Irish Moss

I have recently been experimenting with Irish Moss as a thickening property. Here is some of the research I have found. As well I am including a scrumptious recipe and resources to buy Irish Moss :)

(NaturalNews)
Irish moss is not moss at all. It is in fact seaweed that grows along the rocky coast lines of the Atlantic Ocean. It is especially found in Ireland where it has a long history in Irish folklore as a good luck charm to be taken on long journeys, or to be placed under the rug at home to bring money and prosperity to the household. Irish moss was also used as stuffing for mattresses and cattle feed, but in the 19th century the people of Ireland underwent a horrific famine and Irish moss became one of the main sources of food and nutrition. More recently, Irish moss is becoming known as a healing and exciting super food.

Irish moss is now thought to contain 15 of the 18 essential elements that make up the human body. This includes great amounts calcium, iodine, sulphur, and potassium as well as Vitamins A, D, E, F and K. This is why this most amazing seaweed is thought to be able to cure everything from bladder disorders, bronchitis, halitosis (bad breath), intestinal disorders and glandular problems to swollen joints, lung difficulties, thyroid conditions, tuberculosis, tumors, and ulcers. Recent studies have found that Irish moss does in fact have some great anti-viral properties and can help fight the Influenza B and mumps viruses.

Irish Moss And The Skin

Irish moss is also thought to have many cosmetic properties from helping rid the body of varicose veins to reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Irish moss is even added to creams that are becoming known as the new miracles in the anti aging battle. These new creams are thought to be so effective because of the high amounts of Vitamin K found in the moss. Recent studies in to the effects of Vitamin K on the body have linked it to the elasticity of the skin. As you get older your skin begins to wrinkle because it starts to lose some of its elasticity from when you were young. Adding a cream that is packed with Vitamin K can help improve this elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and things like bags or dark circles that can form around the eyes. These creams are also thought to heal all sorts of skin problems from eczema, psoriasis and even sunburn.
One of the main uses of Irish moss within the health community is to help people recover from debilitating illnesses such as TB and Pneumonia. Its high Vitamin and mineral content make it the perfect food to replenish and revitalize the body after a long battle with disease.
A popular remedy made into a jelly for pulmonary complaints and kidney and bladder affections. Can be mixed with cocoa. The decoction is made by steeping 1/2 OZ. of the Moss in cold water for 15 minutes and then boiling it in 3 pints of milk or water for 10 or 15 minutes, after which it is strained and seasoned with liquorice, lemon or cinnamon and sweetened to taste.

Resources for buying irish moss http://www.therawfoodworld.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=irish&x=0&y=0&gclid=CO_P55mH5pwCFc5L5QodBzSSGQ

Yummy Recipe

Raw Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

Crust:
2 and ½ cups dry coconut flakes
1 vanilla bean seeds scooped out
½ cup well packed finely chopped dates
1 tablespoon coconut butter or oil (optional)
Put everything except the dates in the food processor with the S-blade on and add the dates slowly until the crust sticks together. Press crust into a coconut butter greased, 9 inch pie pan.
Filling
2 cups young coconut meat (about 4 young coconuts)
1 cup young coconut water
3 tablespoons non gmo soy lecithin granules
¼ cup Artisana Coconut Butter
¼ cup coconut oil (I like Nutiva Brand)
1 tablespoon soaked and chopped Irish moss (optional)
1 vanilla bean seeds scooped out
1 cup dates soaked
Blend the Irish moss with the coconut water in the blender until smooth. Then add all the other ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into the pie crust and let set in the fridge or freezer for at least one hour.

Optional Garnish

  Strawberry Lime Sauce
Blend a dozen strawberries in the blender with juice from ½ lime and pour on top of the pie
and or
¾ cup dry coconut flakes to sprinkle on top of the pie 

you can use any type of fruit for this sauce as well