Algae

Recently, I interviewed someone from the Island of Orkney, off the northern shore of Scotland. He described the seas as being nutrient rich and crystal clear. Traditionally, sea weed, (called sea vegetables in Scotland) has been used for herbal remedies, food products, animal food, cosmetics, and fertilizers. Two of the major species I was informed of were Laminaria, and Carrageen Chondrus crispus (Irish moss). Laminaria, (commonly called "kelp") has it has the ability to re-growth …

…the only form of land nutrition available to the crofters and early farmers. It was used to aid the crops and livestock they produced on land. Various species were once used in local herbal remedies and medicines (especially Laminaria and carrageen), and the sheep and cattle were fed on them during famine. The old resources are slowly being brought back into use, as they are seen in Scotland as natural and environmentally safe. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**