Herbs Guide

Seawrack

Family Name: Fucaceae

Botanical Name(s): Fucus vesiculosus

Popular Name(s): Bladderwrack, Bladder Fucus, Cutweed, Sea Weed, Sea Oak, Black Tany

Parts Used: The complete plant

Habitat: Seawrack is found on the coasts of the North Sea, the western Baltic Sea, the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans.

Description: Seawrack is an algae which grows to a height of 100 cm or more. It is easily recognised by its paired bladders occurring on either side of a prominent midrib. The appearance of bladder wrack varies depending on the environmental conditions in which it grows.

Uses: Seawrack has anti-hypothyroid, anti-rheumatic, alterative and diuretic properties. It is used in the treatment of under active thyroid glands and goiter. It cures rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis.