From East to West: Seaweed Through History

From East to West: A Brief History of Seaweed

Seaweed usage dates back to 4th and 6th century BC Japan and China, respectively for Laminaria species (Madhusudan, Manjo, Rahul & Rishi, 2010; Wang, Zhang, Zhang, & Li, 2008).  Its oldest medicinal reference is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM (Hetzel, 1989).  However, seaweed origins and use varies according to species and location.

Ancient Chinese medicine.

(Source: chinapedia.chinaassistor.com)

In the history of East Asia, seaweed usage was predominantly nutritional but medicinal uses were also notable.  Wakame (Unnidaria pinnifida) and kombu (Laminaria japonica) remain as Asian nutritional staples (e.g. Iodine content, high fibre).  The Chinese text Materia Medica, outlines the ancient use for treating goiter, phlegm accumulation, and “cleansing heat,” a key principle to restoring balance in TCM (Hsu et al, 1988). 

English carrack (1511).

(Source: hnsa.org)

Seaweed usage in the Western world occurred later, with earliest documentation dating back to Greek and Roman empires, where seaweed mucilage was used to treat rashes and burns (Karleskint, Turner & Small, 2010).  Atlantic wakame (Alaria esculenta) is more commonly found around Ireland/The British Isles (Guiry, 2010).  European uses began at sea, including scurvy treatment and parasite elimination (Karleskint, Turner & Small, 2010).  

Example of a TCM decoction.

(Source: chinese-healing.com)

Administration of seaweed is dependent on species and ailment.  For nutritional purposes (e.g. iodine supplementation) seaweed was ingested raw or cooked, fresh or dried (McHugh, 2003).  Medicinal uses ranged from physical application of seaweed, to herbal extractions/concoctions, e.g. Haizao Yuhu Tang (Sargassum Decoction for the Jade Flask), a concoction including multiple seaweeds utilized for severe goiter treatment (Bensky & Barolet, 1990).