Herbs - Irish Moss - Ailments / Situations Where Used

Irish moss is a good source of trace minerals and is high in sulfur, bromine, iron and iodine. When taken internally, it is very "building" and is a wonderful nutritive given during convalescence to help strengthen the body. It is especially useful when given in wasting conditions such as tuberculosis.

Irish moss is mainly used for upper respiratory and lung conditions such as coughs, bronchitis and a sore throat. Due to it extremely mucilaginous properties, it is very soothing to irritated membranes, irritated stomach, and gastric or duodenal ulcers.

Irish moss helps protect the stomach in cases of excess acid production. It sooths inflamed kidneys and an inflamed bladder, and has a mild laxative action. Recent studies suggest that this plant helps lower high blood cholesterol levels. As a winter preventative, you can take a bit of Irish moss in the morning to help protect the chest and lungs.

Externally it is used as a base for ointments and creams and is very soothing to inflamed and irritated skin.