Bladderwrack

Scientific name:  Fucus vesiculosus

Common names: Bladder Fucus, Brown seaweed, Black-Tang, Cutweed, Sea-Wrack, Brown Algae, Kelp-Ware.

Description:

Brown seaweed or brown algae also known as bladderwrack got it's name because of the bladder-like feature or sac
on either side of the midrib that keeps them afloat. The frond is fan-shaped, narrow, wavy and divided into two with a broad midrib running to the apex. The color is brownish green to yellow.  It grows on the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America and Baltic Sea. It is attached to the rocks found underneath the water. Its root-like
branch attaches itself to the rocks and it grows up to about 3 feet high.  The bladderwrack is used as a herbal medicine and the entire plant is harvested while still small.

Bladderwrack can be eaten raw or cooked, boiled or steamed.

Parts used: Whole plant, dried stem, leaves and root.

Medicinal properties and Health benefits of Bladderwack:

Bladderwrack contains 3 main components namely:

Iodine -The body needs iodine but cannot make it. The thyroid gland needs iodine to make hormones. Lack of iodine

can cause an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)/hypothyroidism. It regulates thyroid function and metabolism.

Alginic acid - is a type of dietary fiber that helps alleviate constipation, diarrhea, GERD and heartburn.

Fucoidan - a type of dietary fiber that helps lower cholesterol(heart condition) and glucose level (diabetes). It also has anti-inflammatory effect, anti-coagulant (blood-thinning) properties and inhibit cancer growth.

Bladderwrack also contains mannitol, bromine, zeaxantin, algin, polyphenols, proteins, oleic acid, essential fatty acids and fiber.  It is also rich in vitamins like vitamin C, B-vitamins, beta-carotene and has many minerals like sodium, sulfur, magnesium, zinc, iron, and potassium.

Skin Care/Smoother Skin

Bladderwrack in powder form can be added in bath water or facial scrub to smoothen and nourish the skin. It also relieves the eczema and psoriasis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Bladderwrack can also be brewed or steeped in a quart of hot water and taken internally or applied to the skin to help relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.


Precautions:

Bladderwrack is generally safe and considered a safe herb supplement to use. However, if supplements can interact with other drugs and it's still best to consult a doctor when taking this as a supplement.

Corn

Scientific name: Zea mays

Parts Used: Fresh or sun-dried corn cob and corn silk 

Health Benefits of Corn:

Corn is a good source thiamin (vitamin B1), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), folate, dietary fiber, vitamin C, phosphorus and manganese. It is also rich in complex carbohydrate, fiber, and healthful essential fatty acids.

The different varieties features an array of different colors mainly due to the various flavonoids and carotenes contained in corn.  Yellow corn is high in the carotenoid and lutein.  The lutein in yellow corn helps to protect against heart disease and macular degeneration (condition of the eye typically seen in old age).

The significant amounts of folate can prevent birth defects and reduce the risk of heart attacks.  Since corn is rich in fiber as well as folate it is known to reduce risk of colon cancer.

Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is necessary for carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism and it supports the function of the adrenal glands. Thus, corn is seen to be beneficial to those with kidney problems including renal dysfunction.

Indications and Directions for use:

1. Renal Calculi (Initial stages), nephritis, edema
Boil corn hair in water to produce a concentrated decoction.  Drink it as a regular tea. For Edema, do the same and take it during meal time (also limit salt intake).

2. Gout
Boil 2 fresh corn cobs in water for at least 45 minutes.  Allow to cool. Drink one cup 3x a day.

3. Primary hypertension
In equal amounts, boil together dried corn hair, watermelon rind and sliced banana in water. Drink it 2x to 3x a day depending on the severity of the condition.

4. To lower cholesterol
Boil and eat corn everyday. The soluble fiber in corn binds with cholesterol in bile from the liver and passes through the body taking the cholesterol with it.


THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED & TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.