Irish Sea Moss Benefits and Side Effects


The benefits and side effects of sea moss can best be summed up to include:

Sea Moss BenefitsSea Moss Side Effects
Contains 92 of 102 minerals found in the human bodyAnticoagulant and may present complications if on blood thinners
Contains TaurineCan have a laxative effect
Rich in Polysaccharides
Helps build stronger blood cells
Fights Varicose Vein
Strengthens connective tissue
Source of Iodine
Fights Tuberculosis
Improves digestion
May be effective for fighting prostate enlargement

The Buzz Behind Sea Moss

Outside of Ireland, the Caribbean, and parts of North America, Irish Sea Moss typically is a little-known ocean plant full of many wonderful and beneficial properties.

Due to its incredible density of nutrients, it could be easily classified as a superfood! Known for centuries as carraigin (or carrageenan) in Celtic areas, the name given to Chondrus Crispus, there has been some recent confusion about this algae.

So let’s have a closer look at the sea moss benefits and side effects.

To be clear, this is not the same carrageenan you may have heard negative things about. Extracting the carrageenan via more natural methods helps to retain its nutrients rather than having them aggressively boiled away.

But as with all foods, there are some side effects to be aware of. Thankfully, the benefits of Irish Sea Moss far outweigh the downsides, and none of the drawbacks are too serious.

The Main Benefits of Irish Sea Moss

As we dig deeper on the sea moss benefits and side effects we need to understand that sea moss has been attributed with many benefits and is constantly being studied. As a natural product that has been used for generations it has a long list of loyal believers.

Many Naturopaths and Herbalists will administer sea moss as a natural treatment for a range of conditions. Rather than waiting to find out that you’re struggling with a particular complication, you may want to take preventative steps and consider the following benefits of Sea Moss.

  • Sea Moss contains 92 of the 102 essential minerals required for a healthy human body.

This includes large quantities of potassium, iodine, and even sulfur. It also contains other vital minerals in smaller amounts such as iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, and selenium. As an added bonus, Irish Sea Moss is also rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, E, F and K, proteins and antioxidants!

  • It is a valuable source of taurine.

A mineral which lowers blood pressure, Taurine is known to support a healthy metabolism and assist the body with binding bowel fats, and as a result, actively promoting the breakdown, digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Taurine is also essential for healthy heart function and helps the body to maintain mineral balance within cells.

Irish-Sea-Moss-Benefits-and-Side-Effects
Sea Moss is an amazing source of nutrition. Find this image on Instagram.
  • Irish Sea Moss is rich in a carbohydrate called polysaccharides.

Polysaccharides from certain seaweeds have been studies and found to help strengthen the immune system. They have been found to assist with the reduction of tumor growth and autoimmune diseases.

  • Irish Sea Moss supports blood production.

As a natural source of iron, Irish Sea Moss helps to build healthier blood cells. Recent research has shown that maintaining healthy iron levels helps to prevent dangerous blood clotting.

  • Irish Sea Moss is known to help fight and even prevent varicose veins.

A reliable source of potassium chloride, Irish Sea Moss is full of nutritional value, including Matrix metalloproteinase 2, that is helpful in combating conditions like varicose veins. Potassium chloride is a key mineral which is very effective at dissolving catarrh.

One of the fundamental teachings of Doctor Sebi was that there is only one disease; mucous.

The manifestation of inflammation arising from the build up of mucous in the compromised membranes, this causes varying degrees of congestion. Sea moss is believed to be highly effective at helping the body purge built up mucous.

  • Irish Sea Moss helps to strengthen connective tissue

Being full of collagen stimulating properties, Sea Moss is a great support to healthy hair, skin and nails. Some people have even reported that it helps to stimulate the regrowth of hair.

  • Sea Moss is a rich source of natural iodine

A vital nutrient for someone who actively avoids consuming common iodized sodium chloride, or table salt. Iodized salt is better than salt that is not iodized, however, mineral salts are better on the whole. There can be some challenges if you only have mineral salts.

Some mineral salts can be lower in iodine than what you would otherwise need. Himalayan salt and Celtic Sea Salt are full of minerals, but they can at times lack in suitable iodine levels.

A healthy iodine level helps to protect against a range of complications and is a natural way to regulate hormones and metabolism.

  • Irish Sea Moss is extremely effective in fighting tuberculosis.

Used for centuries to help treat tuberculosis, Sea Moss is a great way to remove mucous from the body. In Ireland, it was boiled in milk and strained before having spices and whiskey added. Today, a Sea Moss drink is very common in the Caribbean and with a lot of people in North America.

A similar treatment method for congestion as the Irish blend of milk, whiskey and spices was relied upon by many for generations as a home remedy.

  • Sea Moss helps with digestion and digestive functions.

Being a source of natural fiber, Sea Moss is a very gentle laxative. The almost slimy or filmy nature of sea moss gel helps to line the bowels and keep them healthy. This is believed to reduce the potential for matter sticking in your gut during the digestion and excretion process.

  • Sea Moss could hold the key to treating prostate enlargement

In more recent times there has been research conducted on sea moss potentially providing a natural option for the treatment various forms of mutagenic cellular growth. Various species of seaweed have been looked for the isolation of specific structural forms including bryostatin 1.

Even though this research has proven to be slow paced and dogged with resource challenges, it is believed that Sea Moss and Bugula Neritina could provide a degree of hope to many.

The Known Side Effects of Irish Sea Moss

With all things that are good for you, there is what you could call an upper limit. That is to say that you can have too much of a good thing.

Sea moss is not excluded from this, so there are some considerations that need to be made before you make Irish Sea Moss a regular part of your diet.

  • Sea Moss has anticoagulant properties.

Due to Irish Sea Moss possessing anticoagulant properties it can function as a blood thinner.

As a result, individuals that are taking anticoagulant medications such as  Warfarin, or other blood thinners, should not use Irish Sea Moss in any form without first seeking very specific medical advice.

People that use Irish moss while taking antihypertensives can experience negative side effects. Antihypertensive medication is used to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.

Side effects that may occur can include feeling dizziness, a sense of being lightheaded and syncope, which is a momentary loss of consciousness and posture.

If you have suffered from stomach ulcers or other medical issues where you have encountered internal bleeding then you would be best advised to avoid Sea Moss in the case that a preexisting medical condition is aggravated.

  • Sea Moss has laxative properties.

Irish Sea Moss can have other side effects such as bringing on diarrhea in cases where there is excessive consumption.

However, the same could easily be said for anything that you have too much of. Your body is going to look for ways to flush it out if there is too much of it.

Provided you don’t suffer from any of the above conditions, Irish Sea Moss can be a great addition to your diet by bringing in plenty of additional nutrients and minerals for almost no side effect.

How do you feel about the sea moss benefits and side effects? Let us know below what your thoughts are below.

Last Updated on 8 months by D&C Editorial Team

About the Author

Luke has a background in bodybuilding and martial arts. His fitness focus drove his interest in health. After learning about what a plant based diet can offer he began to transition from a carnivorous diet to one that comprised of more plants and wholefoods. A devotee of clean drinking water, and clean eating, Luke is on a life long path to fulfillment and understanding.

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