Sea moss
Chondrus crispus (also Gracilaria and Eucheuma spp. sold as sea moss)
Sea Moss & Algae. Dr. Sebi's list, Caribbean and Western & European.
Also called Irish moss, Carrageen moss, Carragheen, Jamaican sea moss
Spanish: Musgo de Irlanda
Iodine and metal levels varyA red seaweed sold as sea moss, used as a thickener in food and as a supplement full of minerals.
Did you know? Carrageenan, the thickener made from this seaweed, is named after carrageen, the Irish name for it, from a village in County Waterford.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Digestion & gut health. Its gel is used as a soothing thickener in folk drinks. No good human trials of its gut effects exist.Traditional proof
- Colds, flu & immunity. Popular claims that it boosts immunity have no human trials behind them.Not supported
- Thyroid. Claims that it supports the thyroid rest on its iodine. No trial has tested sea moss for thyroid health.Not supported
Parts of the body
Traditional use
In Ireland it was boiled to set puddings and drinks for centuries. In Jamaica and across the Caribbean, sea moss is blended with milk, spices and sugar into a thick drink sold as a tonic.
How it is classified
How people take it
Usually soaked until it turns into a gel, then added to drinks or smoothies. Typical amounts in folk use are not tested, so no safe dose is established.
Food, gel and capsule.
Where to get it
Grows on rocky Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America. Sold dried, as a gel, in capsules and as powder. Many products labeled Irish moss are actually other seaweeds.
Be careful
Iodine content varies widely, and too much iodine can upset the thyroid. Seaweed from polluted water can carry arsenic, cadmium and lead. Some people get gut upset from carrageenan, and allergic reactions are rare but possible.
Avoid if: thyroid disease; pregnancy; kidney disease.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
A common spice in Caribbean sea moss drinks, with milk.
- Works well together
Often blended into Jamaican-style sea moss drinks.
- Use cautionThyroid medicine (levothyroxine (Synthroid))
Iodine can change thyroid hormone levels and may affect thyroid medicine.
Adds up with others that carry iodine: , , , , , .
Found in these formulas
Sea moss trio (Dr. Sebi)
The honest take
Sea moss is a real seaweed with some minerals and fiber, but no good human trials test its health claims. Claims about immunity, thyroid and skin are mostly hype. Product quality varies, and many products sold as Irish moss are other seaweeds.