Fucus vesiculosus is a highly recommended algae for treating obesity and cellulitis, both ailments common in the developed world.
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Algae are water plants with chlorophyll or other coloring substances. Their size varies from microorganisms (unicellular algae) to the size of an earth plant (multicellular algae). In China and Japan, algae have been food for centuries.
Modern scientific research has proven helpful fucus in these afflictions, but the main discovery has some interesting properties.
Fucus Vesiculosus Scientific Facts
- Scientific Name – Fucus vesiculosus.
- Other Names – Sea ware, wrack, bladder fucus.
- French – Varech, fucus vesiculeux.
- Spanish – Fucus, sargazo vejigoso.
- Environment – Rocks and beaches on the European Atlantic coast, from Norway to the Iberian peninsula, where it is especially abundant in Galician rias.
- Description—Brown algae of the Fucaceae family have thallus formed by tape-shaped sheets that stick by their base to underwater rocks. These sheets contain air bladders (aerocysts) that keep the plant upright. The reproductive system of the algae is located at its apex.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally – The thallus (the algae body).
Healing Properties
Fucus vesiculosus, or bladder fucus, when dry, contains 65% sugar, among which the alginic acid is remarkable (12-18%), and fucoidan (a mucilaginous polysaccharide). Fucus also contains 15% mineral salts, especially iodine, potassium, and bromine; 5% of proteins, and 1%-2% fat, and vitamins A, B, C, and E.
Fucus is likely to contain small amounts of vitamin B12 since microscopic algae frequently pollute it, the actual producers of this vitamin. Therefore, fucus is very promising for people who want a strict vegetarian diet.
Fucus vesiculosus has anti-scurvy, nourishing, remineralizing, depurative, and mildly laxative properties, but it mainly acts as a weight loss plan, an anticellulite, and an invigorating of the thyroid. Its primary applications are the following:
- Absorbent and anorexigenic (calms the sensation of hunger)—Fucus contains alginic acid and its salts (alginates) and other mucilages. These can absorb water up to six times their weight. Because of this property, they increase the volume of the stomach and produce a total sensation. Therefore, fucus is a valuable remedy for treating obesity caused by bulimia (excess appetite).
- Nourishing, remineralizing, and anti-scurvy—Bladder fucus provides mineral salts, vitamins, proteins, and other nutritional substances, which prevent malnutrition or lack of these essential substances during long-lasting weight-loss diets.
- Mild laxative—Fucus’s high mucilage content enhances its mild laxative and emollient properties, improving its anti-obesity properties.
- Thyroid-invigorating—This alga contains a high concentration of iodine and organic iodine salts: 150 mg per kilogram of algae (to obtain the same amount, we would need 3,000 seawater liters). The thyroid requires iodine to produce tyrosine, a hormone that promotes burning the nourishing substances we eat, thus activating metabolism.
Because of its content in organic iodine, fucus is used as a complementary treatment of hyperthyroidism, whether associated with goiter. In these cases, medical advice is required. Fucus can be taken orally in any of its preparations and applied to the throat in compresses soaked in its decoction.
- Emollient—Externally applied on the skin as compresses or poultices, bladder fucus has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It promotes the elimination of chlorine salts and helps reduce the volume of fatty tissues. These actions make fucus a beneficial plant for treating cellulitis, wrinkles, stretch marks, and skin flaccidity.
How to use Fucus Vesiculosus
- Fresh alga is taken as a vegetable, though its flavor is not enjoyable for everybody.
- Decoction or infusion of fucus dry extract with 15 to 20 grams per liter of water. Drink three or four cups daily.
- Powder – It is taken in the form of capsules. The usual dose is 0.5-2 g, 1-3 times daily.
Fucus must be taken in any listed ways fifteen minutes before meals in weight-loss diets. This way, it exerts a more significant anorexigenic action (which reduces appetite). In other cases, fucus can be taken with meals or after them.
- Compresses are soaked in the liquid resulting from the decoction and then applied hot on the affected areas 2 or 3 times a day for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Poultices prepared with fresh algae were previously heated in a bowl with water. Apply hot on the affected skin area for 10 to 15 minutes, three or four times daily.
Frequently Asked Question
How does Fucus vesiculosus support thyroid health?
It is an abundant source of iodine, a principal mineral for producing thyroid hormones. These hormones are crucial for controlling metabolism, growth, and development.
Can Fucus vesiculosus aid in weight management?
Research offers some promise, but the findings are not conclusive. It contains alginates (fibers) that may promote a feeling of fullness and fucoxanthin, potentially influencing fat metabolism.
Does Fucus vesiculosus have anti-inflammatory properties?
Studies suggest that compounds in this algae, including phlorotannins, may help reduce inflammation. This could offer potential benefits for conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Can Fucus vesiculosus improve skin health?
Limited studies suggest that the algae’s antioxidant properties may help shield the skin from harm triggered by free radicals. Its topical application is sometimes recommended for anti-aging properties.
Are there digestive benefits associated with Fucus vesiculosus?
The alginates (fibers) have a prebiotic effect and may promote healthy gut bacteria. Some evidence suggests it could relieve constipation and support overall gut health.
Can it help combat heavy metal toxicity?
The alginates in this algae have been shown to potentially bind to dense metals in the digestive tract, helping their elimination. However, more studies are needed to understand its effectiveness in detoxification fully.
Who should avoid the use of Fucus vesiculosus?
Due to its iodine content, people with thyroid conditions should consult their doctor before using it. Those on blood thinners, such as bladderwrack, may interact with such medications.
Pregnant or breastfeeding females should exercise caution, as the safety implications are not fully established.
Are there any side effects to be aware of?
Excessive iodine intake from supplements can potentially disrupt thyroid function.
Some people may experience digestive upset like nausea or diarrhea. It may interact with certain medications.
What forms are available?
Dried bladderwrack (for teas)
Capsules
Tinctures
Topical preparations
Where can I find reliable information and products?
Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice. Find reputable sources like the National Institutes of Health (https://ods.od.nih.gov/). Choose products from companies with transparent sourcing and quality control practices.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 650, 651. Print. [fucus vesiculosus]
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-Consumer/
- Frontiers in Immunology: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2015.00570/full
- WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-bladderwrack
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API