuretic actions, useful for the relief of bloating, water retention, and potentially reducing the appearance of cellulite. In 2016 the European Medicines Agency (EMA) stated that although there is no conclusive research on the effectiveness of bladderwrack extract, there is evidence that they have been safely used for weight management and improving metabolism for many decades.
Bladderwrack Typical Use
Dried Herb & Powder
1 heaped teaspoon of Bladderwrack powder mixed in herbal tea, soup, stews or smoothies.
Tincture & Liquid Extract
Typical use of Bladderwrack tincture or liquid extract is approximately 5-10mls daily, or as directed by your practitioner.
Herbal Combinations
Bladderwrack combines well with Coleus, Gymnema, Ashwagandha & Siberian Ginseng
Cautions & Safety
Not recommended during pregnancy and lactation.
Best avoided by people with hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and cardiac problems.
If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical medications, please consult your primary healthcare practitioner prior to use.
References
Goodman GA, Rall TW, Nies AS, Taylor P. The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed.
Phaneuf D, Cote I, Dumas P, et al. Evaluation of the contamination of marine algae (Seaweed) from the St. Lawrence River and likely to be consumed by humans. Environ Res 1999;80:S175-S182
Patankar MS, Oehninger S, Barnett T, et al. A revised structure for fucoidan may explain some of its biological activities. J Biol Chem 1993;268:21770-6.
Ohye H, Fukata S, Kanoh M, et al. Thyrotoxicosis caused by weight-reducing herbal medicines. Arch Intern Med 2005;165:831-4.
Miyashita, K., Nishikawa, S., Beppu, F., Tsukui, T., Abe, M., and Hosokawa, M. The allenic carotenoid fucoxanthin, a novel marine nutraceutical from brown seaweeds. J.Sci.Food Agric. 2011;91(7):1166-1174.
Misurcova, L., Machu, L., and Orsavova, J. Seaweed minerals as nutraceuticals. Adv.Food Nutr.Res. 2011;64:371-390.
DISCLAIMER
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal primary healthcare practitioner. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Naturopath Herbals nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their doctors or qualified health professionals before beginning any herbal product, nutritional supplement or lifestyle program.