Introduction of Irish Moss:Carrageen or Fucus irlandicus.
✵The article gives records of the herb Irish Moss, its English name, Latin name, common names, property and flavor, its botanical source one plant species, ①.Chondrus crispus., with a detailed introduction to the botanical features of this plant species, the growth characteristics, and ecological environment of this plant species, the features of the herb Irish Moss, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guide.
Irish Moss(carrageen).
English Name: Irish Moss.
Latin Name: Chondrus crispus, Gigartina mamillosa.
Common Names: Irish Moss, Chondrus, Carrahan, Carrageennan, carrageen, Fucus irlandicus.
Property and flavor: cold nature, tastes bitter.
Brief introduction: Irish moss is the edible, dried thallus of two red North Atlantic seaweeds, Chondrus crispus and Gigartina mamillosa. It contains considerable amounts of an important substance called mucilage.
Botanical source: Common herbal classics defined the herb Irish Moss as the dried thallus of the species (1).Chondrus crispus and (1).Gigartina mamillosa. It is a plant species of the Pimpinella genus, the Apiaceae family (Umbelliferae, parsley family). The dried fruit and essential oil from the ripe fruit are used medicinally. This commonly used species is introduced:
(1).Chondrus crispus.
Botanical description: Chondrus crispus is perennial red algae that grow in waters up to 25 meters deep. The thallus is usually yellow-green to purplish-brown when fresh, white to yellow, and translucent after drying. Thallus fronds are 10 to 30 cm long on an adhesive disc, arising from a subcylindrical stem. They then become flattened, curled, and sometimes bifid. The segments are linear and usually 3 to 8 mm wide. The margin is linguiform, later repeatedly dividing into bifid thallus lobes. The thallus is cartilaginous and double-layered. The internal tissue is made up of reticulately linked cells. The bark layer is at right angles to the thallus. The bifurcated cell strings are like strings of pearl that are spread radially.
Ecological environment: Irish Moss is found from the coast of Iceland to the Baltic, from the Arctic to the south of Spain, Morocco, and the Cape Verde Islands, and also in parts of North America and some Asia coastal regions.
Characters of herbs: The herb Irish Moss is the dried and bleached thalli of Chondrus crispus as well as other varities of Gigartina species. After being cleaned, the algae are left to bleach in the sun, then dried.
Pharmacological actions: ①.alleviate peptic and duodenal ulcers; ②.anti-inflammatory; ③.immunosuppressive; ④.blood-pressure lowering; etc.
Irish moss extract may help alleviate peptic and duodenal ulcers with specially prepared commercial form, the high concentration of mucilage in Irish moss contributes to its healing properties for ulcers and digestive system upset, and mucilage can protect the lining of the stomach and intestines, reducing gastric secretions and help to form healthy stools and reduce constipation.
Studies in lab aminals found Irish moss extract has anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, blood-pressure lowering, and other properties.
Medicinal efficacy: Irish moss was used traditionally for ulcers, dysentery, and gastrointestinal disorders, as a laxative. It is recommended by contemporary herbalists as a soothing agent for dry coughs, bronchitis, tuberculosis, and other upper respiratory tract ailments. It is also recommended as a nutritive tonic for it is rich in proteins, iodides, and other substances, used in many herbal drinks.
In industry, Irish moss is extensively used as binders, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickening agents in skin lotions, toothpaste, hair rinses, other pharmaceutical and cosmetic substances, milk products, jellies, and other foods. In folk medicine, the herb is used as roughage for constipation and as mucilage for diarrhea, for peptic ulcers, and decoction is used for coughs, bronchitis, and tuberculosis.
Administration of Irish Moss (carrageen):
Reference:
Administration Guide of Irish Moss (carrageen)
Herbal classic books:
Dosage: A decoction is prepared by combining 1.5 gram herb with 1 cup of water.
Contraindications, Precautions and Adverse Reactions: To use commercial herbal products containing Irish moss, follow the package instructions. The herb should be stored in tightly sealed containers. Irish moss appears to be safe to use in concentrations commonly recommended for food use.
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1.Introduction of Irish Moss:Carrageen or Fucus irlandicus.
✵The article gives records of the herb Irish Moss, its English name, Latin name, common names, property and flavor, its botanical source one plant species, ①.Chondrus crispus., with a detailed introduction to the botanical features of this plant species, the growth characteristics, and ecological environment of this plant species, the features of the herb Irish Moss, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guide.
English Name: Irish Moss.
Botanical description: Chondrus crispus is perennial red algae that grow in waters up to 25 meters deep. The thallus is usually yellow-green to purplish-brown when fresh, white to yellow, and translucent after drying. Thallus fronds are 10 to 30 cm long on an adhesive disc, arising from a subcylindrical stem. They then become flattened, curled, and sometimes bifid. The segments are linear and usually 3 to 8 mm wide. The margin is linguiform, later repeatedly dividing into bifid thallus lobes. The thallus is cartilaginous and double-layered. The internal tissue is made up of reticulately linked cells. The bark layer is at right angles to the thallus. The bifurcated cell strings are like strings of pearl that are spread radially.
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