Sea Moss vs Irish Moss | Starwest Botanicals

If you are on social media, you’ve probably heard of Sea Moss and that it is good for a multitude of different things. And now you may want to learn more. When you start looking it up, you come across articles about Irish Moss and others on Sea Moss. Now you’re confused. What’s the difference between these two plants from the ocean that seem to have taken the internet by storm?

What’s the Difference?

Sea Moss and Irish Sea Moss come from the same family, the Chrondus family. And while just because plants are part of the same family, it usually does not mean they can be used interchangeably. But in the case of Irish Moss and Sea Moss you can.

Red algaes are the largest group of algaes, with over 14,000 species. Sea Moss and Irish Moss being just two of them. Both rich in proteins that may create collagen in the body. Collagen is linked to skin, heart, joint and bone health.

And while they do have similar nutrient profiles they do differ in a couple of areas like appearance and where they grow.

Irish Moss

Botanical name: Chondrus crispus

Grows: Widely found growing along the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America, particularly in cold water regions.

Appearance: It has a branching, fan-like, and flat structure with forked branches. The color can range from green to dark purple to red.

Sea Moss

Botanical name: Chondrus canaliculatus

Grows: This species is less well known and has a more limited distribution, typically found in specific coastal environments, though often in similar regions to Chondrus crispus.

Appearance: It has a similar structure to Chondrus crispus but is slightly more tubular or cylindrical rather than flat. The branches tend to have a grooved or channel-like appearance (hence the name canaliculatus).

Best Ways To Take Sea Moss

Sea Moss is most commonly sold as a sea moss gel. These gel products can be pretty expensive. Making your own using cut and sifted dried sea moss that has already been cleaned will not only save you time, but also money! Plus it’s super easy and you can make it your own by adding any fruits or sweeteners to conceal that ocean-y taste.

Simple Sea Moss Gel Recipe

Using Cut and Sifted Dry Sea Moss

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup of dried, cut and sifted Sea Moss
• About 6 cups or 48 ounces of filtered or spring water

Optional

• ½ to 1 cup of Fresh or Frozen fruit (if using frozen let thaw before using) You can use berries, mango, pineapple, lemon, etc
• 3-5 Medjool dates, for sweetness. (Place dates in a bowl and cover with hot water, let soak for about 30 mins, this makes them easier to blend)

Directions

1. Add ⅓ cup of dry cut and sifted sea moss to a bowl.
2. Using either a pot on the stove or a kettle, boil 2 cups of spring or filtered water. (If using dates, use 3 cups of water)
3. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over sea moss, cover and let set for 1-2 hours.
4. If using dates, pour the remaining cup of water over the dates. Let sit for about 30 mins.
5. Place all of your sea moss & water mixture into a blender. If using fruit and dates add those as well.
6. If you are not using any fruit or dates, add the remaining water (4 cups) to the blender.
7. If you are using fruit and dates, add those to the blender, adding the water the dates soaked in, and 2 additional cups of water.
8. Blend on high until combined and smooth. Making sure to blend well. You want it to be smooth.
9. Transfer sea moss gel mixture into a clean glass jar with lid. Label jar with date.
10. Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

You can enjoy this gel by the spoonful or add it to your morning smoothie to start your day.

How Much Sea Moss Should You Take Daily?

I think in our society we tend to think that if something is “good for us” then more of it is better. This is not the case with Sea Moss.

Yes sea moss is packed with lots of minerals that are good for us. But one of those minerals is iodine. Iodine is an essential mineral for thyroid function but too much iodine can cause thyroid dysfunction, even in individuals with no previous thyroid issues. Too much iodine can lead to a thyroid goiter or an enlarged thyroid gland. Just two tablespoons of raw sea moss contains 470 mg of iodine. The FDA recommends adults consume no more that 150 micrograms

Which is why the recommended daily dosage of sea moss is no more than 1 to 2 tablespoons or 4 to 8 grams.

Who Should Not Take Sea Moss?

And this might be the most important part. With so many influencers singing the praises of Sea Moss to their large followings, there are people who really should avoid Sea Moss. Let’s talk about who should use caution when consuming Sea Moss and who should avoid it all together.

• If you have a pre-existing thyroid condition, are currently on thyroid medication or have a sensitivity to iodine you probably want to stay away from sea moss. Sea moss is high in iodine levels, and though iodine can be beneficial to the thyroid gland, excessive amounts of iodine can lead to a condition called Jod-Basedow phenomenon. People with thyroid conditions should speak with a knowledgeable practitioner before adding sea moss or other sea vegetables to their daily routines.
• Sea moss may have blood thinning properties, so people who are taking anticoagulant medications should speak with their healthcare provider before consuming sea moss.
• Sea moss may impair the absorption of prescription medications. If you are taking any prescription drugs, speak with your healthcare provider before consuming sea moss.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid sea moss as well. There isn’t enough research to suggest it is safe.
• Sea Moss contains phytoestrogens, people with a history of or family history of estrogen positive cancers should avoid sea moss.

Where can you source high quality certified organic sea moss?

Starwest Botanicals provides certified organic sea moss in both a powder and dry cut & sift. When ordering herbs from Starwest Botanicals you can fully trust the product you are ordering is top quality. Start shopping with confidence and peace of mind today. Are you looking to add Sea Moss to your business? Apply for a wholesale account here to save 40% on retail prices.

References

• An Overview to the Health Benefits of Seaweeds Consumption
• Iodine, Seaweed, and the Thyroid
• Prebiotics from seaweeds: An ocean of opportunity?
• How Much Iodine is in Sea Moss: Numbers that Matter!
• Seaweed, Irish Moss USDA
• Immunomodulatory effects of seaweed extract nutrient complex

Bio

Danielle Caster is a Clinical Herbalist who uses her knowledge of herbalism along with a holistic approach to support women in achieving a more embodied way of living.

Danielle specializes in Women’s Reproductive & Hormone Health from Preconception through Menopause, and everything in between.

Through one on one Herbal Wellness Sessions, Danielle curates custom holistic protocols for her clients, addressing the root cause and restoring balance to the body.

A mother of three and avid gardener. Danielle also enjoys growing a multitude of medicinal plants and vegetables, spending time with her family, traveling and reading.

For more information about working with Danielle please visit her website or follow her on Instagram.