Sea Vegetables

Sea Vegetables: The ocean is the richest source of life-sustaining minerals and sea vegetables are considered to be the most nourishing source of essential vitamins and minerals for our health. Kelp, Nori, Bladderwrack, Dulse and Irish Moss contain significant amounts of vitamin A, B, E, D, K, and C, carotenes and iodine. They also contain minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, silica, iron and zinc.

There are tremendous benefits to be gained by using these vegetables in the bath. Sea plants are said to help increase blood circulation to the skin, promote lymphatic draining, re-mineralize and restore elasticity to the skin, and leave the skin feeling smoother and more supple.

Powdered sea vegetables can be used in facial packs, hair wraps, soaps and salt scrubs. Combine sea vegetables with other herbs, essential oils, Dead Sea or Moor mud and sea salts for a detoxifying body wrap. The practice of using mineral-rich sea vegetables to detoxify the body is called “Thalassotherapy.” “Thalasso” comes from the Greek word that means ocean, and the word “therapy” comes from the Greek word “therapeia” for care.

Thalassotherapy involves using a therapeutic combination of fresh seawater (or brine), seaweed, marine derivatives, sea muds, and heat to induce an exchange of minerals and toxins between our body and the water. The bath draws out the toxins while the skin absorbs the nutrients, namely sodium, iodine, magnesium, potassium, fluoride, sulfur, carbonates, phosphates, chloride, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and trace elements from the bath. The temperature of the bath should be around 100°F for maximum vasodilatation and exchange of toxins/nutrients.

Bladderwrack Powder
Mineral-rich bladderwrack nourishes the skin. Add bladderwrack to bath salts, facials, bath teas, body wraps, detoxifying bath blends and soaps. When used in baths, it removes excess fluids from the skin, allowing for gentle detoxification of the body.

Bladderwrack is a type of seaweed found on the coasts of the North Sea, the western Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It is sometimes loosely called kelp, but that term actually refers to a different seaweed. Primary chemical constituents of this plant include mucilage, algin, mannitol, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, iodine, bromine, potassium, volatile oils, and many other minerals. The main use of Bladderwrack (and other types of seaweed) in herbal medicine is as a source of iodine, an essential nutrient for the thyroid gland. Bladderwrack has proved most useful in the treatment of underactive thyroid glands (hypothyroidism) and goiter. Through the regulation of thyroid 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. A chemical constituent of Bladderwrack called alginic acid swells upon contact with water; when taken orally, it forms a type of "seal" at the top of the stomach, and for this reason is used in several over-the-counter preparations for heartburn. The same constituent gives Bladderwrack laxative properties as well. Other proposed uses of Bladderwrack include treating atherosclerosis and strengthening immunity, although there is no scientific evidence at present that it works for these purposes.

Seaweed Salt

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Kelp
The micronutrient values of Kelp greatly exceed those in soil based crops; more importantly, their trace minerals are in organic forms the body can readily absorb and use. Kelp is known to contain many vitamins, chelated minerals and essential amino acids. chelated meaning - bound with a protein ion, or best explained as - in a form that can be absorbed easily and directly by the body. Because of its natural iodine content,

Kelp has a normalizing effect on the thyroid gland. Physicians have been known to recommend the use of Kelp for obesity, poor digestion, flatulence, and obstinate constipation. It has been reported to be very beneficial to the sensory nerves, membranes surrounding the brain, spinal cord, and brain tissue. Other uses are for hair loss, goiter, ulcers, arteries, and nails. Kelp is said to protect us from the effects of radiation, and softens stools.Kelp is beneficial for hair, skin and nails. It helps combat stress, eczema, glands and radiation poisoning. Kelp can also prevent birth defects, aid in pregnancy and strengthens the adrenal glands.

Kelp has proved helpful in reducing acid in the body. It also aids in maintaining a proper balance of minerals. Kelp is also recommended when pus accumulates in a particular part of the body due to infection and if an abscess forms. Kelp is a helpful recommendation for mineral replacement. 
Add kelp powder to bath salts, facials, bath teas, body wraps, detoxifying bath blends and soaps.

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