Nori

            This Japanese seaweed comes in thin sheets, which are toasted quickly over the burner of your stove, then crumbled and used as a garnish over vegetables, rice, noodles, or used as a covering for rice balls or sushi. Nori has all the healthful quality inherent in the mineral-rich seaweed family, which is said to be particularly useful for thyroid and prostate problems and to neutralize toxic substances in the body.

Bladder Wrack

Bladder wrack is a common seaweed that grows attached to rocks rather than to be sea bottom. It is rich in iodine and trace minerals. Bladder wrack, which is often referred to as kelp, is said to be helpful in the treatment of thyroid problems as well as for weight loss and balancing the metabolism. Bladder wrack is available as a tea, tincture, or capsule. As there is a risk of heavy metal contamination, be sure no purchase bladder wrack that is certified heavy metal-free.

            Although harvesting one’s own seaweeds may seem tempting, just as when mushroom hunting, certain practices must be followed in order to ensure personal safety. Therefore, it is best to study up before attempting to harvest seaweeds from the wild.