Fucus vesiculosus   Bladderwrack, Seawrack   Family: Fucaceae    
Although Bladderwrack is sometimes called a kelp, the name is not specific for this species. The name "bladder wrack" originates from the air sacs on the thalus which float the kelp towards the light.
PART USED: Thallus
TASTE: Salty and mucilaginous. ODOR: Seaweed like.
ACTIONS
1. Alterative.
2. Thyroid stimulant. Anti-obesity.[3]
3. Fluid regulator.
4. Nutritive and source of trace elements.[3]
INDICATIONS
1. Hypothyroidism. Obesity.
2. Rheumatism. Rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Antirheumatic. Anti-inflammatory.
PREPARATIONS
Fluid extract 1:1 in 25% alcohol 0.5-15 ml.[3]
1:2 in 25% alcohol.[4]
Solid extract dose 1-2 g.[3]

ORIGIN: Seaweed common in colder waters. Pacific ocean and altantic ocean coasts. Also Baltic coast in Europe. In Australia it is found around Tasmania.
DESCRIPTION: Perennial seaweed. Type of  brown algae, yellowish brown in color, 50-100 cm in height. It attaches itself to rock by a disc shaped frond at the base. Branched roots extend into wavy leaf-like formation, dividing into two and having a strong broad compound midrib running to the apex. The margin in entire, the texture is tough and leathery. Air vessels, usually paired, are on either side of the midrib, often at the fork, 10 mm in diameter when fully grown, ovular spherical in shape. These enable the plant to stand upright, and look like bladders, hence the common name.
References
Inner Path can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Constituents
Research
A beneficial effect has been demonstrated on obese patients in a study carried out in Italy.[1]
Bladderwrack has been shown to have antibiotic activity.[2,3]
The lectin-like mucopolysaccharides are immuno-modulatory and induce lymphocyte transformation; also they have been shown to react with several Candida species.[3]
Seaweeds are a good source of iodine, however Bladderwrack have bgeen hsown to accumulate toix waste metals such as cadmium and strontium when grown in polluted environment,[4] and should therefore be avoided in these circumstances.
References