Bladder wrack is often confused with kelp, but the two are actually different types of seaweed. The stem of the plant is used as medicine, and it is a great source of iodine, as are many other seaweeds. For this reason, exercise caution using bladder wrack because it can cause your thyroid to produce too much thyroid hormone or produce too little. If you think you need more iodine in your diet or are considering bladder wrack as a supplement, talk to your doctor first.
Uses
Bladder wrack is used to treat constipation, diarrhea and indigestion, and to promote wound healing, according to Healthwise. However, its best-known use is to reverse low thyroid hormone production caused by a lack of iodine in the diet. The alginic acid in bladder wrack is a dietary fiber that helps resolve constipation and has shown promise in wound healing during animal testing. Further testing on humans has not taken place. Bladder wrack is also a demulcent herb, which means it decreases inflammation and helps protect the stomach against acidity.
Thyroid Problems
You can take bladder wrack for thyroid problems, but taking it can sometimes make these problems worse and lead to side effects. Using it can lead to an overdose of iodine, which can cause either hypothyroidism, low amounts of thyroid hormone, or hyperthyroidism, elevated thyroid hormone levels, according to New York University Langone Medical Center. Some symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, fatigue, insomnia and anxiety. Heart palpitations and an irregular heartbeat can occur, but blood pressure symptoms are not usually noted. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include sluggishness, sensitivity to cold, weight gain and depression.
Safety
A few other safety concerns are connected with bladder wrack. This herb can make acne breakouts worse and decrease intestinal absorption of iron. Bladder wrack, along with other herbs harvested from the sea, is at high risk for heavy metal contamination. High levels of arsenic and lead were found in some supplements. This can lead to nerve and kidney damage if your levels of the heavy metals get too high. To avoid this, buy supplements from a reputable company that ensures the plant is obtained from clean waters and is guaranteed free of contaminants.
Dosages
To use bladder wrack to treat constipation, take 1 tsp. of the powdered plant three times per day with 8 oz. of water, according to Healthwise. For thyroid issues and to treat heartburn, 5 to 10 grams of dried bladder wrack in capsule form taken three times per day is the recommendation. You should not consume more than 150 micrograms of iodine per day. However, most bladder wrack does not list the amount of iodine it contains, so do not take large amounts of it over a long term without consulting a doctor and an herbalist, one who can ensure you are safely within the dosing limits for iodine.
