I would not use any seaweed or marine veg on my face because it is very comedogenic, so the only other use I can think for it is as a body wrap or seaweed bath.
There's a lot of anecdotal and academic evidence for the healing properties of bladderwrack for serious skin problems like psoriasis.
How to Do It
I filled my tub with hot water and dropped in one nugget of Himalayan pink salt (for added minerals) and 2 ounces of the powdered bladderwrack. The water was brown and funky looking but it didn't smell like low tide as I expected. It smelled like the beach.Note: You can use other types of seaweed for this bath, and other types of salt. See my page on Marine Ingredients for descriptions on the different kinds of seaweeds commonly used for bath and body care.
First I saturated my hair with molasses, put on a plastic shower cap, and soaked in the tub for about 45 minutes. It was relaxing. At the end of the bath I took the shower cap off and swished my hair around in the seaweed water to get the molasses out and get a little of the seaweedy goodness in there. Afterwards I rinsed off and washed my hair in the shower.
My hair and skin were really smooth and soft and I felt great inside. I'm assuming that the seaweed sucked all the toxins out of me and I'm wicked pure now.
It was very nice.
Why It Works:
Bladderwrack
Bladderwrack is high in vitamin K which is an adrenal stimulant. Internally and as a poultice, Bladderwrack stimulates the release of toxins in steam baths and wraps.Bladderwrack has three primary constituents: iodine, alginic acid, and fucoidan.The alginic acid (a polysaccharide) swells into a gelatinous substance upon contact with water. This gel forms a protective barrier on the skin, impeding water loss. In other words, it holds the moisture in.
The main use of the herb has been for the stimulation of the thyroid gland as a treatment for obesity and cellulite. The high iodine content of the herb stimulates thyroid function which boosts metabolism.
Bladderwrack is rich in iodine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, sulfur, silicon and iron and high in some B-complex vitamins. It contains moderate amounts of phosphorus, selenium, manganese and zinc and small amounts of vitamins A, C, E and G. It also contains anti-sterility vitamin S as well as vitamin K. It is rich in algin and mannitol, carotene and zeaxantin with traces of bromine.
From the Sloan Kettering Website:
Bladder wrack is a seaweed prevalent on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts from Europe to Asia. It is often referred to as brown kelp but it should not be confused with “kelp,” another species of seaweed. Bladder wrack is consumed as food and medicine and is a rich source of iodine. It is used in traditional medicine to treat hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency and has been proposed as a weight loss supplement. No clinical studies have verified this effect. Bladder wrack is believed responsible for the reduced risk of estrogen-related cancers in Asian populations (1) and may improve menstrual symptoms (1). Further studies are needed to clarify such effects. Bladder wrack extract also demonstrated chemopreventive (7), anti-collagenase and antioxidant properties (6); topical application of bladder wrack extract may help improve skin (2). Bladder wrack should be used with caution in patients with hormonal-sensitive cancers. Topical bladder wrack extract reduced skin thickness and improved the mechanical/elastic properties.
Himalayan Pink Salt
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| Himalayan Salt from White Dove Treasures |
Himalayan salt is said to be the purest salt on earth. The salt crystallized over 200 million years ago in ancient sea beds later covered with volcanic lava, protecting it from pollution. All 84 minerals found in the human body are found in this salt. It's the only "full spectrum" salt available. Typical table salt contains only 4 minerals! And they add back iodine during processing!
The minerals exist in colloidal form, meaning they are small enough to be absorbed into the cells.
This salt is ethically hand-mined from the Himalayan Mountains.
Hmmm.... I'm finding lots of evidence that Himalayan salt is an effective treatment for cystic acne. Another post is born!
From The Global Healing Center:
- Controlling the water levels within the body, regulating them for proper functioning
- Promoting stable pH balance in the cells, including the brain.
- Encouraging excellent blood sugar health
- Aiding in reducing the common signs of aging
- Promoting cellular hydroelectric energy creation
- Promoting the increased absorption capacities of food elements within the intestinal tract
- Aiding vascular health
- Supporting healthy respiratory function
- Lowering incidence of sinus problems, and promoting over-all sinus health
- Reducing muscle cramps
- Increasing bone strength
- Naturally promoting healthy sleep patterns
- Creating a healthy libido
- In combination with water, it is necessary for blood pressure regulation
- Prevents cellulite, when compared to table salt
- Reduces chances of developing rheumatism, arthritis and gout, when compared to common chemically-treated salt
- Reduces chances of developing kidney and gall bladder stones when compared to common chemically-treated salt
Here's a great chemical analysis of the minerals found in this salt.
MIRI
