Foraging for Dulse, Palmaria palmata, medicine and food
Scientific Name: Palmaria palmata
Common Names: Dulse, dillisk, sea parsley
Medicinal Uses of Dulse
Dulse (Palmaria palmata) is a nutritious red seaweed with many medicinal and culinary uses. This mineral-rich superfood is valued for detox support, thyroid balance, digestive health, skin nourishment, heart protection, blood sugar regulation, and immune enhancement. It’s easy to forage, delicious to eat, and packed with medicinal benefits. Read on to find out more about the medicinal uses of dulse.
Detoxification and Heavy Metal Removal
Dulse is a powerful natural detoxifier. Its polysaccharides, including carrageenan and agar, bind to heavy metals and toxins and help flush them from the body.
How to use dulse for detoxification:
- Add dulse flakes to salads and soups
- Make a detox smoothie with dulse, lemon, and parsley
- Use dulse powder in herbal detox blends
Dulse supports liver function and gently assists the kidneys in clearing out environmental toxins.
Thyroid Health and Iodine Support
Dulse is a rich source of iodine, supporting healthy thyroid function. Just a small amount daily (5–10 g of dried seaweed) can help balance metabolism, energy, and hormone production. Check with your healthcare provider if you have thyroid concerns.
How to use dulse for thyroid support:
- Sprinkle dried dulse over grains or vegetables
- Add rehydrated dulse to miso soup
- Use alongside bladderwrack and kelp in iodine-rich tinctures
Dulse, Palmaria palmata (previously Rhodymenia palmata):
Skin Health and Anti-Ageing Properties
Dulse is packed with antioxidants, minerals, and polysaccharides that nourish the skin and combat signs of ageing.
How to use dulse for skin support:
- Create a hydrating dulse face mask
- Drink dulse and rose petal tea for skin glow
- Include dulse in broths and stews for internal nourishment
Digestive Health and Gut Support
Dulse’s high soluble fibre content supports digestion and feeds beneficial gut bacteria. It soothes the digestive tract and helps with regular bowel movements.
How to use dulse for digestion:
- Add dulse flakes to fermented foods like kimchi
- Take dulse capsules daily to support gut flora
- Make a gentle dulse digestive broth
Heart Health and Cholesterol Management
Rich in omega-3s, potassium, magnesium, and fibre, dulse helps reduce LDL cholesterol, support heart rhythm, and maintain healthy blood pressure.
How to use dulse for heart health:
- Add to green smoothies
- Sprinkle a dried dulse seasoning mix onto meals
- Combine with garlic and hawthorn for cardiovascular tonics
Anti-Inflammatory and Joint Health Benefits
The carrageenan and antioxidants in dulse reduce inflammation, making it useful for arthritis and muscle recovery.
How to use dulse for joint support:
- Make a warming dulse and ginger broth
- Add dulse to Epsom salt baths
- Take dulse capsules for daily support
Immune Boosting and Antiviral Properties
Dulse contains vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, and polysaccharides that enhance immunity and defend against viruses.
How to use dulse for immune health:
- Brew dulse and elderberry tea in winter
- Add to nourishing seaweed and mushroom broths
- Include in daily green powders
Blood Sugar Balance and Metabolic Support
Dulse’s fibre helps slow carbohydrate absorption and improve insulin sensitivity.
How to use dulse for blood sugar support:
- Add dried flakes of dulse to grain-based dishes
- Drink dulse-infused water before meals
- Use dulse in fermented gut health recipes
Constituents of Dulse
- Carrageenan – soothing, immune-enhancing polysaccharide
- Polysaccharides – bind toxins and feed gut flora
- Iodine – thyroid health and metabolic support
- Beta-carotene, vitamins C and E – skin and immune protection
- Potassium and magnesium – heart and muscle health
- Omega-3 fatty acids – inflammation support
Culinary Uses
Dulse has a savoury, salty flavour with subtle umami notes.
Popular uses include:
- Snacking on dried dulse straight from the packet 😛
- Crumbling over salads and soups
- Making dulse butter or dulse pesto
- Adding to bread dough or crackers
Foraging Notes
Habitat:
Dulse grows abundantly on rocks in the mid to lower tidal zone, especially in cold, clean Atlantic waters.
When to Harvest:
Best harvested in summer and autumn.
Key Identifiers:
- Deep reddish-purple fronds
- Branching, flat blades
- Rubber-like texture when fresh
Dulse, Palmaria palmata (previously Rhodymenia palmata):
Possible Lookalikes:
Dark purplish or almost black thin sheets that can look similar when wet, but laver is thinner, more delicate, and lacks the rubbery, palm-like fronds of dulse.
Thick, tough red fronds that are leathery and often torn-looking; much thicker and firmer than dulse, without the same soft texture.
Safety Notes:
- Harvest from clean waters, away from ports or pollution
- Check with your healthcare provider if you have thyroid concerns
- Store dried dulse in a sealed jar away from light and moisture
Classification
Taxonomy:
Palmaria palmata belongs to the family Palmariaceae, phylum Rhodophyta (red algae)
Etymology:
The genus Palmaria refers to the palm-like branching habit
The species palmata means “palm-shaped”
Fun Facts
- Dulse has been consumed for over 1,000 years in Ireland
- It is said that Celtic warriors chewed dried dulse to boost their stamina on long marches
- British sailors used dulse as a chewing substitute for tobacco, relying on its vitamin content to help ward off scurvy
- Dulse tastes like bacon when cooked! It also changes colour from red to green.
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References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmaria_palmata
https://totallywilduk.co.uk/2022/01/06/dulse-seaweed-palmaria-palmata-identification/
https://horizonseaweed.com/updates/2024/species-spotlight-dulse
Over to you
Have you foraged or used dulse before? I’d love to hear how you use it in your recipes or herbal remedies.
Have any questions about identifying, harvesting, or the medicinal uses of dulse? Let me know in the comments below — I’m happy to help ☺️
