Irish Sea Moss
Closeup of Irish sea moss
Chondrus crispus is a red seaweed (though it can vary in color from pale green to a purplish brown) that has been harvested for an estimated 14,000 years. Its medicinal properties were known and documented in China in 7th century BC. Historically, it was known for its mucilaginous properties and nutritional value. In the western hemisphere, Irish Sea Moss grows in the North Atlantic, along the coasts of the U.S., Ireland, and similar locales in Europe. Its common name, Irish Moss/Irish Sea Moss, dates back to the 1800s when, due to the potato famine in Ireland, the starving populace turned to this sea vegetable found growing on the rocks. Its association with Ireland crossed the Atlantic to the US when Irish immigrants settled in Massachusetts and developed an entire industry in North America around its harvest.
According to A Modern Herbal, traditional uses were for the demulcent, emollient, and nutritive properties. Irish Sea Moss is soothing and nourishing, and contains a high percentage of sulphur compounds. One common remedy using Irish Sea Moss was a jelly for respiratory, kidney, or bladder complaints. The decoction recipe is given as: Steeping ½ ounce of the moss in cold water for 15 minutes and then boiling for about 15 minutes, then straining and seasoning with licorice, lemon, or cinnamon and sweetened to taste. It can be taken freely.
It is still used today to make traditional medicinal teas and cough medicines, to combat colds, bronchitis and chronic coughs. In Venezuela, Ireland and Scotland, it is boiled with milk and honey is added as a home remedy for sore throats and chest congestions. It also has known anti-viral properties.
Irish immigrants brought Irish Sea Moss to Jamaica in the 19th century as well. In Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, it is boiled with milk and cinnamon to make a viscous beverage, and became associated with restoring or strengthening sexual vitality or libido. In the Caribbean, it has also been used in digestive issues such as ulcers, and in mood disorders.
Irish Sea Moss is also referred to by its principal constituent, carrageen or carrageenan, which is the mucilaginous property used for many food manufacturing and other manufacturing uses.