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Chondrus crispus commonly called Irish Seamoss or Carrageen moss —is a species of red algae which grows abundantly along the rocky parts of the Atlantic coast of Europe and North America. 

It is an edible seaweed that yields a mucilaginous substance called carrageenan. Carrageen is a common food additive used to maintain stability within processed foods and as a thickening agent.  

Chondrus Crispus is found in abundance on the coasts of Ireland, Europe and some cold Atlantic parts of the United States and Canada. Irish Moss got its name when it was made famous during the potato famine in Ireland in the 1800s. Because people were starving and desperate for food, they began eating the red alga that was on the rocks.  

Another name for this beautiful seaweed is curly cartilage. Due to the lack of colour and taste, this seaweed is used as a substitute for gelatine. However, Irish moss is not only used for food purposes but also is commonly used for its superior medicinal properties by pharmaceuticals and scientists. It has been used as a demulcent medicine for coughs and peptic ulcers. It is also known to fix sore throats and chest problems, thanks to acting as both an expectorant and an antiviral – carrageen is also reported to shift phlegm.  

In a recent study, randomized placebo-controlled trials, researchers and scientists investigated the effects of carrageenan separately on children and adults. In both trials, iota-carrageenan was administered nasally 3 times per day for 7 days for patients with the common cold and follow-up lasted for 21 days. Nasal carrageenan increased the recovery rate from all colds by 54%, following these studies a company in Europe developed a nasal spray which is currently being sold on the market. 

This intelligent seaweed holds a complex molecular biological structure which has been marvelled by pharmaceuticals, scientists and researchers who have been using Chondrus Crispus in many research studies over the last few decades for various health conditions from Parkinson’s disease to respiratory and thyroid diseases. Chondrus Crispus has minerals such as iodine and selenium. These minerals are essential for the healthy production of hormones in the thyroid, and many thyroid conditions are attributed to a lack of these vital minerals. Selenium is very important because it prevents the body from absorbing more minerals than what is actually needed,  preventing the user from taking an overdose of Iodine. As such, Irish moss could contribute to the normal function of the thyroid and alleviate the associated symptoms. 

Chondrus Crispus (Irish Seamoss) is nutrient dense and packed with essential Macro and Micro minerals the body needs. It also contains vitamins A, E, F and K, Omega 3 and 6 as well as prebiotics which help the body create its own healthy probiotics. Prebiotics, such as digestion-resistant fibres, influence the composition of gut microbiota and can contribute to the improvement of gut health. Chondrus crispus is rich in dietary fibre and oligosaccharides. This amazing sea plant is rich in potassium, manganese, phosphorus, bromine, calcium, zinc, beta-carotene, sulphur, protein and B vitamins and vitamin C. Chondrus Crispus when sourced ethically is raw, suitable for vegans, gluten-free, non-GMO and provides a healthy natural alternative to many man-made over the counter cough and flu remedies. It also holds excellent anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.