Bladderwrack
© Martin Wall Parts Used & Where Grown
Bladderwrack is a type of brown algae (seaweed) that grows on the northern Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States and on the northern Atlantic coast and Baltic coast of Europe. The main stem of bladderwrack, known as the thallus, is used medicinally. The thallus has tough, air-filled pods or bladders to help the algae float—thus the name bladderwrack. Although bladderwrack is sometimes called kelp, that name is not specific to this species and should be avoided.
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
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This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Constipation | Refer to label instructions |  rating 1Alginic acid, one of the major constituents in bladderwrack, is a type of dietary fiber that may be used to relieve constipation.Learn More |
| Diarrhea | Refer to label instructions | rating 1Alginic acid, a constituent in bladderwrack, is a type of dietary fiber and as a result may help relieve diarrhea. Learn More |
| Gastritis | Refer to label instructions | rating 1Bladderwrack is high in mucilage, which may be advantageous for people with gastritis because its slippery nature soothes irritated mucus membranes of the digestive tract.Learn More |
| Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease | Refer to label instructions | rating 1Bladderwrack is a soothing herb traditionally used to treat reflux and heartburn.Learn More |
| Hypothyroidism | Refer to label instructions | rating 1Bladderwrack is a type of brown seaweed that contains iodine. Hypothyroidism due to insufficient iodine intake may improve with bladderwrack supplementation.Learn More |
| Indigestion, Heartburn, and Low Stomach Acidity | Refer to label instructions | rating 1Bladderwrack is a demulcent herb, meaning it seems to work by decreasing inflammation and forming a barrier against irritants such as stomach acid. Learn More |
| Wound Healing | Refer to label instructions | rating 1Alginic acid is one of the main constituents in bladderwrack. Calcium alginate has shown promise as an agent to speed wound healing.Learn More |
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
Bladderwrack’s mucilaginous thallus has long been used to soothe irritated and inflamed tissues in the body.1 It was also historically used as a bulk-forming laxative.2 People living near oceans or seas have a historically low rate of hypothyroidism, due, in part, to ingestion of iodine-rich food, such as seafood and seaweeds like bladderwrack. It has also been used to counter obesity, possibly due to its reputation for stimulating the thyroid gland. Clinical research in this area has failed to confirm that seaweeds like bladderwrack help with weight loss,3 though more specific research is warranted.
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2010.