Eisenia bicyclis

Provenance: Japan

About: Our arame is harvested off the beautiful Ise-Shima peninsula, where it grows deep in tidal pools. In late summer, local fishermen wade out during low tide to cut the tender young plants. The wide leaves are then simmered in their own juices and laid in the sun to dry. We believe that this artisanal harvesting method adds to arame’s vibrancy by harnessing the energy of the sun and sea.

Literally meaning “rough texture,” arame provides a myriad of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, zinc, iron, and iodine. Like most sea vegetables, arame contributes to overall wellbeing by providing many minerals that aid in physical and mental relaxation. In addition, sea vegetables can help with stress relief because of their high amounts of pantothenic acid while supporting the adrenals, which may become depleted during times of stress.

Another benefit found in arame, as with other sea vegetables, is its powerful cleansing action. Heavy metals that are taken into the body bind to the high amounts of alginic acid in sea vegetables. This renders the metal toxins insoluble in the intestines and thereby stops them from being absorbed into body tissue.

In addition, arame nourishes the skin with its high vitamin and mineral profile and may also have an antimicrobial effect when used topically on the skin.

Featured In: The Daily Transformation Soaking Salts