Red Moss (Chondrus crispus)

Red Moss (Chondrus crispus) is a member of the Rhodophyceae family, native to Atlantic Ocean, Including The North Atlantic Coast Of Europe, North America, And Greenland, Rocky Shores Of The North Atlantic, and Coastal Regions Of The Northeastern Atlantic. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and resin have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, astringent, and diuretic actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and native american herbal medicine.

Red Moss (Chondrus crispus) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Red Moss (Chondrus crispus) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Red Moss
Scientific Name	Chondrus crispus
Plant Family	Rhodophyceae
Genus	Chondrus
Species	crispus
Native Range	Atlantic Ocean, Including The North Atlantic Coast Of Europe, North America, And Greenland, Rocky Shores Of The North Atlantic, Coastal Regions Of The Northeastern Atlantic
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Resin
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Astringent, Diuretic
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Native American Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Chondrus crispus
Common Name: Red Moss
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Coral Weed, Red Seaweed, Cornish Moss
Plant Family: Rhodophyceae
Genus: Chondrus

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 10 to 30 centimeters.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally described as a warming anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.
Astringent: In herbal texts, considered a gentle astringent, for surface-level applications.
Diuretic: In herbal literature, noted as a cooling diuretic, in fluid-regulation contexts.
Tonic: Historically regarded as a mild tonic, in general wellness contexts.

Active Compounds

Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.
Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Tannin: A group of compounds frequently present in plant tissues exposed to herbivory.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: There is limited information regarding general precautions related to the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Reports outlining specific contraindications for this herb are limited.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.
Extract: Non-alcoholic extracts provide a liquid form of plant constituents.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers silty loam with moderately well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in high organic matter soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers moist soils. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.