“I was a regular gym-goer – going four to five times a week – when a good friend who is into health introduced me to seamoss,” writes podcaster and events organiser Tazer Black. 

“It’s a type of seaweed that grows on the rocky shores of the Atlantic and it’s been used for centuries as a natural remedy and as an ingredient in many foods.

“I was aware of it from a young age – there was a man in our local Caribbean restaurant who bigged up Irish moss (another name for seamoss). He’d say how it could help with your immune system and gut health, and give you extra strength in the bedroom, lol. 

“A few years ago I was attempting to clean up my diet, getting rid of junk food like crisps and cakes, but the real turning point for trying seamoss was the night I had alcohol poisoning.

“I threw up for two days straight. Something switched in my head – nothing chemically made would ever enter my body again. From then on, I wanted natural products. So I thought, let me see what my body would look like if I got more healthy.”

A natural decision

“I figured anything that could help my gym journey was worth a try. I did a bit of research about seamoss and a lot of the benefits made sense to me. What really sold me was the fact that I was seeing loads of videos online extolling the nutritional virtues of seamoss. They all shared the same message: it’s naturally rich in the essential minerals and vitamins, like iodine and iron, that our body needs to stay healthy. No brainer! I decided to use myself as a case study to see whether or not the research was legit.

“I have a history of eczema – most of my skin products are fragrance and paraben-free and they helped to clear it up. But my friend told me that seamoss would improve my hair and skin, too. It was 100% about wanting a healthier lifestyle, but this was a bonus.

“Adding seamoss to my diet felt right. It quickly earned its place in my daily routine as an invaluable supplement – and I haven’t stopped using it since. It’s abundant in the Caribbean and that’s the region I favour when ordering my products from a UK-based brand called BOOD.”

Promising results

“The first thing I noticed when I started taking seamoss was that my skin was looking fuller and clearer – it was glowing – and my hair was growing healthier. Another thing I really noticed is that if I ever got a rash or scar (I’m a bit clumsy) seamoss and black seed oil would speed up the healing process.

“I injured myself once by emptying the dishwasher – I didn’t see one of the knives facing the wrong way and ended up slicing my middle finger open. Anyway, I began taking seamoss and prioritising my sleep and I definitely saw a difference in how fast my finger healed. 

“I also started noticing how it became easier to wake up in the morning, and my gym sessions felt smoother. 

“Look, I can’t lie… initially it took a while to get used to the consistency of seamoss. 

“There’s an African food called gari (the English term is cassava flour). The consistency of gari when mixed with water is fairly mooshy. That’s what seamoss gives. For me, it’s easy to take a spoonful and wash it down with water, I’m at that stage with it. But I do understand the people who are wary of the feel of it.”

Banishing brain fog

“I’ve converted my whole family to seamoss – my mum and my friends. But it’s my sister who’s really involved. She was taking it for a couple of weeks when there was a problem with a late delivery. She had to go another two weeks without taking seamoss daily and she noticed a huge sudden change: brain fog. It was taking her longer to get out of bed and get ready for work. When her delivery finally arrived and she got back into her seamoss routine, she felt transformed again.

“Now if I was someone who, like my sister, had to rush around all day, I might notice changes like that. But we have different lifestyles. Still, being on seamoss is a nice feeling… Oh and it’s also increased my libido – yo, it’s mad!

“I’m very disciplined with my seamoss routine. Each morning after waking up I head to the kitchen, grab my jar of BOOD Original Seamoss gel, take a spoonful, then head back to bed. And that’s it – done! 

From gel to gummies

“It’s amazing to see so many people, like me, wanting to better their health and using seamoss to do that. I’m happy to be an example of the benefits it can bring. I look good, I feel good and I’m proof of what seamoss can do for someone who’s consistent in taking it.

“I’ve even bought friends hand-held electric whisks, to help them overcome their resistance to the consistency. I advise people to spoon their seamoss gel into a cup, add their favourite juice, whisk it and then drink it.

“BOOD offers a variety of different versions if the gel isn’t your thing. You can try gummies, powder, juices and power shots. So many ways. The most important thing is that you get the seamoss into your system. So figure out which one works for you – and make it happen!”

PLEASE NOTE: Due to its iodine content, seaweed should not be eaten during pregnancy or if breastfeeding. If you’re taking any prescription medication, for example medication that could raise potassium levels in your blood, check with your GP first before consuming seamoss.

Check out BOOD for more details about the many health benefits of seamoss, how the BOOD founders began their seamoss journey in St Lucia and the wide range of seamoss goodies you can buy, including BOOD’s starter boxes.

Follow Tazer Black on Instagram.