Dulse Flakes and Powder Profile
Also known as- Rhodymenia palmata, Red Dulse, and Sea Lettuce flakes.
Introduction
Dulse is a red seaweed harvested in the cool waters along Atlantic coast of Canada and also along the shores of Ireland and Norway. Its fronds grow in tidal areas on rocks, shells, and the larger, longer, brown seaweeds.
Dulse can be eaten raw, roasted, fried, dried, or roasted, or as a thickening agent for soups. In several traditions of European herbal medicine, dulse was used to remove parasites, to relieve constipation, and as a treatment for scurvy. It is a superior source of the iodine the body needs to make the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine which affect weight and metabolic rate.
Constituents
Alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, calcium, chromium, cobalt, iodine, iron, lutein, manganese, magnesium, niacin, phosphorous, potassium, riboflavin, selenium, silicon, sodium, tin, vitamin C, zeaxanthin, and zinc.
Parts Used
The entire plant, dried and cut.
Typical Preparations
Added to food in the form of dried flakes or powder for a slightly salty flavor, can be drunk as a tea. Also suitable as an extract or capsule.
Summary
Dulse is an excellent source of phytochemicals and minerals, and a superior source of iodine.
The complex polysaccharides in the herb make it a gentle alternative to psyllium or senna in the treatment of constipation, and there are anecdotal reports that the daily use of a few flakes of dulse can relieve cyclic mastalgia after two months.
Precautions
Don't overdo dulse, and avoid it entirely if you suffer hyperthyroidism. You only need a few flakes, as little as a quarter-teaspoon a day, to get your mineral needs, and it is best to get your minerals from a variety of whole food and whole herb sources. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease is not known.
