Thousands of different types of seaweed, all with different nutrient contents, are found throughout the world. Since ancient times, seaweed has been used in both cosmetic and medical therapies. Today, spas seek out certain types of seaweed to use in their signature treatments. Seaweed is also available for home spa treatments.
Nutrients in Seaweed
The nutrient content of seaweed has been studied extensively. Some of the most nutrient rich types of seaweed are found in Ireland, Sweden, and France and on the western coast of Canada.
Certain varieties of seaweed from Canada’s west coast such as Alaria, Egregia, Ulva lactuca, Iridaea, Rockweed, and Porphyra are rich in vitamins A1, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, K, pantothenic acid, folic acid, and niacin. In addition, seaweed plants contain as many as 60 trace elements and a dozen minerals, most notably potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, iodine, copper, and manganese.
Health Benefits
The skin readily absorbs the abundant antioxidant nutrients present in seaweed. Nutritional studies have isolated compounds in certain seaweeds that can lower blood pressure, prevent arteriosclerosis, and combat tumors. Japanese researchers are currently studying compounds found in seaweed for their use as cancer treatments. Some other seaweeds produce anti-inflammatory effects that offer benefits for skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
For people with insomnia or who have poor sleeping patterns, seaweed baths are used to promote healthy sleep. Seaweed is also beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and for connective tissue disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
Types of Seaweed
Not all types of seaweed are suitable for spa therapies. High quality seaweed from the ocean's gardens is considered the best. Fresh, high quality seaweed may have an ocean-like odor, but it should never have a fishy odor. Some of the best spas in the United States use a paste made from seaweed algae harvested from the coast of Brittany in France.
Seaweed Treatments
Seaweed is used in many different spa therapies, including wraps, facials, baths, soaks, and hair and scalp treatments.
- The seaweed wrap is used to induce relaxation, stimulate blood circulation, detoxify and nourish the skin. Seaweed wraps are reported to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite and increase the body’s metabolism. Seaweed is also reported to stimulate collagen production and promote weight loss. Several types of seaweed wraps are available, ranging from spot wraps for the lower body to complete body wraps.
- Seaweed facials are used to exfoliate, firm, tone, balance, and soften skin subjected to stress or affected by the elements. Seaweed masks made from seaweed powder imported from Sweden are especially beneficial and are often blended with various French Green and Glacial Marine clays.
- Seaweed baths, because of their high iodine content, are reported to stimulate the thyroid gland. Seaweed baths are also reported to benefit the adrenal glands and help maintain endocrine balance. Seaweed baths also relax sore muscles and stiff joints and have long been used as a treatment for musculoskeletal and arthritic conditions. The Nirvana Day Spa in Northern Ireland is famous worldwide for its seaweed bath.
- Joint and muscle seaweed wraps are typically used as a form of thalassotherapy. Seaweed is known to reduce inflammation and pain and relax muscles. Antioxidant nutrients in seaweed promote healing and reduce muscle cramps and swollen tissues.
Home Therapies
Seaweed is available by the pound or in the form of pastes, powders and sea salts at health food stores and online. Maine Coast Sea Vegetables in the United States and the Karma Clinic in the UK are excellent resources.
Sources:
- Mud or Seaweed Spa Treatments, SpaStay
- Diane Bernard, Seaweed & Spa Treatments, Travel to Wellness, March 2009.
