Irish Moss

Part Used: herb

Energetics: salty, sweet, astringent/heating (slightly)/sweet VP- K or Ama + (in excess)

Tissues: plasma, muscle, fat

Systems: respiratory, urinary

Actions: nutritive tonic, demulcent, expectorant, emollient

Indications: cough, bronchitis, tuberculosis, enlarged glands (thyroid, lymph, prostate), convalescence, debility, old age, dry or wrinkled skin

Precautions: high Ama, congestion

Preparation: infusion, decoction, milk decoction, powder (250 mg to 1 g), paste

IRISH MOSS and other forms of seaweed, like kelp or dulse, are good herbal foods for deficient conditions, convalescence, old age, high Vata and hormonal, particularly thyroid, insufficiency. They are restoratives and rejuvenatives to rasa, the basic plasma tissue-element of the body, increasing our basic fluids and enriching them with minerals. They soften and help remove dried out Kapha and Ama accumulations in the lungs. By soothing and nurturing the glands, they help reduce swelling. They are effective (internally and externally) for soothing dried and inflamed surfaces or membranes.

One-half ounce of Irish moss may be simmered in one pint of water and taken in two parts daily for convalescence from severe lung diseases.