A plant record

Seaweed (bladderwrack, kelp) (Alg marin (Fucus, Laminè, Varèch))

Fucus vesiculosus

A crossing plant — kept in both Haitian & Caribbean and Adriatic & Balkan traditions. Two shores, one root.

EnglishSeaweed (bladderwrack, kelp)

KreyòlAlg marin (Fucus, Laminè, Varèch)

FrançaisAlgues (fucus, laminaire, varech)

BotanicalFucus vesiculosus

Seaweed (bladderwrack, kelp) (Alg marin (Fucus, Laminè, Varèch)) — Fucus vesiculosus, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

⚠ Very high in iodine — don't self-treat a thyroid condition with it, and choose tested sources (heavy-metal risk). Weight management support. Mild thyroid stimulation (iodine content). Remineralizing. Antioxidant.

Prepared as

Thallus (whole plant)

Chemistry

Rich in iodine (stimulates thyroid), alginic acid (bulk laxative effect), fucoidan (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory), polyphenols.

In three languages

Kreyòl — ⚠ Li gen anpil yòd — pa swiv tèt ou pou pwoblèm tiwoyid avè l, epi chwazi sous ki teste (gen risk metal lou). Sipò pèt pwa. Tyewoyid (iòd). Remineralizan. Antioxidan. Alg marin (Fucus, laminè) disponib nan diaspora ayisyen kòm sipò thyroid ak rediksyon pwa. Konsome ak prekosyon poutèt kontaminasyon metal lou.

Français — ⚠ Très riche en iode — ne traitez pas seul un trouble thyroïdien avec, et choisissez des sources testées (risque de métaux lourds). Aide à la perte de poids. Stimulation légère de la thyroïde (teneur en iode). Reminéralisant. Antioxydant. Les algues marines (fucus, laminaire) sont disponibles dans la diaspora haïtienne comme soutien thyroïdien et aide à la gestion du poids; à consommer avec précaution en raison des risques de métaux lourds.

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Kept alongside

LicoricePineapplePeacock flowerCalotropePapayaRingworm senna

More on Haitian plant medicine