

With all the health trends that tend to surface every year, one that is starting to finally gain traction, is one that has actually been around for generations: sea moss.
Sea moss, also known as Irish Sea Moss or Irish Moss, is a type of algae that has taken over your nutrient must-have lists and become highly-praised due to its unprecedented benefit factors. And if you've been following Dr. Sebi and his teachings, or if you are of Jamaican descent (because you know they know all about the best herbal tings), then you know each have been preaching the sea moss word for generations. Hallelu.
But here's tea on why:
Our body is made up of 102 individual minerals for a healthy fulfilled, able body. Sea moss contains 92 of those nutrients in a single serving. So, although your fruits and veggies and flax seeds have already been doing a body good, sea moss has kind of created a lane of its own to supercharge.
Oh, and it's natural, which we love around here #teamnochemicals.
Also, because women have a longer to-do list of physical health maintenance (periods, thyroids, uterine health), sea moss has a greater benefit to us, and its wellness perks stretch farther than just some multivitamin.
OK, but what are some of these benefits?
Well, for one, sea moss acts as your heart's teammate.
When it comes to capitalizing the energy stored in food, you need B vitamins, and sea moss contains a decent amount of riboflavin (which is needed to break down proteins, carbs, and fats), and folate (which is needed to form DNA and other genetic material). When these two link up, red blood cells are created. And hopefully we all know the relation these two have together. Ultimately, all of the above produces oxygen, boosts blood flow, and so much more.
So basically, anything that provides 92 of the 102 minerals necessary for your health's sustainability, is an enormous ally to your heart's function.
It offers digestion a major assist.
OK, this may gross you out but sea moss' snotty texture makes it a great healing/soothing agent for mucus membranes in the body, including your respiratory and digestive systems. It's been tested to increase beneficial short-chain fatty acids in the colon, get rid of bad bacteria in the gut, and improve overall gut health and immunity. This means, a healthy bile stimulation and less fats leeching (because we don't want none of that crap messing with our organs, sis).
It is an immune system booster (which we all could use).
In a world of COVID—where we're told to "wait on the vaccine" instead of "boost your immune system"—having a booster is imperative to combating the outside chaos. During cold and flu season, sea moss smoothies could become your go-to meal for weening off the germs. It has potassium iodide, which is great for dissolving phlegm, and it is also rich in amino acids, vitamin C, antioxidants, as well as a host of antiviral and antimicrobial agents. Its nutrients can help you to fight or ward off infections, which is a sign of the times. So add some moss to that drink, ladies. Your immune system will thank you.
It improves your metabolism, thus promoting weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight.
I don't know about you, but anything that can naturally help me slim my waistline, likeeee...sign me up. Anti-inflammation, healthy bowel movements, heart nutrients, and gestational symphonies all equate to a boost in metabolism, and ultimately, steady weight loss and/or maintenance. The high iodine content can stimulate the production of thyroid hormones, which are what controls your appetite and metabolism. And because sea moss retains water, it makes you feel fuller longer, thus suppressing those inevitable cravings.
Oh hey, God.
It stimulates the libido (sea moss will have bae hopping on you)!
Well, another major benefit to sea moss is it's a natural remedy for sexual stimulation. Sea moss' nickname is "the Viagra of the Sea". It promotes blood circulation and stamina, meaning naturally, stronger and more substantial erections in our men. In recent studies by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, they discovered that iron supplementation was associated with significant improvement in muscle endurance and stamina, making iron-rich sea moss is your all-natural solution to gettin it crackin'.
So, go ahead and throw a scoop or two in his smoothie, sis. And if he asks why, just tell him it's for his own good.
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Those interested in adding sea moss to their daily routine can grab some in numerous places, as it has become more and more of a nutritional phenomenon, making it easy to come by. It can be sold as a gel, liquid, or pill, and is best served in smoothies or tea. Check with your local health food store, or order online with vendors such as Bare Root Remedy, Bey Moss, or Cooking With Love to grab your stash.
Have you ever tried sea moss?
As of now, sea moss actually isn't well-researched and there's a lot that we don't know about it. However, what is known is that it contains minerals which are beneficial to our systematic makeup, thus providing the same health benefits that would prove substantial in any nutritionist-based regimen. Check with your doctor or healthcare professional if you are concerned about how adding sea moss to your diet could possibly affect you.
Featured image by Shutterstock
Charmin Michelle is a southern native and creative spirit who works as a content marketer and events manager in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, #SummertimeChi, and the journey of mastering womanhood. Connect with her on Instagram @charminmichelle.
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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The Power Of Your Big 3: How Your Sun, Moon & Rising Signs Shape You
Astrology has become even more mainstream and a phenomenon than it ever has in the past. We have gone beyond the, “What’s your sign?” and have moved into “What’s your big 3?” seemingly overnight, and rightly so due to the significance of knowing these important details. Your Big 3 in Astrology represents your sun sign, your moon sign, and your rising sign.
This trifecta is thought to be one of the most significant details of your birth chart and gives you and others more of a full-picture look at who you are beyond just your sun sign.
Knowing your big 3 is important, especially if you are someone who has never really resonated with your sun sign. You read about what it means to be an Aries, but it may not align with what you see or your experience with other Aries. Meanwhile, the whole time, you have a Libra rising, the complete opposite sign of Aries, and this is why you have always seen yourself as a more laid-back and less confrontational Aries.
Elements hold a key role in your birth chart and having a big 3 where the elements are all compatible or the same often signifies someone who knows who they are and is comfortable in their skin. Whereas someone with a different element for each part of their big 3 may have challenges with identity or defining who they are or how they want to present themselves. It’s a different type of perspective when looking into your big 3, and it helps you see where your strengths and needs are in life, and how to tap more into this potential.
Your Big 3 In Astrology, Explained
Your big 3 can help you navigate life by understanding which part of you comes out more in different circumstances. At home, you are most like your moon sign, when you are out and about, you are most like your rising sign. Whether you are at home or out and about, your goals, purpose, and interests are most like your sun sign.
You can find out what your big 3 is by looking up a ‘Birth Chart Calculator’ on your search engine, typing in your birthday details (you will need to know your birth date, location, and the exact time you were born), and generating your birth chart.
Read below for your sun, moon, and rising signs.
YOUR SUN SIGN
Your sun sign represents the core of you and what motivates you to shine and be your best self. This is your personality, goals, purpose, identity, ego, interests, direction, and where you light up in life.
FIRE SUN (Aries Sun, Leo Sun, Sagittarius Sun)
If you are an Aries sun, a Leo sun, or a Sagittarius sun, you are outgoing, confident, fearless, and in tune with yourself and your personal goals and desires in life. You go after the things you want, and you are not afraid to take up space. You are someone who prefers to be more independent, and you are often in more leadership roles in life.
EARTH SUN (Taurus Sun, Virgo Sun, Capricorn Sun)
If you are a Taurus sun, a Virgo sun, or a Capricorn sun, you are grounded, dependable, loyal, hard-working, and logical. You prefer the finer things in life but also work hard to get where you are. You are someone others feel they can rely on, and you are often a support for other people in your life. You are very connected to the material sides of life, and have a gift for manifesting.
AIR SUN (Gemini Sun, Libra Sun, Aquarius Sun)
If you are a Gemini sun, a Libra sun, or an Aquarius sun, you are light-hearted, free-flowing, intelligent, and communicative. You speak what is on your mind, and you love to connect and communicate with others. People know you for the things you say and your out-of-the-box ideas, and you are someone who is open-minded and provides a safe space for people to be authentically themselves.
WATER SUN (Cancer Sun, Scorpio Sun, Pisces Sun)
If you are a Cancer sun, a Scorpio sun, or a Pisces sun, you are thoughtful, generous, emotional, loving, and compassionate. You care deeply about the people you love, and you are always there for others. You may be more emotional than most, and this is due to your strong intuition and open heart. You are creative, inspiring, and motivated towards connection in life.
YOUR MOON SIGN
Your moon sign represents your emotions. This is the way you express yourself emotionally, how you process your emotions, what you need in love, what makes you feel safe and nurtured, your desires, intuition, your inner world, and what’s going on beneath the surface.
FIRE MOON (Aries Moon, Leo Moon, Sagittarius Moon)
If you are an Aries moon, a Leo moon, or a Sagittarius moon, you are someone who is not afraid to communicate your emotions or how you are feeling, and you can feel your emotions from a mile away. You are confident in yourself and are someone who stands up for what you feel is right. You have a strong need to be seen and heard in your relationships, and a certain type of understanding is needed for you to emotionally thrive. You may have some challenges with anger or high energy and are working through emotional impulses in this lifetime.
EARTH MOON (Taurus Moon, Virgo Moon, Capricorn Moon)
If you are a Taurus moon, a Virgo moon, or a Capricorn moon, you are someone who is emotionally grounded, safe, comforting, and logical. You aren’t overly emotional and may not show your emotions to people much at all, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have them. You think before you speak, and you process your emotions before acting on them, and you tend to be more down-to-earth and understanding when it comes to other people’s emotional worlds as well. You are someone people go to when they need someone to talk to you as you are a very good listener.
AIR MOON (Gemini Moon, Libra Moon, Aquarius Moon)
If you are a Gemini moon, a Libra moon, or an Aquarius moon, you are someone who is fun, outgoing, and emotionally open-minded. You don’t like heavy emotions or too much emotional drama, and you tend to be more go-with-the-flow in this area of your life. Good conversation and mutual understanding are very important to you in your relationships and you want funny banter and inspiration in your connections with others.
WATER MOON (Cancer Moon, Scorpio Moon, Pisces Moon)
If you are a Cancer moon, a Scorpio moon, or a Pisces moon, you are someone who lives by their heart and values your emotional world deeply. You crave a deep type of intimacy in your partnerships and you need a partner who is going to give you that type of emotional connection. You are more private with your emotional world and you tend to hold a lot in, but this can often lead to sudden outbursts as well. Overall, you are the definition of emotion and others learn a lot from you on what it means to love and to feel.
YOUR ASCENDANT (RISING SIGN)
Your ascendant sign represents your perception and the energy you put out into the world. This is the way you come across to others, the way you express yourself, your physical traits and aesthetics, how you manifest, society, and what you expect from the world around you.
FIRE ASCENDANT (Aries Rising, Leo Rising, Sagittarius Rising)
If you are an Aries rising, a Leo rising, or a Sagittarius rising, you come across to others as confident, bold, and stylish. You are known for the way you look or the way you present yourself, and you are usually adorned in bright colors or wearing something that others take a lot of notice of. You are someone who walks into a room, and all eyes are on you, and you love that. You want to be on the move and on the go, and you love to show up in the world exactly as you are today. You see the world with a lot of possibilities and like it's yours to have fun and enjoy yourself in.
EARTH ASCENDANT (Taurus Rising, Virgo Rising, Capricorn Rising)
If you are a Taurus rising, a Virgo rising, or a Capricorn rising, you come across to others as responsible, beautiful, natural, and dependable. You are a hard worker, and you may be known for your career or the work that you do. You are someone who walks into a room and people feel an immediate sense of comfort and like you are someone they can trust. You have strong values and goals, and you are someone who knows what they want. People love to be around your down-to-earth energy, and you make others feel safe and grounded.
AIR ASCENDANT (Gemini Rising, Libra Rising, Aquarius Rising)
If you are a Gemini rising, a Libra rising, or an Aquarius rising, you come across to others as outgoing, friendly, and talkative. You see the world as a place to learn, connect, and be inspired, and you are on a quest for knowledge and understanding. You connect with people from all walks of life, and you tend to have a pretty open-minded and unique friend group. You care a lot about your style and aesthetic and always strive to be authentically you wherever you are. You can talk to people for hours and are often meeting new people and making new friends wherever you go.
WATER ASCENDANT (Cancer Rising, Scorpio Rising, Pisces Rising)
If you are a Cancer rising, a Scorpio rising, or a Pisces rising, you navigate life through the lens of your emotions, and you are deeply connected to the undercurrents of life. You are ruled by your emotions, and this side of you is not something you can keep hidden away easily. You get emotional when you think about society and others at large, and you want to be known for the kind and sincere person you are. When you walk into a room, you feel other people's energy right away and are highly empathic and intuitive.
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Featured image by We Are/Getty Images
Originally published on April 20, 2024