{"id":230568,"date":"2025-10-27T14:03:21","date_gmt":"2025-10-27T14:03:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=230568"},"modified":"2025-10-27T14:09:45","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T14:09:45","slug":"bladderwrack","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/bladderwrack\/","title":{"rendered":"Bladderwrack"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":230607,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"fb51da7f-8579-485c-a945-765a19086ff2","beyondwords_preview_token":"8c142148-98be-42a8-bf64-6cdac25b633e","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[2018,1156,2019],"conditions":[685,693,701,699],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[786,28,527,1819],"western_action":[989,991,992,1823,993,994,996,1005,1008,1010,1016],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1382,1488,1495,1492],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-230568","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-antiobesity","tag-nutritive","tag-thyroid-stimulant","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-endocrine-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-musculoskeletal-system","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-cooling","sense-mucilaginous","sense-salty","sense-umami","western_action-alterative","western_action-anthelmintic","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antihyperlipidemic","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-antirheumatic","western_action-demulcent","western_action-diuretic","western_action-expectorant","western_action-laxative","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-moist","energetics_action-salty","energetics_action-toning","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20251024","herb_author":2004,"banner_text":"Bladderwrack is a rich source of nutrients and minerals, including iodine","latin_name":"Fucus vesiculosus<\/span><\/i>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Fucaceae","herb_summary":"Bladderwrack has been traditionally used in the treatment of underactive thyroid and obesity due to iodine deficiency as well as rheumatic conditions affecting the joints.","key_benefits":"Low thyroid function due to iodine deficiency\r\nGoitre\r\nRheumatic conditions and arthritis\r\nTo support weight loss ","how_does_it_feel":"The vibrance and potency of bladderwrack\u2019s sea aroma in its slippery fresh form is in stark contrast to the hard, brittle, shrunken black form, adorned only lightly with a white incrustation, that it becomes once dried (1). In the mouth, the initial sensation of saltiness is quickly complimented by a growing awareness of umami, enhancing flavours, promoting appetite, increasing salivation and supporting digestion (2).<\/span>","hdif_image_1":230607,"hdif_image_2":230606,"hdif_image_3":230603,"hdif_video":"","sense":[786,28,527],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_230607\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"516\"]\"Bladderwrack Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nBladderwrack can be used to support thyroid function when underactivity of this endocrine gland is caused by an underlying iodine deficiency as a result of insufficient dietary intake (3, 4). Since the widespread introduction of iodised salt, this cause of low-thyroid activity is seen far less commonly than previously when hypothyroidism and goitre were most frequently observed to occur in inland areas with no easily available dietary sources of iodine such as sea-salt, salt water fish or seaweeds (5). <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe current main cause of low-thyroid function is auto-immune conditions such as Hashimoto\u2019s disease, which has been seen to be made worse in some individuals as a result of increased iodine intake (5,6,7). For this reason, it is recommended that anyone experiencing symptoms that may be associated with low thyroid function; such as extreme fatigue, unexplained weight gain, brain fog, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, low mood and dryness of the skin or hair, consults their medical provider for testing to identify the cause of this and seeks the guidance of an experienced herbal practitioner with regard to whether bladderwrack would be indicated as beneficial specific to the diagnosis and cause of their condition.<\/span>\r\n\r\nBladderwrack may be used for conditions of the digestive system such as indigestion, acid reflux, GORD and gastritis where its soothing, cooling actions make it an effective remedy due to the presence of the polysaccharide alginic acid, a compound used in many over-the-counter remedies for treating indigestion, such as Gaviscon (3,8,9). It may also be used to relieve the symptoms of rheumatic conditions and arthritis both when taken internally or used as an external compress directly applied to painful or swollen joints<\/span> (3,10).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"Bladderwrack is considered to be a herb of protection, particularly for those whose work takes them out to sea, such as sailors. It has also been seen as symbolic of financial abundance resulting in the custom of keeping a little dried bladderwrack in a purse or hung over the door of a dwelling place (11,12).<\/span>\r\n\r\nEnergetically the cool, salty qualities of bladderwrack are particularly indicated where there is depletion, a sense of sluggishness or damp stagnation. It can be a valued ally for those who feel weighed down or out of rhythm with life.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAstrologically bladderwrack is associated with both the moon and Saturn connecting it to nourishment and the tides of life alongside structure, boundaries and restoration.<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_230602\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"512\"]\"Bladderwrack Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThere is evidence of bladderwrack having been used medicinally as early as the first century CE when it was included in a medical text from that time, <\/span>De Materia <\/span><\/i>M<\/span>edica<\/span><\/i>, written by the Greek physician Dioscorides who recommended it for inflammation and \u201cgouty afflictions\u201d (11).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn European herbalism, its use in the treatment of thyroid conditions has been documented as far back as the 17<\/span>th<\/span> century which followed the observation that cases of goitre were rarely seen among populations living along coastlines who regularly consumed seafoods including seaweed (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe Eclectic physicians of the US in the 19<\/span>th<\/span> century also acknowledged the value of bladderwrack in treating conditions of the thyroid and considered it to be a specific for\u00a0 \u201c\u2026.both exophthalmic and uncomplicated goitre\u2026.\u201d as well as a remedy to support weight loss<\/span> (12).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt is described in King\u2019s American Dispensatory, a medical and botanical textbook published in 1898, in which its use for directly promoting weight loss is disputed and any subsequent reduction in weight being deduced to be a result of dietary changes recommended to the patient. It is instead hypothesised to influence the processes of elimination and the glandular system through its <\/span>alterative<\/span><\/a> action, to tone muscle fibres and reduce fatty degeneration of the heart, properties which were further examined in the later work of 1922 by Harvey Felter, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics (13,14,15).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

\"EndocrineEndocrine<\/h3>\r\nIn times past, low thyroid function and goitre were most commonly caused by a lack of iodine and generally seen in inland areas with no available dietary sources, such as sea-salt, salt water fish or seaweeds (5). Due to its rich mineral content, including iodine, bladderwrack has been seen to be of benefit in the treatment of hypothyroid conditions or goitre caused by iodine deficiency (3,6,10,16). In modern practice, <\/span>underactive thyroid<\/span><\/a> function is more frequently seen to be a result of autoimmune conditions, such as Hashimoto\u2019s disease or other endocrine disorders (of which some cases have been seen to be exacerbated by excess iodine) (7,13,17). Furthermore, high doses of iodine may reduce the synthesis of hormones by the thyroid gland consequently reducing thyroid function further and resulting in a worsening of symptoms. Consequently, it is recommended to be taken under the guidance of an experienced practitioner in endocrine conditions who may include it if appropriate along with other herbs shown to be of benefit in low thyroid function such as <\/span>ashwagandha<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Withania somnifera<\/span><\/i>)<\/span>, <\/span><\/i>gugg<\/span>u<\/span>l<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Commiphora muk<\/span><\/i>u<\/span><\/i>l<\/span><\/i>)<\/span> and <\/span>black <\/span>seed<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Nigella sativa<\/span><\/i>)<\/span> (18,19,20).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn addition to the iodine content, the flavonoid constituents of bladderwrack, particularly fucoxanthin, have been seen to be of benefit in the treatment of other endocrine conditions, including type 2 diabetes and metabolic system through modulation the inflammatory responses and supporting metabolism (8,20).<\/span>\r\n

Digestive<\/h3>\r\nThe role of bladderwrack in promoting weight loss has been generally considered to be associated with its effects on thyroid gland function and clinical evidence of its benefits in the treatment of obesity is varied (6,10). However, more recent research may indicate a more complex mechanisms of action such as improved insulin receptor response, increased breakdown of fats in white adipose tissue and a decreased expression of genes associated with a tendency towards obesity and accumulation of fat through their effects on appetite regulation, metabolism and body fat storage (7,19,21). Through its action on the digestive system including the inhibition of bile acid absorption, it is also seen to have benefits such as lowering cholesterol and triglycerides contributing towards overall improved health outcomes (3)<\/span>\r\n\r\nBladderwrack is also a rich source of alginic acid that, along with being a mild appetite suppressant, supports the gut microbiota and has a cooling soothing action on the gastrointestinal tract which, along with other herbs known to have mucous membrane protective or restorative properties such as <\/span>marshmallow<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Althaea officinalis<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>li<\/span>qu<\/span>orice<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Glycyrrhiza glabra<\/span><\/i>), may be useful in the treatment of acid reflux, GORD, <\/span>gastritis<\/span><\/a> and peptic ulcers (3,8,9).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Musculoskeletal<\/h3>\r\nBladderwrack has traditionally been prescribed for rheumatic conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and may be used both as an internal preparation and applied externally to inflamed joints (4,10,13). Its <\/span>alterative<\/span><\/a>, nutritive, <\/span>antioxidant<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>anti-inflammatory<\/span><\/a> actions have been shown to be of benefit in the treatment of arthritis as well as other inflammatory conditions (3,8,10).<\/span>\r\n

Immune<\/h3>\r\nThe <\/span>antimicrobial<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>anti-inflammatory<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>antioxidant<\/span><\/a>, antiangiogenic and antitumour properties of bladderwrack all contribute to its role in supporting immune function. Its <\/span>antiviral<\/span><\/a> action has been seen to be effective in practice against <\/span>Herpes simplex<\/span><\/i> virus and shows promising results against HIV in in-vitro testing (3,13). There is also evidence to suggest it may inhibit the growth of some cancer cell lines and it may be used as part of a preventative treatment protocol for individuals at high risk, or in remission from, lymphoma and breast cancer (3,4,8).<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_230601\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"514\"]\"Bladderwrack Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Supplementation of elderly Japanese men and women with fucoidan from seaweed increases immune responses to seasonal influenza vaccination<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThis randomised, double blind placebo-controlled trial from 2013 examined the potential benefits of fucoidan, a polysaccharide constituent found in bladderwrack, in increasing the effectiveness of flu vaccination in the elderly population, a group previously acknowledged to exhibit an inadequate immunological response. Following vaccination with the current seasonal influenza vaccine, the group receiving a fucoidan supplement were seen to have significantly higher levels of antibodies against all three strains of influenza virus contained in the vaccine given when compared with the placebo-control group. <\/span>\r\n\r\nA substantial increase in natural killer cells at around nine weeks was evidenced in the fucoidan supplemented group; in contrast to the control group, within whom no significant increase was seen in natural killer cells around this time. These results offer evidence to suggest that in immunocompromised elderly patients supplementation with fucoidan may increase vaccination induced antibody production, increasing the effectiveness of vaccines in this population (22).<\/span>\r\n

Fucoidan prevents high\u2010fat diet\u2010induced obesity in animals by suppression of fat accumulation<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThe benefits of bladderwrack with regard to promoting weight loss are frequently attributed to its effect on thyroid function. In contrast, this 2014 study examines a possible additional mechanism of action responsible for its effects on obesity in an animal model when this is caused by a high fat diet, focusing on fucoidan, one of the main chemical constituents contained within bladderwrack. After a five week trial it was found that the group who had received supplements of fucoidan had gained significantly less weight and decreased their food efficiency ratios and epididymal and liver fat mass when compared to those in the control group fed an identical high fat diet. <\/span>\r\n\r\nAdditionally, those supplemented with fucoidan were shown to have reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins and triglyceride levels. There was also evidence to suggest that fucoidan significantly decreased the expression of genes associated with a tendency towards obesity and accumulation of fat through their effects on appetite regulation, metabolism and body fat storage, which increase an individual\u2019s risk of hyperlipidaemia, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome (21).<\/span>\r\n

The effect of <\/span>Fucus vesiculosus<\/span><\/i>, an edible brown seaweed, upon menstrual cycle length and hormonal status in three pre-menopausal women<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThis case report from 2004 examined whether the variation between the highest rates of oestrogen-dependant cancers reported in Western countries in contrast to the lower incidence rate seen in the East could be attributed to a higher consumption of seaweeds, in addition to greater dietary intake of soy products, included in the traditional diets of these regions such as seen in Japanese populations. This was investigated by administering a daily bladderwrack supplement to a sample group of three women, all of whom were pre-menopausal with a menstrual cycle length considered to be outside of normal parameters along with histories of other menstrual disorders. <\/span>\r\n\r\nIn all three subjects included in the study a significant increase in the length of the menstrual cycle was observed of between 5.5 to 14 days within five to seven cycles accompanied by a reduction in heaviness of blood loss and length of menstruation itself. Furthermore, hormone testing of one subject suggested that bladderwrack may possess antioestrogenic and progestogenic actions as results indicated a significant dose-dependant reduction in 17beta-oestradiol levels alongside an increase in mean baseline progesterone levels (23).<\/span>\r\n

A <\/span>Fucus vesiculosus<\/span><\/i> extract inhibits estrogen receptor activation and induces cell death in female cancer cell lines<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThis study published in 2016 follows previous work by the same authors into the antioestrogenic action of bladderwrack. It aimed to further investigate the previously evidenced antioestrogenic mechanisms of action along with other potentially beneficial therapeutic indications such as oestrogen-dependant and non-oestrogen-dependant types of cancer, including breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers. Along with the action of a bladderwrack extract on oestrogen receptor activation, aromatase activity was measured in order to assess the effects of bladderwrack extract on the biosynthesis of oestradiol. <\/span>Analysis included that of cell viability, morphology, membrane integrity, mitochondrial toxicity, induction of apoptotic and autophagic markers, and cell signalling. <\/span>\r\n\r\nResults suggested that bladderwrack extract exhibited potent oestrogen receptor antagonistic effects significantly reducing oestrogen receptor activation and inhibited aromatase activity. The viability of both oestrogen receptor dependant and independent cancer cells was seen to decrease directly correlating with an increased dose of the bladderwrack extract, showing morphological changes indicative of apoptosis and autophagy. This induction of apoptosis and autophagy in cancers of the endometrium, ovaries and breast may potentially indicate anti-tumour properties of bladderwrack independent of its antioestrogenic actions (24).<\/span>","did_you_know":"[caption id=\"attachment_230604\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"514\"]\"Bladderwrack Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe botanical name for bladderwrack, <\/span>Fucus vesiculosus, <\/span><\/i>is derived from the Greek word \u2018pykos\u2019 meaning \u2018seaweed\u2019 and the Latin term \u2018vesiculosus\u2019 which translates as \u2018with bladder\u2019 (25).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt has also been used for weather forecasting. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it was said that if bladderwrack is hung up and remains wet then it will soon rain, whereas if it dries out the weather will be fair and sunny<\/span> (11,12).<\/span>\r\n\r\nDuring the 19<\/span>th<\/span> century, at the time of the Napoleonic wars, seaweeds including bladderwrack were burnt for their ash which is a rich source of potash and soda ash necessary for the production of gunpowder. In more peaceful times, these were both used for the manufacture of glass and by the soap industry of the era (26).<\/span>\r\n\r\nTraditionally it was used as a crop fertilizer in places including Cornwall, Jersey and the Isles of Scotland where it would be gathered from the shoreline and spread directly on the beds containing stable crops such as potatoes .It is still used in organic gardening today albeit more frequently as a liquid crop feed (26,27).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":230599},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Bladderwrack is a perennial seaweed from the genus <\/span>Fucus<\/span><\/i> that attaches itself to rocks along the coastline by a hard, flat holdfast, the equivalent of a land plant\u2019s root structure. The fronds, which are flat and have have a central rib, can vary in colour from green, orange and brown and may grow to between only a few centimetres and up to a metre or more long depending on the environment, consist of the stipe and the blade \u2014 similar to the stem and leaf of a land plant. These are branched dichotomously and bear the small air sacs, or bladders, which allow the plant to stay afloat, from which the common name of bladderwrack is derived (25,34).<\/span>\r\n\r\nBladderwrack is dioecious, bearing distinctly different reproductive structures on separate plants. Gametes are produced from specialist areas at the tip of each plant and released when sea conditions are sufficiently calm to allow for fertilization to occur outside of the plant body within the waters of the sea (34,35).<\/span>","common_names":"