Dulse is a seaweed harvested in the cold waters of the Canadian Atlantic Coast. It grows in total areas, on rocks, shells and on larger brown seaweeds. It can be eaten raw or used as an alternative to salt in cooking or as a thickening agent.

Dulse has been known to help remove parasites and relieve constipation. It is most widely know for the superior source of iodine in which the body needs to make the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine which greatly affect weight and our 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. Dulse is great in salad dressings or on top of soups.

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 overdue, and avoid it entirely if you suffer hyperthyroidism. You only need a few flakes, or 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. Don't use on a daily basis for more than 2 weeks at a time, taking a 2 week break before using again. This will prevent you from overdosing iodine with potential imbalance in thyroid function. For periodic use only and not to be taken for extended periods of time. Not to be used while pregnant.