Evidence supporting the use of: Irish Moss
For the body system: Thyroid Gland

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Irish Moss, also known as Chondrus crispus or sea moss, has a long history of use in Irish folk medicine and Caribbean herbal traditions as a general health tonic. Its application for thyroid support is grounded in its natural iodine content, as iodine is a critical micronutrient required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Historically, populations with low dietary iodine—often in inland or mountainous areas—have turned to seaweeds as a source of this mineral to help prevent goiter and other thyroid-related issues.

However, while traditional use is well-documented, direct scientific evidence specifically validating Irish Moss for thyroid health in clinical trials is limited. The rationale for its use is extrapolated from the well-established role of iodine in thyroid hormone production. Irish Moss is one of several seaweeds naturally rich in iodine, but the actual iodine content can vary significantly between samples and species. Excessive iodine intake can also be harmful, particularly for those with pre-existing thyroid disorders.

In summary, Irish Moss is used to support thyroid health primarily due to its iodine content and traditional use, rather than robust scientific validation. Evidence supporting its effectiveness for this purpose is indirect and largely based on the importance of iodine for the thyroid, not on controlled studies of Irish Moss itself.

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