Other names for Sea vegetable (unspecified)

sea vegetable extract

Synopsis of Sea vegetable (unspecified)

History

Sea vegetables, often referred to as seaweeds, have a rich history of medicinal use spanning thousands of years across various cultures. In traditional Chinese medicine, sea vegetables such as kelp and wakame were highly prized for their ability to soften hardened tissues, dissolve phlegm, and balance the thyroid due to their high iodine content. Ancient Japanese and Korean texts also document the use of seaweeds in remedies for digestive health, detoxification, and boosting vitality. In the British Isles, Irish moss (Chondrus crispus) was a staple remedy for respiratory ailments and to support convalescence, especially during times of famine or illness.

Sea vegetables are naturally abundant in minerals, vitamins, and unique polysaccharides, making them valuable nutritional allies. Their medicinal applications have included remedies for goiter (enlarged thyroid), edema, and even to promote wound healing. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, seaweeds have been used to fortify the immune system and support cardiovascular health.

In herbal combinations, sea vegetables often serve as mineral-rich bases, enhancing the therapeutic effects of other botanicals. Blends for detoxification, thyroid support, and metabolic health frequently include sea vegetables alongside herbs like burdock root, dandelion, or schizandra berry. Their unique constituents can synergize with other herbs to amplify nourishment and healing, making them a valued ingredient in holistic formulas. Overall, sea vegetables have made significant contributions to traditional and modern herbal medicine, celebrated for their restorative, balancing, and protective properties.

Traditional and scientific validation

Sea vegetables, a broad category encompassing edible marine algae such as kelp, nori, wakame, and dulse, have been integral to the diets of coastal populations for centuries, particularly in East Asian cultures. Historically, these nutrient-rich plants have been valued for their unique flavors, mineral content, and supposed health-promoting properties. Ancient records from Japan and China document the culinary and medicinal uses of sea vegetables, with traditions linking them to longevity and vitality.

Scientifically, sea vegetables are recognized for their dense nutritional profile, providing dietary fiber, essential minerals (iodine, calcium, magnesium, iron), vitamins (A, C, E, K, and some B vitamins), and phytonutrients such as polyphenols and carotenoids. Some studies suggest that regular consumption of certain seaweeds may support cardiovascular health, help regulate thyroid function due to their iodine content, and offer antioxidant benefits. For example, preliminary clinical research has indicated potential cholesterol-lowering effects and improvements in blood glucose control associated with specific seaweed extracts.^1,2

Despite these promising findings, comprehensive clinical trials in humans remain limited, and more rigorous research is needed to conclusively establish the health benefits of sea vegetables. Variability in species, preparation methods, and bioactive compounds also complicates direct comparisons and recommendations. Nonetheless, current scientific understanding supports the inclusion of sea vegetables as a valuable component of a balanced diet, celebrated for their nutrient density and potential health-promoting effects.

1. Shannon E, Abu-Ghannam N. Antibacterial Derivatives of Marine Algae: An Overview of Pharmacological Mechanisms and Applications. Mar Drugs. 2016.
2. Brown EM et al. The Potential Health Benefits of Seaweed and Seaweed Extracts. Nutr Rev. 2014.

Sea vegetable (unspecified) is used for these health conditions

Anemia (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Blood Clots (prevention of) (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed) (Traditional)
Gas and Bloating (Traditional)
Goiter (Scientific)
Hair (loss or thinning) (Traditional)
Heart (weakness) (Traditional)
Hepatitis (Traditional)
Hypertension (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Menopause (Traditional)
Metabolic Syndrome (Scientific)
Skin Care (general) (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)

Sea vegetable (unspecified) is used to support these body systems

Arteries (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Glandular System (Scientific)
Hair (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lymphatics (Traditional)
Nails (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Small Intestines (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
Thyroid Gland (Scientific)
Urinary System (Traditional)

Products containing Sea vegetable (unspecified)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.