Botanical Name: Chondrus crispus
- English: Irish Moss
- Also, known as: Carragheen, Carraigin, Carrageen, Carrageen Moss, Mousse d’Irlande , Irisch Moos, Musgo perlado, Irlandisches Moss, Jelly Moss, Felsenmoss, Gelatitang, Knorpeltang, Perlmoss, and Dorset Weed.
Habitat: North Atlantic at low tide shores
Parts Used: Entire plant (Thallus).
Chondrus crispus, also called carrageen, species of red algae are seaweed-like kelp or dulse, are good herbal foods. Irish moss occurs both in the lower intertidal and shallow subtidal stages, in 5-25 m depending on wave action, water transparency and local topographic conditions is a tufted seaweed with thin branching fan-like fronds from 5-20 cm long. The alga is cartilaginous, varying in color from a greenish-yellow to a dark purple; when sun-dried and bleached. Color of fronds varying with the period of the year and depth, from white to yellowish-green in summer and in shallow water and dark purplish-red in autumn and in deeper water, frequently iridescent underwater.
Irish Moss has been used in Ireland since the beginning of the 19th century as a folk remedy for respiratory ailments. They are effective both internally and externally for soothing dry and inflamed surfaces or membranes. Used as food for domestic animals like sheep and horses in Iceland and also in Norway, Scotland, and Ireland. The alga is also boiled with milk and sugar or honey and served as a drink in many places. Its use was exported to New England in the USA in the mid-19th century.
Also found on rocks and stones and in tide pools. It is widely distributed and abundant, forming a thick carpet over rocks and ledges. Irish Moss is harvested as Carragheen to be used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. It is a source of carrageenan used to make soups, jellies, etc. and as a thickening agent for sweets. Ireland was also used as a traditional remedy for respiratory disorders. The Irish-moss industry is the oldest seaweed industry in the U.S.A., since 1940.
How to use:
The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!
- You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
- You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
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This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.