- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe (North Atlantic coast), North America (North Atlantic and Pacific coasts)
- Traditions
- Folk magic and herbal magic
Europe · Other · № 377
Palmaria palmata
Other · Europe
Dulse
Palmaria palmata
A red seaweed with protein, iodine and minerals. It is eaten as food and worked into scrubs; a medicinal effect has not been shown.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Natural skin and hair care: Keeps 2–3 weeks in the fridge. Watch out for the shower floor becoming slippery from the oil.
Preparation
External: in cellulite body scrub.
Use in traditions
Along the coasts of Ireland, Scotland and Iceland dulse was dried and chewed for centuries; according to tradition the monks of Saint Columba already gathered it. It was considered a remedy against worms and scurvy. In herbal magic associated with harmony, heightening sexual pleasure and protecting the home.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Seaweed contains minerals and is invigorating in a scrub.
Preparation and amount
External: dried dulse in a firm body scrub with kelp, coffee and salt (see the recipe).
Caution: Keeps 2–3 weeks in the fridge. Watch out for the shower floor becoming slippery from the oil.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Harmony, increases sexual pleasure, protects the home.
Herbal magic and rituals
Attributed effects
In herbal magic associated with harmony, the sea and protecting the home.
Preparation and amount
Dulse has been picked on the coasts of Ireland, Scotland, Iceland and Brittany for over a thousand years. Irish monks are said to have gathered it as early as the sixth century, and markets in Northern Ireland still sell it as a salty snack.
- Recipes
- Anti-cellulite scrub