Edible and Medicinal Seaweeds of North America: A Comprehensive Guide to Healing and Nutritive Ocean Plants

Dive into the world of medicinal seaweeds with this complete guide to the distinctive flavors and healing properties of these important marine plants.

Author Tasha Greenwood combines their expertise in marine biology and clinical herbalism in this richly layered and fascinating reference, which includes place-based observation, botanical profiles, and recipes that tap into the medicinal and culinary uses of these nutrient-dense marine plants. Readers will learn about the unique characteristics of 14 North American seaweeds, from well-known species such as Laminaria (kelp) and Pyropia (nori), to lesser-known algae such as Mazaella and Cystoseira. Profiles of seaweed farmers and ocean stewards highlight this plant’s potential as a sustainable, nutrient-dense food of the future, and encourages readers to cultivate relationships with seaweed, whether through food, medicine, or ecological observation.

Easy-to-follow step-by-step seaweed herbal remedies and recipes include:

• Irish moss cough syrup
• Soothing seaweed face mask
• Seaweed fire cider to boost immunity
• Anti-inflammatory turmeric and bladderwrack tea
• Iron-boosting sea lettuce syrup
• Immune-boosting elderberry gummies with seaweed derived agar
• And many more!

Tasha Greenwood (they/them) is an educator and herbalist with a background in marine science. They are a co-owner of Mxed Greens, an herbal apothecary in Northampton, MA, where they teach workshops in collaboration with local colleges and farms. Greenwood writes monographs for the online platform HerbMentor, LOAM magazine, and the Journal of the American Herbalists Guild. They hold a BS in environmental science with a focus on marine ecology and maritime studies from Northeastern University and received clinical herbalist training at the Hudson Valley School of Herbal Studies, Milk & Honey Herbs Apprenticeship, the California School of Herbal Studies, and the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism.