Hardly anyone has heard of Irish moss. If you look at the care products in the drugstore, you will come across the name of this special plant. But few know what exactly it is. What is Irish moss, where does it come from and what is it good for?
For anyone interested, we have put together some information on the topic today. Find out in which areas of life the Irish moss plant is used and what exactly is so special about it. Ultimately, we won't be surprised if you take a closer look at Irish moss products the next time you go to the drugstore and try them out.
What is Irish Moss?
At Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus), also known as Irish moss, cartilaginous kelp and Irish (pearl) moss and not to be confused with “Irish moss”, it is aedible type of algae. It is found not only on the American coast of the Atlantic, but also on the European Atlantic coast. The color of the Irish moss can vary. Sometimes it is white, sometimes yellowish-green and sometimes even reddish-brown. But this has no effect on the positive properties of the algae.
The algae is usually sold in dried form, which means it can be kept for up to a year. As soon as you soak them, which is necessary for preparation, you store them in the refrigerator and consume them within three weeks. During this period you should rinse the plant every two days.
Positive ingredients in Irish Moss
Irish moss is without questiontrue superfoodand the following list of nutrients it contains shows why. The plant is also tasteless, so anyone can easily consume it and do something good for themselves.
- Vitamin A
- some of the B vitamins
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Magnesium
- calcium
- Iodine
- Eisen
- Zink
- Selenium
- Phosphor
- Mangan
- Potassium
- Taurine (amino acid)
- Sulfur compounds
- Pectin
Thanks to these vitamins and minerals, the algae stimulate the metabolism, while the last three ingredients are particularly important for vegans, as they often suffer from a deficiency of these substances due to their diet. You should visit more oftensuffer from muscle twitching, the plant can provide you with magnesium and relieve or prevent symptoms.
Is Irish moss an aid for hangovers? Not exactly, but since it's rich in iron, it can help get rid of hangovers faster. Iron is broken down when the body is dehydrated and that is exactly the situation when we have a hangover. That's why we're so thirsty after a night of drinking.
You can also get a kind of rejuvenation treatment for your joints with the miracle algae. Especially if you do a lot of sport, whether professionally or as a hobby, your body has a higher need for nutrients. So if you regularly consume the superfood, you are really doing something good for your muscles and joints.
Areas of application – What can’t Irish moss actually do?
The areas of application and benefits of Irish moss are quite diverse and we would now like to go into a few of them in more detail. So what is Irish moss used for?
Irish moss in the kitchen
You can cook with Irish moss, among other things. Like agar-agar, the algae is a popular vegan substitute for gelatin, but also for pectin or starch, because it is a perfect binding agent. It is therefore often used in desserts such as ice cream or creams. But it is also used for drinks such as tea or smoothies.
Irish moss tea
For example, tea made from Irish moss is very popular. It not only helps with loss of appetite, but also with irritated mucous membranes in the mouth and throat. So if you suffer from a dry, irritating cough, you can relieve it with tea. This is how it is done:
- 1 teaspoon Irish moss (approx. 1.3 g)
- 150 ml boiling water
The algae is poured over with water and should then steep for 10 to 15 minutes. You can then strain it through a tea strainer. This tea is suitable for mucous membrane irritations. Three to four cups per day are recommended.
The algae for desserts and other drinks
The easiest way to work with the algae is to make a paste from it in advance. In this way, your later product will be lump-free and beautifully creamy. Simply puree a tablespoon of Irish moss with 100 ml of liquid (e.g. water or milk). The gel can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. If you don't want to process the algae with liquids, but directly with fruit, then you should plan on using around 200 g of fruit per tablespoon, as these are less liquid.
Once you have prepared this gel, you can easily process it further and add the remaining ingredients. How about this delicious onePudding:
Prepare Blancmange
- 12 g Irish moss
- 500 ml milk or any plant-based milk (e.g. almond or coconut milk)
- grated zest of a lemon
- 3 drops vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp fine sugar
For the recipe we recommend that you buy the Irish moss dried. Rinse it well under running water and then soak it for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then rinse it again and put it in a saucepan with the milk, lemon zest and vanilla. Bring everything to the boil and then let the milk simmer over low heat for 20 to 25 minutes.
In the meantime, separate the yolks from the whites and beat the yolks with the sugar until they turn light yellow (preferably with a mixer) and place them in another saucepan. Pour the now thicker milk mixture through a sieve into the sugar and egg yolk mixture. Meanwhile, continue to heat everything so that everything can mix and combine well.
Set the pudding aside to cool and beat the egg whites until stiff. Then gradually stir it into the pudding and let it rest in the fridge for a while before serving. If you want to let the pudding set in a mold, you should moisten it beforehand so that the pudding can be easily removed afterwards.
Orangencreme
- 150 g gel made from Irish moss
- 180 ml orange juice
- 80 g Cashewkerne
- 4 tbsp agave syrup
- 1 1/2 TL Vanillepulver
- 3 tablespoons coconut milk
- 2 tsp grated orange peel
- 1 pinch of salt
Prepare the gel as described above and mix it in a blender with the remaining ingredients until a smooth cream is formed. Distribute these into bowls and chill them in the refrigerator for one to two hours. Before serving, you can garnish the cream with pieces of fruit.
If you want, you can also combine the orange cream with the blancmange. To do this, first put a layer of orange cream in a bowl and let it set in the fridge for a while while you prepare the blancmange and let it cool down a little. Then put a layer of the Blancmange on the orange pudding. If you want, you can create multiple layers this way.
In pharmacy
That the algae are successful in the fight againstInflammation of the mucous membranes and dry coughWe have already mentioned how to help. But that's not all. The plant is also often used to treat respiratory problems. It not only helps with asthma, but also with bronchitis. The algae also provide relief from colds, weakness and gastritis. So it's no wonder that they are used in medicine.
So there is moss from IrishLozenges, candies and lozengesthat you can take for coughs. The algae can even be found in drugstores in the form of cough syrup because it is a natural remedy. Arteriosclerosis, as well as problems with the thyroid, cholesterol levels or the bladder are also often treated with the plant.
Irish moss in cosmetics
The algae have a moisturizing and nourishing effect and at the same time protect skin and hair. That's why Irish moss is so popular for after shave, creams, soaps and other cosmetic products. Dry skin and hair become more supple, while thin and damaged hair and nails are strengthened. The plant can even work wonders and relieve skin rashes. And the algae help as an ointmentfor sunburn? However!
Whether as shaving soap, shower gel or Irish moss soap, you are guaranteed to do something good for your body, provided you make sure that the remaining ingredients are natural and gentle. Sir Irisch Moos is very popular with men and is an after shave that smells pleasant and also relaxes the skin after shaving.
Irish vs. Icelandic moss
Icelandic moss is probably no less well-known than Irish moss (Cetraria islandica), which is also called Iceland moss and Irish moss. However, this is a lichen that grows on land everywhere in the far north and not just on Iceland. In contrast to Irish moss, this plant does not have a neutral taste, but rather has a bitter taste.
This medicinal plant is used for coughs, hoarseness and sore throats as it forms mucus and forms a protective layer in the throat. Furthermore, it is said to have an antibacterial effect and possibly also strengthen the immune system, as various studies have shown.
Side effects of algae
Before you buy and consume Irish moss algae, it is always advisable to speak to your doctor. There are situations in which eating algae is not recommended. You should avoid the plant if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is also not suitable for children as it can suppress the natural immune system.
If you are taking medication, suffer or have suffered from low blood pressure or stomach ulcers, the algae is not recommended. Irish moss can cause bleeding, infection, convulsions, hypotension, dizziness and fainting, diarrhea and drowsiness.
Every type of seaweed contains high amounts of iodine, which is natural. Iodine is also good for the body and more specifically for the thyroid and metabolism. However, you should be careful how much you consume and not combine algae with dietary supplements that contain iodine, otherwise an overdose can quickly occur. This in turn leads to thyroid inflammation, possibly with fever, nausea, vomiting and even coma, as well as cancer.
