The Many Uses of Irish Moss

Moss can lend a quaint appearance to a shaded brick patio or stoned walkway, as its bright green color adds striking contrast to grey, tan or brown stones. One moss that I find particularly charming is Irish moss. Irish moss is not a true moss; it is seaweed found growing along lightly shaded, rocky coastlines of the Atlantic Ocean such as the shores of Ireland (thus its name). It is not just an ornamental plant as it has high nutritional value and healing properties, which are used for medicinal purposes.

Irish moss grows plentiful in Ireland and the Irish found many uses for it over the centuries, even in folklore where it was believed to be a good luck charm for long journeys. It was also thought that if one placed a little tuff of moss under the entrance rug to their home it would bring them prosperity and riches. Rich in nutrients, Irish moss was fed to cattle and was even a food source for the Irish people during the great famine.

Irish moss has been studied a lot, not only for its nutritional value, but also for its healing abilities. Broken down and added to cosmetic compounds, Irish moss is becoming a key ingredient in topical creams to help reduce varicose veins and wrinkles. Some companies even claim it is the new miracle ingredient for anti-aging creams, partly because of its high amounts of Vitamin K. Studies of Vitamin K have shown that it is beneficial to restoring elasticity of the skin, which we lose as we grow older, thus producing wrinkles. Vitamin K is also good at treating bags and dark circles that form under the eyes and skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema.

Irish moss has tiny bright green stems and leaves with many tiny white flowers. It is easy to grow and easy to maintain, preferring full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. With a little time, one plant can form a velvety carpet over a small area. If it becomes confined in its growing space, it will split and push peaks of greenery upwards. Cutting away a section and pushing the roots back down into the soil will rectify the problem. The Irish moss will quickly grow into the cutaway area and you can then use the portion you removed to fill in another area of your pathway or garden.

Source: Personal Experience, Master Gardner Classes