Seaweed is a general term for a large variety of algae and marine plants found in the ocean, rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds. People have used seaweed for food and medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
Seaweed comes in many colors usually variations of green, red, black, or brown. The color of the seaweed affects how much light it absorbs through photosynthesis, so the color often determines how close the seaweed grows to the surface of the ocean. Seaweed can range in size from very tiny microscopic to very large.
We use a few types of seaweed. Organic kelp, also known as Ascophyllum nodosum, is a deep green cold-water seaweed. It can be found in pristine waters off the coast of Iceland, Hawaii, Canada, and the Northwest United States.
Organic Kelp is rich in vitamins A, B, E, D, K, and C, carotenes, and minerals iodine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, silica, iron, and zinc. Sea vegetables are believed to remove impurities from the skin, re-mineralize the skin, restore elasticity, and leave the skin feeling smoother and more supple.
We also use an organic red seaweed called Dulse, Palmaria palmata, which grows in the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean along the shores of North America, Ireland, and Norway. Dulse has a long history of traditional use for promoting beautiful healthy skin. Dulse is a rich source of protein, fiber, and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and iodine and is often used to make an exfoliating scrub.
Seaweed provides moisture and gentle exfoliation. The use of seaweed in a hot bath is said to be beneficial for treating skin disorders and easing the pain suffered from rheumatism, arthritis, and other aches and pains. Considered a soothing, moisturizing plant, seaweed powders are often used in mineral baths and facial masks.
In hair care, mineral-rich kelp adds protection to the surface of the hair, reducing moisture loss and infusing it with vitamins. The proteins, in particular, seem to strengthen roots, add body and shine and condition the scalp and hair. Some Hairstylists have found the nutrients in seaweed a great way to help limp and lifeless hair.
