I first discovered sea moss, often referred to as Irish moss, while I was leading retreats in the Caribbean back in 2009. It was being used to thicken smoothies and milks, and even in custardy desserts. As I am a super nutrition nerd, I had to look a little more into this amazing sea vegetable.
Health Benefits of Sea Moss / Irish Moss
Sea moss, also known as Irish moss, red algae or Chondrus crispus, offers us a variety of health benefits.
Thyroid Support
DI-Iodothyronine (DIT), what T3 breaks down into, is found in abundance in brown sea moss and for this reason, it has been used as a treatment for thyroid disorders. Thyroxin (T4) and Tri-iodothyronine (T3) have been found as the main organically bound iodine compounds in several seaweeds.
Then, of course, there is the iodine, which is highly concentrated in sea moss and this is serious fuel for the thyroid. Selenium is also present in abundance and is a necessary factor in thyroid hormone production.
Mental/Emotional Health
Sea moss is jam-packed full of potassium. The cells of the body cannot function without potassium, though strangely our bodies do not have a mechanism to conserve potassium. Adding high-potassium foods like sea moss to the diet can significantly improve behaviour and mental functioning (especially for ADD children!). High potassium foods are also very helpful for fibromyalgia, moodiness, agitation, depression and anxiety disorders. Irish moss is also an excellent source of a range of B vitamins, which are well known for supporting the nervous system and reducing stress. This food is like a warm cup of tea with good book by the fire for the nervous system.
Additional evidence indicates that sea moss has a neuroprotective effect, shielding the brain from the accumulation of a protein called α-synulein that is linked to neurodegeneration and the development of Parkinson’s disease.
If all that wasn’t enough, sea moss contains algin. This phytonutrient has therapeutic value as a heavy metal detoxifying agent – meaning it helps pull heavy metals out of the tissues of our bodies.
Digestive Health
Sea moss has a mucilaginous consistency, meaning it can help act as a soothing and healing agent to all mucous membranes (great for external skin health and internal digestive tract health). Recent animal studies show that it has prebiotic effects as well, leading to an increased production of helpful short-chain fatty acids in the colon, a reduction of detrimental bacteria in the gut, and improvements in overall gut health and immunity.
Immune Support
Sea moss helps relieve and prevent symptoms of colds and flu – how perfect for the cold and flu season, but also for year-round immunity. Irish moss is a source of potassium chloride, a nutrient which helps to dissolve catarrhs (inflammation and phlegm in the mucous membranes), which cause congestion. It contains compounds which act as a natural antimicrobial and antiviral agents, helping to boost immunity and get rid of any infections. Hello natural cough syrup!
Cold, flu-like, and other coughy-mucousy conditions the moss helps with include:
- Sore throat
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
- Chest coughs
In addition, Irish moss is rich in amino acids, Vitamin C and antioxidants, all of which help to boost the immune system, support immune health and prevent cellular damage and destruction. It also has anti-tumor properties.
Health Concerns About Irish Moss: Carrageenan
I love Irish moss and don’t like seeing it shed salty tears over the bad reputation it has gotten across the internet. A few years ago, a report from the Cornucopia Institute criticized food manufacturers for using carrageenan in organic foods, something they termed ‘Organic Watergate’.
Carrageenan is a food additive that can be derived or extracted from Irish moss, but it’s not the same thing as whole food sea moss. It’s often used as a thickener or stabilizer in a wide variety of foods.
The politics around carrageenan begin on page 11 of the report, but I will summarize the issues with it here:
- Carrageenan is derived from red seaweed.
- Carrageenan can be classified as low molecular weight, “degraded” carrageenan, or high molecular weight, or “undegraded” carrageenan.
- Degraded carrageenan is recognized as a carcinogen in lab animals, and is therefore classified as a “possible human carcinogen” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. (More recent research has shown it can also be cytotoxic in human cells as well.)
- Degraded carrageenan also causes inflammation in the colon in rodents, which resembles ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease.
- This inflammatory property of degraded carrageenan is not in dispute, especially since the medical research community has used degraded carrageenan for decades to induce acute inflammation in experimental trials conducted with lab animals, to test anti-inflammation drugs.
- Carrageenan processors claim that food-grade carrageenan sold to food processors falls entirely in the undegraded category. However, studies (including industry-funded studies) show that food-grade carrageenan is also linked to colon inflammation and colon cancer in animals.
So with the damaging effects of carrageenan, should we be avoiding Irish moss/sea moss altogether?
No, I don’t think we should – because sea moss and carrageenan are not the same thing.
Carrageenan is one active and concentrated component of the whole food that is Irish moss. And yes, there definitely are major and valid health concerns about degraded and undegraded carrageenan – which are mainly used in processed foods anyway.
To give you a few examples, we can take B-vitamin supplements that are derived from naturally occurring sources, or we can eat a cereal that contains synthetic thiamin hydrochloride (a synthetic version of Vitamin B1 that is derived from coal tar). We will gain different benefits or receive different effects from each. We can take magnesium glycinate, a highly absorbable form of magnesium, or take magnesium oxide where we may get more benefit from just eating a chunk of cement. We could run the risk of having birth defects in our babies if we take too much Vitamin A as a supplement while pregnant, but eating Vitamin A rich foods is perfectly safe as there is no way we could eat a great enough concentration of Vitamin A from whole foods to cause the harm that a single isolated component could have.
To declare that Irish moss should be avoided due to the harmful effects of chemically processed carageenan is a bit like saying we must avoid organic corn on the cob because high fructose corn syrup is toxic to the liver and leads to obesity, or to avoid white willow bark as an herb because aspirin (from which it is derived) can cause gastric bleeding, or to avoid coconuts because hydrogenated palm oil and sodium lauryl sulfate are bad for us. Comparing sea moss to carrageenan is a bit like comparing raw sheep milk cheese with cheese whiz, or fresh strawberries with strawberry Jell-O.
I have long argued in favour of the benefit of sea moss, and will continue to do so.
Nutritional research, for the most part, is not particularly helpful when it comes to the true benefits of whole foods. That’s how we get ridiculously convoluted studies on organics, and confusion over whether coffee is good or bad for us, and that omega-6 oils are heart healthy when in fact they are the exact opposite.
When it comes to food, I sincerely believe that traditional diets is the best source of information. Irish moss has been used for generations among seaside cultures as complete body nourishing tonics. I personally consumed Irish moss regularly for years as a preventative for a Crohn’s flare up, for thyroid health and to keep my internal tissues healthy, leading to healthy skin.
We can not judge the health of a whole food based on unnatural processed concentrations of its component parts. We cannot compare studies on isolated phytochemicals used in higher than natural or normal concentrations as grounds for avoiding a whole, unprocessed, nature-made food.
Granted, some people may have personal and individualized sensitivities to Irish moss, just like we can all have unique responses to any number of foods. All of the studies and articles relating to the Irish moss worries have nothing to do with Irish moss. They are about the concentration of the extracted and heavily processed carrageenan, which, as I mentioned, are not the same thing.
If you are in doubt, then please do keep it out. I only ask that you always do your own thorough research, read the information and make your own decisions. And if none of those reports make any sense, and you’re still not convinced, eat something (or stop eating it) and decide for yourself how you feel. That will always be your best measure.
If you’d like to include Irish moss in your diet, here is a video explaining simple ways to prepare it.
How To Prepare Sea Moss / Irish Moss
How To Prepare Sea Moss
- If dried: soak it for a few hours in water. Rinse away any sand that may be present.
- If fresh: clean the fresh moss of all other bits of seaweed, and wash thoroughly to remove sand and grit.
Once soaked/cleaned, you’ll want to simmer the moss in clean water until tender.
How to Use Irish Moss
Irish moss has a strong, sea-like flavour, so it’s better to start using it in small amounts and also use it in recipes where the taste will be disguised by the other flavours. Try using it in:
- Smoothies
- Dairy-free elixirs
- Blended soups
- One-pot meals and stews
- Salad dressings
- Homemade nut/seed milk
- Nut cheeses
- Raw desserts
- Chocolate
Recipes That Use Irish Moss
- The Ultimate Stress Busting Latte
- A Smoothie That Tastes Just Like My Body Butter
- Super Holiday Nog
- Most Amazing Chocolate Milk Ever!
- Chai Mocha Latte
Where To Purchase Sea Moss/ Irish Moss
For a long time, I carried this product and sold it directly. Unfortunately, after a hurricane wiped out my Caribbean supplier in 2010, and Fukushima made sea vegetables from the Pacific a questionable choice, I have chosen not to sell directly.
I recommend checking out your local West Indian grocer or looking online. You can find it on Amazon.ca here and Amazon.com here.

196 responses to “Sea Moss and Irish Moss: Everything You Need To Know”
I have never used sea moss and I would love to try the Shake, can yo do step by step how to make it please? i am so sorry…
Are you looking for instructions for the sea moss, or the shake? The sea moss directions are in the video above. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hi,
Can i use sea moss directly on my hair?
As a conditioner? I don’t see why not.
Hi there
I make my own zinc suncream and I’m looking for colored pigments that are safe on the skin and reef safe. Do you have information on how sea moss would react with butters and zinc oxide and if i would need a preservative with the suncream?Thanks
Hi Jenine! I haven’t seen any research specifically about the reactions between zinc oxide, sea moss and butters (though there isn’t a lot of research on homemade sunscreens in general). Zinc oxide does have some preservation properties, and depending on what else is in your recipe you could add some essential oils that have antimicrobial/antibacterial properties.
Where can I purchase your sea moss?
I cant waite to get started using sea moss in and on everything, where to purchase your irish sea moss.
Hello. Am I able to add sea moss to lotion bars due to lotion bars don’t have water??
HI, I 1st tried this from a smoothie shop and it made me feel fantastic, so I searched on line for how to get it and learned I could make it. Tried to find locally, to no avail, so ordered on line. I made my 1st batch 2 days ago, but am not feeling the lift I got from the one purchased from smoothie shop (they sold a container of the gel). I soaked mine in water for 12 hours, then covered with water and blended till smooth. It thickened, but did not turn to gel, nor got clear (kind of a tan color). Since I don’t feel the same effect, I’m wondering if I need to throw out this batch and start over. I had not seen your video until today – which does a great job of demonstrating how to make. I’m also curious as to how much I should consume a day. Thank you in advance for you response.
Thank you so much
There are all different types from all different oceans- so it could be any number of factors. Irish moss isn’t intended to give you much of a boost so it may be the smoothie itself? I find they gel much better when lightly simmered, but again, will depend on the type you’re using. Perhaps ask the shop what they use.
You should soak the Sea Moss for 3 days in a big pan. It will clean and soften. I get mine from a shop in Denver called Akente Express. Meghan, I really loved your blog on this product. Thank you.
I am interested in your sea moss recipe.
The best place that I found to order from in the U.S. is naturalzing.com. I usually get 2 lbs at a time and that lasts me and my family for a long, long time.
Anyone with thyroid issues should get their Iodine levels checked before using moss or other sea vegetables, seaweed, algae especially if they have Hashimoto’s when supplementing with Iodine is not often recommended.
Hi, I am new to your blog and I am looking for Irish sea moss. I heard its best in its wet state not dry. Could you explain the difference. I would like to purchase it as well. I have thyroid disease and high blood pressure and was wondering how good is it for the blood pressure. Thanks
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for your comment!
You can purchase both dried and wet Sea Moss, and here is how to prepare it.
If dried: soak it for a few hours in water. Rinse away any sand that may be present.
If fresh: clean the fresh moss of all other bits of seaweed, and wash thoroughly to remove sand and grit.
Once soaked/cleaned, you’ll want to simmer the moss in clean water until tender.
I am unable to offer nutritional advice or recommendations via my blog, I recommend that you visit your natural health care practitioner to determine if incorporating sea moss into your diet is a good approach for you.
Meghan, I am finding powdered sea moss online. Is that something you would recommend or is buying it whole better?
Are the Sea Moss capsules just as effective as it is in the raw
I would recommend using real sea moss.
Love your video. I just rinse really well and put it in a mason jar with filtered or spring water and let sit on the counter for a few hours. Then I keep the jar in the fridge and take what I need from there. When I’m done I pour the water into my dogs dehydrated food, plants or use it on my skin or make lotion from it.
Curious why you cook it? It gets so incredibly soft from soaking…and yes, it’s wonderful stuff!
That’s great to hear! I simmer it in clean water to get the moss to become more tender.
I live in the Caribbean island of Barbados the people in the Caribbean, make a delicious drink out of seamoss, adding condensed milk or coconut milk with spices. Delicious, I made some Yesterday.
Hi Denise,
when I used to live in Brooklyn, there was a Jamaican guy who used to make and package this AMAZING seamoss shake for the local healthfood store but I moved in 2018 and then the store shut down during Covid. Do you have a recipe for making it with the coconut mil and spices? I’m buying the seamoss from my friend in the Bronx next week (he gets it from St Lucia), and would love to have a recipe like the one you mentioned!
Hi where in England would be best to buy this
Check online, or your local health food store.
I grow it locally in the caribbean.. St Lucia
Ra Nutrients on Ebay UK. They supply in any quantity and the customer service is amazing !
I read your article on Sea Moss (aka Irish Moss). Excited to read about all of the health benefits I did some further research and found articles that Irish Moss contained carrageenan which is not at all good for us in that it causes inflammation, wrecks havoc on our gut and has cancer causing potential. Can you clarify?
I sure can! Have a read of this article: https://www.meghantelpner.com/blog/addressing-irish-moss-concerns/
Hey Meghan, my name is Juelle and I suffer with hypothyroidism. I drink a mixture of seamoss, blue vervain leaves and cinnamon blended with hot water every morning and my thyroid shrunk considerably. I even began to lose and noticed changes in mood and energy levels, so I concur, it works
Well I simmer the irish moss with whole cinnamon until it’s completely melted. Pour into mugs or jars and when cool store in fridge. For smoothies I put scoops in blender with condensed milk/liquid milk and blend to desired texture. For a tasty punch add a little rum.
You can find Irish Sea Moss all over NYC in Jamaican restaurants and groceries and other various Carribean islands establishments. It is a common bottled or house made drink, along with other tasty, healthy drinks like Sorrel, ginger beer (non-alcoholic) and the like. This is the Jamaican way, so if you have a Jamaican restaurant near you first be sure to look for it there before scouring online sources. If you do order online, be sure to get some dried sorrel too to make that drink as well.
Hi Eddie,
when I used to live in Brooklyn, there was a Jamaican guy who used to make and package this AMAZING seamoss shake for the local healthfood store but I moved away in 2018 and then the store shut down during Covid. Do you have a recipe for making it into a drink? I’m buying the seamoss from my friend in the Bronx next week (he gets it from St Lucia), and would love to have a recipe…
Hi. I have a lot of sea moss on my hands… well in the freezer actually… more than I can use in any recipes. Is there anyway I can prepare and then freeze into pill size or bite size that I can just swallow? Thank you so much for your help!
It’s awesome that you’ve got such an abundant stash! You could try giving some away to friends and family, if they’re willing to try it.
Is taking the pill form of sea moss less effective?
It depends on the source. Sometimes supplements are filled with additives or use lower quality vitamins and minerals. I haven’t really seen Irish Moss supplements around, so I can’t speak to their quality or effectiveness. I always use a food-first approach so my optimal choice would be to get the whole food version.
Hi, I suffer from Graves’ disease. I have a whole lot of Irish Moss that I’m getting ready to prepare. I am Jamaican, but this is my first time ever using Irish Moss. my only question is, can I just blend it raw with my other ingredients to make my smoothie? Thank you!
Hi Melinda, once soaked and cleaned, you’ll want to simmer the sea moss until tender. Once it’s tender you can add it to your smoothie. Here is one of my smoothie recipes with sea moss. Enjoy!
Good morning Meghan
Lovely forum. Kudos to you!!!
Is the Irish moss equally good as the Jamaican one?
Thank you
Trudy
Great forum, breath of fresh air nutritional advice
Can you please recommend somewhere I can purchase seamoss? Please and thank you. I need it no later than DEC 4, 2017
I’ve suggested a few online links in the post above.
I am not sure if Amazon.com ships to your area, but that is where I purchased my Sea Moss.
Best of Luck.
I have asthma and have a hard time fighting respiratory infections. It takes 2 weeks and additional steroids to recover from a simple cold. I began drinking green tea with antioxidants including Irish Moss and it knocked my next cold out in a day!
Great site. My mom told me about Sea Moss – we are from the Caribbean and now live in the States. My family grew up on this amazing stuff and it works.
I’m new to this site. Question: I’m on thyroid medication, can I still use Sea Moss?
Karen
Hi Karen! It’s always best to check in with a health practitioner about how your medications can impact new foods and supplements you introduce to your routine. In its whole food form as described in this post, people aren’t getting a highly concentrated dose compared to what they’d receive in a sea moss supplement. But again, always best to check in with your practitioner.
Very informative
I grew up in the Caribbean drinking lots of seamoss which made me healthy strong and very smart ! I now live in the U.K., but just last month I went home n brought back a whole heap of sea moss .. And this week prepared a big pot which am enjoying daily in my smoothie mixed with Goji, dates , hemp milk – sea moss is serious power food – packed with nutrients, healing power and energy.
When preparing I tend to add spices ( ground cinnamon, nutmeg and bay leaf) and boil it until it’s complety dissolved …but I do like your style with the blender …
Great site and blog ..
Roy
Hi,
I made my Irish moss gel following your video. Can I just take a spoonful of this a day or should I mix it with something ? Trying to get off synthroid!
Thanks!
I personally find it difficult to take a spoonful on its own (more because of the smell than the taste). I prefer to mix it into a recipe, like a smoothie or soup or nut milk. However, if you can do it, feel free to take it by the spoonful!
Hi, Great video. I just purchased sea moss powder and find it very overpowering with taste and smell. I put it in a smoothy but teaser and smell were too much. Any recommendations on how to best use this? Thank you!!
Hi Katie – you can try some of the recipes I’ve linked to in the post. If you still find them overpowering, you could always use less sea moss.
Hey there can I drink Iris moss every day,and it’s safe for kids 5 and up? thanks!
I can’t give specific dosage recommendations – I’d get in touch with a health practitioner for an analysis of what would be best for you and your children. What I will say is that it’s very difficult for healthy adults to ‘overdose’ on most whole foods, I wrote more about that here: https://www.meghantelpner.com/blog/are-you-eating-too-much-kale/
I was searching for Irish sea moss and came accross your site and it was just delightful to learn its benefits. You are first to teach how to prepare sea moss. I search for it on Upaya but the did not have it on display but Raw Food World has it. I will purchase it and do exactly you stated. I also wanted to know:
1) what to do with left over liquid after boiling sea moss and how much to drink it daily.
2) After you had it blended how long to keep it fridge and how much to use daily.
Excellent article.
Thank you
Prepared Irish moss should keep in the fridge for about a week or two. With the liquid, you can blend a bit of it with the cooked moss, or you can save it to make a tea or add it to smoothies. Check out the video I posted – it takes you through the entire process step by step.
Thank You.
I have powdered Irish moss. What is the equivilent of powdered to whole Irish moss?
Thanks
I don’t typically use the powder, so I’m not entirely sure – I’d imagine you could use half of the powder compared to the whole. However, Irish moss is flexible and you can alter the consistency based on your preference.
Thank you so much, I found your way of preparing sea moss is the best because using the same water that you boiled the sea moss in instead of throwing it away !
Thank you again :))
I just started using Sea Moss even though it is found in my home country St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A friend introduced me to it because i had a stomach problem.
I prepared mine using caribbean spices, milk and boiling the moss until it became a gel like paste. I am surprised to see so many persons enjoying this product of nature.
Hi! I can not handle fishy tasting things. I assume the moss tastes similar to seaweed? Can i grind it up and capsule it and reap the benefits?
It definitely does taste and smell like the sea on its own, but when you mix it into recipes you can then disguise the taste.
Thanks this was very informative! Question can this be used for toddlers as well and how? Particular for skin
I’d recommend getting in touch with a health practitioner about specific usage for children.
Do you have a recipe for a”salad” using Irish moss? And I’d like information on your body butter where to get it. Thanks.
Irish moss probably would have a strong taste in a salad…but it would likely work well if blended into a thick salad dressing! I don’t sell my body butter anymore, however there is a great recipe for moisturizer/body butter in this post: https://www.meghantelpner.com/blog/20-best-natural-beauty-care-recipes/
Hi Meghan!
I would like to know if you can take the gel that you made and eat it from the spoon or dilute in warn/hot water to create a broth/soup? What amount do you suggest? Thanks!
You can eat the gel on its own but it really has a strong taste! I prefer adding it to smoothies, nut/seed milks, elixirs and soups/stews for the nutritional value.
Is irish moss conten collagen?
Irish moss has nutrients that support collagen production, which is why you might sometimes see it referred to as ‘plant collagen’. But it doesn’t actually have collagen – that’s found in animal based foods.
Do we have to simmer the Irish moss? And if so, for how long?
Hi Viviana! I recommend simmering the Irish moss for about 10-15 minutes. In the above video, I go into all the details about cooking it if you’re curious.
I like this post and it’s benefits but I’m highly allergic to so many things and already have a lot of problems with my stomach, thyroids, fibromyalgia, nerve damage, hypertension and sleep apnea-certain tastes makes me gag so do you thing this would benefit me?
Hi Cynthia! I recommend checking in with your health practitioner about whether certain foods like Irish moss would work for your particular health needs.
Can I take sea moss while on baby asprin? I take asa because I have a prosthetic arotic heart valve. I would like to replace taking asa with something more natural anyways!
Thanks,
Kaitlyn
Hi Kaitlyn! Best to check in with your health care practitioner for a recommendation.
Sea Moss is probably what I was looking for. But whatever I buy requires I subtract something else. I already eat no food unhealthy, and supplements for a balance on what I miss. I will see if it is available in a health food store in capsule form.
Are the capsules just as effective? How long do you have to take to feel the relief from ailments and some disease?
I’ve never taken the capsules – I aim to use whole sources whenever I can. The timing for effectiveness to kick in varies from person to person, and also depends on what else you are doing to support your health. Working with a practitioner can be very helpful, too.
How do you feel about the Irish Sea Moss powder? I picked some up from my local heath food store to help with my son’s iron intake. He also has inflammation of the gut. Do you think the powder is free of carogenean? Thoughts please. ❤️
If it’s just Irish Moss powder, then it shouldn’t have carrageenan. But if it’s a product that has other ingredients in it, then check the label to see if carrageenan (or anything else you may not want) is in there.
Hello there.
Can I add see moss on my diet considering I just finish my treatment against a breast cancer, succefully thank God..
I really would love but not sure due some concerns I have been reading about.
Thanks.
Hi Paula! I’m glad that your treatment was successful and I wish you a full and quick recovery. I am unable to give specific nutrition advice here without knowing your full health history. I’d recommend working with a health practitioner to determine if sea moss is appropriate for you. Be well!
Can seamoss cause bloating of the stomach also?
Sea moss would generally help with digestive symptoms, but it really depends on the person and his or her individual health. Also, anything could potentially cause bloating if you take too much or it doesn’t personally agree with you.
I purchased seamoss in herbal form. How do I prepare this to eat?
I’m not sure what you’ve purchased, so I don’t know. I’ve given instructions for preparing whole moss in the video in this post. But if you’ve bought something else, like a capsule or a powder, it’s best to follow the instructions that came with the product.
I found a supplier who gets theirs from the Caribbean, is it safe to get it from there?
It depends on the supplier, how the moss is processed, and the water it’s coming from (and any pollutants that may be in it). Ask your supplier and see what they have to say.
hi. I just got irish sea moss powder and was wondering can my husband and I take it daily and for how long should we take it?
Hi Jane! I recommend getting in touch with a health practitioner who can advise you about how you and your husband can best use Irish moss to suit your health needs.
how do i prepare moss powder for tea? can i just put some in hot water and drink it?
I’d recommend following the instructions that come with the powder for use.
Hi Meghan: I am so glad that you are into Irish Sea Moss. I always soak and rinse with lime/lemon for days to release the salt. One more tip try not make the heat too high, it will boil over. It is a sticky mess to clean up! Thanks for Sharing. I truly appreciate you. And you and Josh look amazingly beautiful and happy.
i see its high in iodine i have a shellfish allergy (iodine) would his be the same iodine?
Best to check with your allergist or doctor about whether Irish moss is appropriate for you!
Hi,
I’m looking into buying Irish moss. Did you have it while you were pregnant?
I can’t find much information relating to its effects in pregnancy at all!
Thanks,
Sometimes it’s difficult to find information about certain functional foods/supplements and pregnancy because it’s unethical to test on pregnant women. I always recommend checking in with a health practitioner to see what might work best for you.
I found irish moss here at a good price:
https://www.angelbrand.com/index.php/shop-by-product/d-l/irishmoss.html?SID=9da3da2363016af9a4ffe23a4f59a47a
Hi there! I purchased some Irish moss recently, and I really want all the healing properties it has to offer. The smell.. and the texture about gagged me. Lol even with some hemp milk and cinnamon. I also heard that you can use it to prepare an alkaline porridge for babies. Can you offer some great recipes for me and the baby that would help me enjoy this amazing discovery?
Hi Carol – yes, the smell can be quite strong! Check out the bottom of this post for links to recipes and ideas for using it. My top recommendation would be to start off with a small amount in a recipe so you won’t really taste it.
I just wonder why foods like seaweeds and moss that have been here and used as foods since forever they are not popular foods? Is it unable to be mass produced ? Does it lose to many nutrients cooked ?Does it taste so bad? Does it take to much to equal in proportion to a serving of fish or meat or tofu ? What is the hold up to getting nutritious food ? Can it be used in baby formula or pet foods at least?
These are all great questions! Part of it is cultural – there are some cultures, especially those that live near or are surrounded by water, that have always used and continue to use seaweed because it was easily available and nutritious. In many other places, seaweed is considered odd or weird-tasting, the texture can be off-putting to some, and it can be expensive or hard to source. I try to promote seaweed as much as possible! Irish moss can be harder to acquire a taste for, but others are much easier to like. Recipe ideas are here if you or anyone else is curious: https://www.culinarynutrition.com/sea-vegetable-recipes/
Hi Meghan,
Thanks for your website and the information you provide.
I am interested in buying a seamoss tincture. I live in Toronto as well. There is a product I found online (it has tincture & powder). I was wondering if you recommend it. I am not sure if sea moss has to be organic. I read that the source of water it comes in is important. This product doesn’t state this information. Would you recommend this sea moss? Please let me know. Thank you!
Link: https://herbies-herbs.com/irish-moss-p1011
Hi Genie. Herbie’s Herbs is a great store – I’d call or go in to ask any questions that aren’t answered online on the product page.
Why did you stop using it?
Is the purple Irish Moss the one I shouldn’t use? I don’t want any carrageenan. I’m ashamed to say I bought it a year ago; is it too old to use?
Hi Cece. Your sea moss it shouldn’t be too old to use, especially if the package is still sealed and in good condition. Of course, take a closer look when you open the package and see – if you have any doubt, it’s best to toss it!
hi! This article was so helpful. Thank you! I keep researching the amount of sea moss or sea moss gel that should be taken per day for health benefits but I can’t seem to find any information on that. Do you know where I could find that info?
There really isn’t a standard amount that I am aware of, as dosage will depend on the individual and what they are dealing with.
Hi there, thank you for all the wonderful information. I wanted to ask you a personal question if you don’t mind. How long have you been using sea moss and have you ever stopped and regressed health wise? Thanks you in advance.
Hi Marina! If you’re curious about my health, I give the full low-down here which you might find helpful: https://www.meghantelpner.com/blog/how-i-healed-from-crohns-disease/
You’re awesome! thank you!
I love sea moss. I use it everyday. On my skin, hair, full body and in my smoothies and tea. No one believes my age. My skin glows and is super soft. I need a supply of this superfood!
Good day, enjoyed your article , have 1 question that is are the Sea Moss capsules safe to take? In other words where can I find capsules that have been cleaned from the sand ,dirt etc?
I have seen a lady on utube making homemade capsules
I have decided to try the Irish Sea Moss in the bag first to see how it makes me feel and if comfortable with it would like to try the capsules as I will be traveling.. What do you suggest?
I look forward to your reply
Thank you!
I’d recommend checking out your local health food store and see what options they have.
Thanks for video! It was good info, lmao using the organic sea moss powder in my own G7 elixer ! It jam packed with all the good nutrients found on the earth and water! And now Sea moss!! Thank you DB
Do you know if it grows in Florida off the gulf of Mexico? My husband, who is from the Caribbean, told me about how they use that in the islands when we found some at the beach last weekend, but I would like to be sure that it grows here and that’s not just a “lookalike” we seen before ingesting it…
I’m not sure about that, Amanda. Might be worth checking with a local forager who can identify if what you saw was indeed Irish moss.
Does sea moss go bad?
I left mine in water for a few days(in the refrigerator) when I try to make my gel, it was slobbery. Is that normal or should I not use? Thanks
Hi Sandra, if you soak it for a while, the soak water becomes mucilaginous – that’s the action of the sea moss. If it’s been two or three days, just rinse and use it. No problem. If it’s been longer, I’d recommend discarding and starting over.
I eat raw Irish Sea Moss right out of the jar. Three tea spoons daily. It worked wonders on my painful joints. After three days of taking it my legs are pain free. I’m going up steps now like I did ten years ago. I had to develop a taste for it. Because I believe that Raw is the best way to go. I would like to know what affect it has on my vocal chords if any?
Great article!! great points made over the Carrageenan! subscribed :)
I am jyst gojng to start sea moss , I live in SCOTLAND jyst over the sea from Ireland ,I am 65 and been earthy up until the last 15 years , I have had majors opps .and I would like to know ax I do not cook for myself , is the pill form for sea moss , just as good , thank you ,so glad I found you ,
Hi Elizabeth! Whole foods and supplements are not the same, so it really depends on your unique situation and what you are interested in taking it for.
Where can I purchase the sea moss that you used in this video?
Unfortunately the moss I used in the video isn’t available anymore, but check out your local health food store or online for options!
Hi Meghan thank you so much for this article and for still replying to the comments even though your article is from January 🙂
My sister gave me a bag of sea moss yesterday having not heard of it, I started looking into it and came across your article.
Did I miss you mentioning how much to start taking? Or shall I just experiment with it.
I appreciate you do not give nutritional advice but just a rough idea would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again :)
Hi Wenda! The thing about Irish moss is that it has a very strong taste so your taste buds are usually a good guide for how much you need. You could start off with adding a teaspoon to your smoothies or elixirs or whatever else you’re preparing, and experiment from there. I find if you add more than a few tablespoons per serving it really overpowers everything.
Hey there Meghan :)
I just recently got some Irish sea moss, and decided to rub some on my arm, my skin turn pink where it was applied.. is this normal? or perhaps an allergy? I apologize for the dumb question ;p Thank you!
Hi Steve! Irish moss shouldn’t turn your skin pink. Best to check in with your health care practitioner about any adverse reactions and to see if you have allergies.
Hello as a 21 year old i have been going thru insomnia and fatigue for years and it have been affecting me for so many years It started at 13 idk what caused it but ive been going to the doctors taking medicine and even tried majuana and the list goes o, the doctors told me they don’t know what’s going on do think sea moss will help cure my insomnia I never tryed it before? And by the way I’m a very picky eater the only fruits I know I like is bluberrys, bananna, strawberries and grapes and I don’t like many vegetables.
I’m sorry to hear that you’re struggling with insomnia, Tyler. I recommend working with a natural health care practitioner to figure out a customized plan for your needs. I also have this video on sleep: https://www.meghantelpner.com/blog/4-ways-to-get-better-sleep-meghan-tv/ and this podcast episode about sleep: https://www.culinarynutrition.com/how-to-get-a-good-nights-sleep/. You may find these resources useful.
I add some fresh fruits, green vegetables , a little cinnamon powder, two drops of Vanilla essence & blend it in coconut water.
What are your favorite ways to use Irish moss and how have you personally found it impact your health? It sounds like a super-food.
Hi Dorothy! Check out the sections above titled ‘How to Use Irish Moss’ and ‘Recipes That Use Irish Moss’. There are some handy tips in there and some links to recipes I like.
I’ve just discovered irish moss and after having soaked it and rinsed it repeatedly until soft I blended it raw with a bit of water. I’m glad to have found your blog Meghan coz I wasn’t going to last with the raw recipe as the fishy smell stayed with me all day yesterday after I downed half a pint glass
I have been taking sea moss for about a month and my sleep has improved. I have also been doing 10,000 steps a day, so that might contribute to it as well.
Reading your article you suggest using sea miss with “dairy free” drinks. Any issues with that? I usually have mine in the morning with my coffee and milk.
Hi Cecee – I am not a fan of dairy products, which is why I recommend using Irish moss with dairy-free alternatives.
Is there a capsule product you can recommend versus the Amazon link you posted? I’d rather consume it as a capsule (not sure I can tolerate the smell otherwise). Thank you for your help.
Hi Tahnya. I don’t use Irish moss in supplement form, so it’s best to visit a natural health food store or work with a practitioner to determine recommended brands that would work best for you.
Hi, Meghan! Thank you for this very informative website! I’ve been struggling all year with IBS-D, and it’s become rather severe. I’ll be meeting with my GI doctor later in the week and will definitely discuss with him adding the moss to my diet. In the meantime, I have a question about how to use it. I suppose because of the severity of the diarrhea, lately I’ve been obsessed with making (and consuming) broths, stocks, & soups. Instead of cooking the moss separately, and then pureeing it, would it work just as well if I simply add it (like I would with kelp or any herbs I happen to be using) to my broth/stock as it’s being cooked? Thank you so much for your help!
Hi Debbie! You could certainly add some Irish moss to your broths and soups in smaller amounts – I don’t think you’d want to use a huge quantity as that will impact the flavour and consistency. If you’re using whole moss, you probably don’t want huge chunks of it in your soup so maybe start off by adding it to recipes that you will puree anyway.
Hi! Do you still sell seamoss? I don’t see it on your website.
I don’t sell it any more, but this is the one I like: https://amzn.to/2lqdtWF
Okay, thank you!
What is the maximum amount I can consume daily?
How soon do you feel a difference after taking sea moss gel?
It really depends on the individual and what they are taking it for.
How much do you eat per day? I have Hypothyroid and am taking a natural pork derivative right now called Nature-Thyroid, 65 mg. 5 day a week.
Hi Shirley! I always recommend working with a health practitioner if you are taking additional supplements or medications. Recommendations are specific to the individual, especially if you are dealing with a health condition.
Thanks for the reminder! I had a package of sea moss in the cupboard that is now soaking. I plan on making your super holiday nog with it!
I had purchased a Irish Sea moss/ bladderwhack gel combo that smelled horrendous so I couldn’t eat it. I purchased sea moss alone and prepared it raw and there was no smell or taste is that normal? How do you know if it’s authentic sea moss?
A lot of seaweeds have a strong odor, including those two. Your best bet is to call the company and ask some questions about sourcing and processing. I’ve linked to Irish moss in this post, if you’d like to try what I recommend.
So I check your amazon link and there were quite a few bad reviews saying it’s fake sea moss. Almost every product I’ve checked on amazon have a mix of really good review and really bad ones so it’s hard to tell if the reviews are real. Anyone know a good source?
I make a tea with the Irish Sea Moss and add a bit of stevia to cut the taste. 😁
I had purchase powder Irish moss at the health food store and grounded Irish moss is it the same if not can you give me the address when you get Irish moss at they told me it was the same
Irish moss comes in powdered form and whole form. Nowadays it can be easier to get the powdered version at health food stores, as finding a good whole source can be challenging.
I have a reliable Sea Moss product coming from the pristine waters of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. If you’re interested, please reach out to me.
How long does Irish moss last after soaking or rinsing
?
After preparation, it should last 4-5 days in the fridge.
Hi Meghan, I purchased the powder form of Irish Moss (chondrus crispus), but it doesn’t have preparation advice on the package, only recommended intake amounts. Please, could you give me measurement suggestion for preparing about 1 cup of the gel? Also, after reading about carrageenan, would you be able to tell me if this powder form which indicates 100% pure would be a degraded version or like carrageenan once prepared? I hope I didn’t purchase the wrong version of Irish Sea Moss. Thank you for any enlightening information you can give me.
Hi Lori. I use whole Irish moss in the video, not powdered, so I’m not sure what quantity of the powder would make a cup of gel – perhaps it’s one to one? You’ll need to experiment. Carrageenan and Irish moss aren’t the same thing so if you’ve bought pure Irish moss, then you likely aren’t consuming the degraded or undegraded carrageenan found in many processed foods.
Can you find it in pill form? I feel if I have to cook it in things I’ll never take it
Yes, Irish moss is available in pill form. If you’re taking it for digestive health, but you’ll miss out on the soothing/mucilaginous benefits that you’ll receive when consuming it fresh.
Hello what about Irish Sea Moss tea? Do you use it?
You can certainly use this gel to make a cup of tea, though the flavour is quite strong. You’d be better off stirring in a tsp to a cup of tea that has more flavour!
How do you if you are purchasing Sea Moss grown from the Sea or from a Farm?
If you’re ever unsure about a product and have questions about it, I always recommend getting in touch with the company directly. A company’s honesty and transparency is very telling – they should be happy to answer your questions.
Hi!! What brands of sea moss do you currently recommend?
You can check out this one.
I purchase Irish Moss from Herbco and known under the name Monterey Bay Spice Company. Irish Moss is Cut & Sifted and Kosher Certificate. Is there a different between Irish Moss you talk about. Do you get the same benefits from cut & sifted as you do with the sea moss you speak about and do I wash and soak this Irish Moss
I’m not familiar with that brand, but looking at the product it seems like it’s been dried and cut and meant to be used more as a seasoning. So you wouldn’t prepare it like I’ve described in this post. You’d be getting the minerals from the dried version and not the mucilaginous properties.
You said you took it for years. What happened when you stopped? Did you get sick? Cold, flu, pneumonia? How often did you take it. Just wondering if there’s a crash if I stop taking it.
Irish moss is only one thing among an array of nutrition and lifestyle practice and habits that I do daily. So when I stop one thing, there is usually at least one (or several) other things that are already helping to build my resilience and overall health.
Is sea moss safe to take during chemo?
Hi Gigi! Best to check in with your health care practitioner about the best herbs, supplements and foods to take alongside chemotherapy.
What is the difference between iodine and iodide? I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroid and instead of just relying on the medications, I am looking to make changes to my gut health and overall diet. I have been using himalayan salt for couple years only to find out recently that it is iodine deficient. I also looked at Celtic salt but what does it mean when the packaging says “doesn’t contain iodide – a necessary nutrient”. I am VERY confused. Rest assured, I am definitely incorporating Irish moss in my diet. If you can also direct me to any helpful resource to understand and aid in the improvement of my overall thyroid health, thank you!
Hi Sobia! You might find this helpful: https://restorativemedicine.org/digest/iodine-iodide-whats-really-supplements.
Since sea moss may contain thyroid hormones, isn’t that going to hinder thyroid function in the long run? Hence it is known that taking any external hormone will compromise the body’s ability to produce it naturally? The NCBI study you referred to also states that supplementation with high dose kelp caused TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) to significantly decrease after the discontinuation taking kelp.
That being said, i think experience is what matters in this context, so i would like to ask you and anyone reading this if you have encountered any thyroid issues upon using sea moss or after stopping it for a while
What brand would you recommend that does not have Carrageen in it ?
Hi Heather! Carrageenan is an additive derived from Irish moss – it is one active and concentrated component of the whole food that is Irish moss. If you’re consuming whole Irish moss, you’re receiving the benefits of the whole food (I go into much more detail about this in the ‘Health Concerns’ section of this post). If you’re looking for whole Irish moss brands, I recommend a couple in the ‘Where to Purchase Irish Moss’ section at the bottom of the post.
https://www.baldwins.co.uk/baldwins-irish-moss-herb-chondrus-crispus?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6OG2g8Ww6gIVi-myCh0oNA6JEAkYASABEgL_rfD_BwE
Hi, could you please help me to understand if this is the correct one as I saw some similar and was called carrageen so I am lost . Some of these weeds (called irish moss by sellers ) look like spaghetti but some like proper see weed I I don’t know if these are the right once.
Thank you
That looks like it’s Irish moss!
Sea moss. Chrondrus crisps or gracilaria . which one is the real thing. Which is more beneficial, thanx
It’s location – crispus is grown in the Atlantic coasts of North America and Europe. Gracilaria is typically grown the Caribbean. Both are beneficial.
Which brand of the Chondrus Crispus do you purchase and where? From my research it’s the better of the varieties… the problem is not all mfg are forthcoming with which is used. Secondly do you have any knowledge or expertise with the bladderwrack, if so the same question . Thank you
As a first step, check out your local health food store for options. It’s also available on Amazon, which may be a practical option depending on where you live. Maine Sea Coast Vegetables would be one brand to check out.
Hi There, once the sea moss is prepared into a gel, will drinking it with hot water and lime take away from the nutrients? Or should it be consumed in cold water?
You can add it to hot drinks, soups or other hot dishes (the actual prep I include in the video with this post cooks the moss).
I was recently, informed about Sea moss from my hair stylist a few days ago. She texted me this informative article regarding the healthy benefits of Sea moss. I was truly, surprised at what I was reading. With the several components of Sea moss, I’m now a believer that my family and I can benefit from using Sea moss. I’m sure, this will help my family, especially with my two grandsons 10 & 12 in which I’m currently, raising who has been diagnosed with ADHD and other diagnosis. The Sea moss will definitely, be an added addition to our mental / emotional health and immune system regiment. I can’t wait to get started.
Thank you,
P. Harrison
How do you suggest we use the powder version of Irish moss? Does this have the same health benefits?
Hi Thera! Yes, you can use the powder as well – you just don’t need to cook and prepare it the same way as I describe here in this post. You can add the powder directly to water and blend it to make the gel, using about 1/4 cup powder to about 2 – 3 cups water (you can play with amounts to achieve a thickness you like). You can also add a small amount of powder directly to recipes like smoothies, soups, porridge, etc.