Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus)
Photo: Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen · Public domain
- Digestive
- 5 conditions
- Licensed photo
Overview
Irish moss is a reddish-brown seaweed growing to 10 inches, with a flat, forked plant body and fan-shaped outline. Found on the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America, it grows just below the waterline, attached to rocks and stones. In summer in North America and in autumn in Ireland, it is pulled up by hand or with a rake at low tide and dried in the sun. This seaweed is used extensively in the food and pharmaceutical industries as an emulsifying and binding agent, appearing in products such as toothpastes. Its polysaccharides become jelly-like and demulcent when immersed in water, making it valuable both as a food ingredient and medicinal herb.
Traditional uses & properties
Irish moss is a useful demulcent and emollient rich in iodine, trace minerals, protein, amino acids, and manganese. Its polysaccharides, which become jelly-like when wet, provide soothing relief for dry and irritated mucous membranes. The herb is mainly taken for coughs and bronchitis, where its expectorant effect encourages the coughing up of phlegm while soothing irritation. It is particularly helpful for chronic, dry lung conditions and sore throats. Irish moss is of value for acid indigestion, gastritis, and urinary infections such as cystitis, and is normally combined with other appropriate herbs for these conditions. Mucilaginous in texture and slightly salty in taste, it makes a valuable nutrient during convalescence. The herb arrests diarrhea but may also act as a mild bulk laxative for dry, hard stools. Applied externally, this emollient herb soothes inflamed skin. Irish moss contains mucilage (carrageenan) that is widely used as a stabilizer in dairy products and cosmetics. It also acts to thin the blood.
Traditional preparations
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person.
Powder or capsules: 1,000-5,000 mg up to 3 times daily.
Safety & precautions
Due to its blood-thinning property, Irish moss should not be used by people taking anticoagulant medicines. Generally safe when used as directed. No other significant warnings.
Drug & food interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Found on the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America. Grows just below the waterline, attached to rocks and stones. In summer in North America and in autumn in Ireland, it is pulled up by hand or with a rake at low tide and dried in the sun.
Traditionally used for
- Acidity5 herbs · 2 free
- Constipation13 herbs · 2 free
- Strep Throat10 herbs · 2 free
- Bronchitis17 herbs · 2 free
- Cystitis12 herbs · 2 free
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Frequently asked questions
What is Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus) as follows: Irish moss is a useful demulcent and emollient rich in iodine, trace minerals, protein, amino acids, and manganese. Its polysaccharides, which become jelly-like when wet, provide soothing relief for dry and irritated mucous membranes. The herb is mainly taken for coughs and bronchitis, where its expectorant effect encourages the coughing up of phlegm while soothing irritation. It is particularly helpful for chronic, dry lung conditions and sore throats. Irish moss is of value for acid indigestion, gastritis, and urinary infections such as cystitis, and is normally combined with other appropriate herbs for these conditions. Mucilaginous in texture and slightly salty in taste, it makes a valuable nutrient during convalescence. The herb arrests diarrhea but may also act as a mild bulk laxative for dry, hard stools. Applied externally, this emollient herb soothes inflamed skin. Irish moss contains mucilage (carrageenan) that is widely used as a stabilizer in dairy products and cosmetics. It also acts to thin the blood.
How is Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus) prepared?
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person. Powder or capsules: 1,000-5,000 mg up to 3 times daily.
What safety cautions apply to Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus)?
Due to its blood-thinning property, Irish moss should not be used by people taking anticoagulant medicines. Generally safe when used as directed. No other significant warnings.
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