When thinking about Black History Month, and Black-owned brands, Irish Sea Moss may not be the first product you'd think of. However, it grows abundantly in warm waters like the Caribbean Sea. People who live in some Caribbean island communities have access to all of this beautiful sea moss, have learned how to use it healthfully, and know how to capitalize on it. Thus, we're sharing a little bit about one of the Black-owned Irish Sea Moss brands we carry. 

Meet Natural Renewals

In our stores, we carry two Black-owned brands of Irish Sea Moss: Ocean's Promise and Natural Renewals. Today, we will be focusing on the latter. According to Natural Renewals, "Sea Moss is the ultimate superfood because it provides our bodies with 92 of the 102 essential minerals and nutrients [that naturally occur in the body]! This means that it's good for many aspects of health such as energy, vitality, cardiovascular health, sexual health and function, bone health, muscle recovery, metabolism, thyroid function, and much more!" We enjoy adding a little sea moss to our diet to support overall wellness.

Sea Moss Made Personal

Last time we spoke with Franklin, Founder and CEO of Natural Renewals, he told us a little about his business and what inspired him. Growing up, he suffered from unhealthy blood pressure levels, but now thanks to dietary changes (including the addition of sea moss) and a healthy lifestyle, he's been able to feel much better. His business is local to the Chicago-land area, and Natural Renewals' sea moss is sustainably-sourced and wild-crafted in Saint Lucia. He also noted that sea moss was popularized by Black natural health icon Alfredo Bowman, a popular Herbalist who touted the alkaline diet and other wholistic health practices. Franklin greatly respects and is inspired by Bowman's legacy. 

Favorite Sea Moss Applications

But, what is inspiration and a great product without a great way to use it? Franklin noted that, personally, he enjoys his sea moss in a smoothie. "I like to make a 48-ounce smoothie in the morning and pour it into three, 16-ounce jars to drink throughout the day. This helps me get my fruit in for the day and keeps me energized." We love the idea of smoothies throughout the day for energy! In fact, Natural Renewals' website has over 20 different smoothie recipes. During his visit to our Elmhurst store, he showed our team two of these sea moss smoothie recipes: the Cold Blaster Juice and the Mixed Berry Smoothie, which he highly recommends. 

Along with being a great smoothie add-in, sea moss also makes a great facial mask for nutrient-rich skin care. Franklin told us that his favorite way to make a facial mask is by sticking his Natural Renewals My Moss gel into a blender with a couple drops of peppermint essential oil and tea tree essential oil. Leave it on the skin for 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. 

We hope you get to try some of the wonderful sea mosses we carry from Black-owned businesses this month. Natural Renewals is a great option because it is local, has personally helped Franklin the owner, and works wonders in smoothies and facials. Happy Black History Month from Fruitful Yield, and we hope to help you in-stores with all of your sea moss questions.