Hello! And welcome to the 2016 A-Z CHALLENGE!!
* confetti *
This year, I’m blogging my way through a botanical alphabet.
I hope you enjoy your time here and by all means,
come back tomorrow and see what plant I’m highlighting next! Cheers!!
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IRISH MOSS
chondrus crispus
aka: carrageen, red seaweed, chondrus
photo from www.botanical.com
Irish Moss isn't a moss at all but seaweed. Known as a demulcent, it's great for skin and mucous membranes. Because of its ability to absorb liquid and move it out of the body, it is used for respiratory problems such as bronchitis. Being a seaweed it's high in iodine which makes it excellent for thyroid issues.
One of its other names is Carrageen which is Gaelic for "moss of the rock" and the Irish used the seaweed during an outbreak of plague in the 19th century.
Folklore tradition tells us that Irish Moss was carried by passengers and sailors on long trips for protection. It was also used around the house. Traditionally the herb was scattered under rugs for protection of the household and to ensure a steady flow of money into the house or into the pocket of the one who carries it!
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All research references can be found in my Library of Botanical Miscellany.
Disclaimer
These posts are in NO WAY medical suggestions. They are intended for informational purposes only.
If you are interested in pursuing natural, herbal remedies, get thee to a reputable herb shop (preferably one that is locally and independently owned and operated) and get educated!
Disclaimer II
It’s ridiculous that anyone writing about herbal and traditional remedies should have to put a disclaimer at the end of anything.
Use your brain and think for yourself! Just as you shouldn't take a pharmaceutical at face value,
do your herbal research and learn about the amazing plants around us.
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