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Bladderwrack
Fucus vesiculosus
Fucaceae
Citations
Names : Kelp, Seawrack, Kelpware, Black-tang, Bladder Fucus, Cutweed.
Habitat : A seaweed common in colder waters.
Part Used : The whole plant.
Constituents : o Phenolic compounds, phloroglucinol, its
dehydropolymerization products the
fucols, the fucophorethols, phlorotannin derivatives
oMucopolysaccharides, algin.
oSulphuryl-, sulphonyl- and phosphonyl-glycosyl ester diglycerides
oPolar lipids
oTrace metals, particularly iodine.
Actions : Anti-hypothyroid, anti-rheumatic.
Indications : Bladderwrack has proved most useful in the treatment of
underactive thyroid glands and goitre.Through the regulation of thryoid
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.
Ellingwood describes the uses of Fucus thus: This agent is used for the
specific purpose of reducing unhealthy fat in excessive adiposity. If
given in doses of from 1/2 to 2 drams, 3 or 4 times daily, it has
reduced excessively fat patients in a satisfactory manner without
interfering in any way with the normal health functions.
It is in the obesity of individuals of the lymphatic temperament that
the beneficial effectss of this drug are the most marked. It has lettle
or no influence in the reduction of the fleshiness of persons of active
habits or of those of the sanguine temperament. In these cases strict
regulation of the diet affords the only prospects of relief, but owing
to the keenness of the appetite usually present, this regulation is
rarely enforced. Fucus shows its most decided influence upon women in
whom there exist menstrual derangements, as menorrhagia and leucorrhoea,
owing to a general atonic and flabby condition of the uterine tissues.
In such cases an improvement in the local derangements usually precedes
the general reduction of fat and the improved tonicity of the general
system. Fucus is advised as a specific remedy in the treatment of both
exophthalmic and simple goitre. It is especially successful in patients
not above 30 years of age. It is also suggested in the treatment of
fatty degeneration of the heart. It is of service in desquamative
nephritis and in irritation and inflammation of the bladder. When
general muscular relaxation is present, it is of service in the
treatment of menstrual derangements.
Preparations & Dosage : It may usefully be taken in tablet form as a
dietary supplement or as an infusion by pouring a cup of boiling water
onto 2-3 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leaving it to steep for 10
minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
The herbalist by David Hoffman, (c)1993 David Hoffman, Hopkins
Technology
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