Indications

Gastrointestinal
• general inflammation of GI tract
• esophagitis
• gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
• gastritis
• laryngitis
• colitis
• gastric ulcers
• apthous ulcers
• irregular bowels
• constipation
• diarrhea

Urinary
• irritated mucous membranes
• cystitis
• urinary tract infections (UTI)
• urethritis

Respiratory
• dry cough
• mild expectorant
• bronchitis

Other
• Processed food and cosmetics - isolated carrageenan

Actions

• Demulcent
• Expectorant
• Antitussive
• Nutritive

Constituents

• Gel (Carrageenan )

Posology

• Decoction (dried seaweed): soak 1 oz of the dry seaweed in 500ml of water for 45 mins, then boil in 1.5 L of water for 15 mins.

Safety

Contraindications: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); carrageenan may cause inflammation.

Caution: some people are sensitive to foods containing carrageenan.

Interactions

Medications • Take medications away from mucilage because it can decrease their absorption and impair their effectiveness.

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002