Family: Fucaceae.

Synonyms: Kelp, seawrack, kelpware, black-tang, bladder fucus, cutweed, bladderwrack, sea weed, sea oak, black tany, cutweed.

Parts Used: The whole plant.

Active Compounds

• Phenolic compounds, phloroglucinol, its dehydropolymerization products, the fucols, the fucophorethols, and phlorotannin derivatives.
• Mucopolysaccharides and algin.
• Sulphuryl-, sulphonyl- and phosphonyl-glycosyl ester diglycerides.
• Polar lipids.
• Trace metals: particularly iodine.

Medicinal Action and Uses

Anti-hypothyroid, anti-rheumatic, alterative, and diuretic.

Bladderwrack has proved most useful in the treatment of underactive thyroid glands and goiter. Through the regulation of thyroid function there is an improvement in all the associated symptoms. Where obesity is associated with thyroid trouble, this herb may be very helpful in reducing the excess weight. It has a reputation in helping the relief of rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis, both used internally and as an external application upon inflamed joints.