Plant love...

Britain may be in the midst of a recession, but one thing not in short supply is seaweed. 

If you walk the shores of our pleasant isle it’s quite clear this green, slimy and, frankly, smelly resource is plentiful. 

And yet seaweed is one of nature’s most underappreciated ingredients. Although seen by many as a redundant nuisance, the truth is seaweed is bursting with vitamins and minerals, is a brilliant cleanser, helps the body to retain moisture.  

It’s even said that seaweed supplements can assist with hormone regulation – what more can a girl ask? 

So we’ve scoured the shops for seaweed products to leave you feeling clean, revitalised and as fresh as an early morning sea breeze! 

HAIR CARE
Rich in minerals and full of protein, organic seaweed based products are the ultimate delight for any hair type. With anti-oxidants that help to reduce cellular damage in the hair follicles, seaweed is not only good at cleansing the hair and scalp – it’s brilliant at locking in moisture keeping hair looking healthy, shiny and free of harsh synthetic chemical smells. 

Try this award winning Seaweed Shampoo from faithinnature.co.uk teamed with their Seaweed Conditioner, both £4.10.  

ORAL SEAWEED
According to scientists at The University of Newcastle upon Tyne, there are many health and beauty benefits to ingesting seaweed. Not only is it full of fibre and low in calories, but it is also jam packed with nutrients said to have a long lasting positive affect on the skin. 

greenpeople.co.uk sells seaweed capsules in recyclable packaging and suitable for vegans for only £9.99. 

PAMPER YOURSELF
The relaxing seaweed foot treatment, available from nutri-health.co.uk (£4.99) is the perfect treat to unwind after a hard day, or a wonderful addition to a DIY pamper night with friends. Made from natural organic Irish seaweed, the treatment leaves you feeling fresh, rejuvinated and ready to take on the whole world! 

If you want to go all out on the pampering front how about a DIY facial? This Seaweed Dry Face Mask, available from naturalbubbles.co.uk (£6.50 for 50g)  is simply made from clay and seaweed,  the ultimate cleansing combination. 

For a quick fix, try the Aqua Marina facial wrap from lush.co.uk with calamine and aloe vera (£5.50 for 100g). 

THE SEAWEED SOAK
One of the best ways to get the most from seaweed’s miraculous qualities is to take a seaweed bath. When seaweed is soaked in hot water for a long period of time, it releases oils which are readily absorbed by the open pores of the skin. More often than not, such treatments take place at spas which cost time and money. 

But Irish brand Voya specialises in spa seaweed beauty treatments but also gives you the chance to do it yourself at home. For 16 euros, you can buy their Lazy Day’s organic seaweed. Pop it in the bath and hop in after it! 

While you’re in there, Natural Soap in Brown seaweed, from bohemia-style.co.uk (£5.23) will cleanse and tighten your skin leaving you feeling thoroughly pampered. 

[Show as slideshow]