Turkish Towel for the Bath (Chondracanthus exasperates) is known for its healing properties for the skin. Our skin is an amazing organ, and can absorb the potassium, calcium, iodine, and magnesium found in seaweeds.
This gorgeous red seaweed is unique in its appearance and its uses! It is widely known as the Turkish towel because when you touch the rough papillae surface, it feels very similar to a towel from a Turkish bath.
Turkish towel’s bumpy texture also feels a bit like a cat’s tongue. The “towel’s” nubby swellings are the seaweed’s reproductive organs. When placed in fresh water, they create a clear jelly, which is a luxurious treat for the skin and is often used as a gelling agent for several different types of foods and cosmetics.
Turkish towel can be found right off the coast of California, attached to rocks in the low intertidal area, primarily growing in more exposed areas. Keep your eyes out for it next time you’re by the water: its distinct look and feel makes it pretty easy to find.
I would not recommend picking up Turkish towel up off the sandy beach, because there is no way to know how long it has been detached, and it will start to disintegrate if not dried thoroughly.
Turkish towel has a few unique uses: as the name suggests, it can be used in baths as a natural exfoliating bath towel. Turkish towel is commonly used for thalassotherapy, a form of therapy using seawater and sea products to refresh the skin’s pores. What is thalassotherapy used for?
Thalassotherapy comes from the Greek word “Thalassa” meaning “sea”. It refers to a variety of treatments that use saltwater and/or seaweeds, each designed to cleanse, soothe and revitalize the skin and body, and in some cases to improve circulation and muscle tone.
Ready to use some? Just pour a warm or hot bath, slip into the water with a piece of Turkish towel and let the water soften it up until you can feel the luxurious gel coming from the surface of the towel.
Rub the towel all over your skin! Turkish towel can also be used in a hot tub or shower. Its texture is perfect to scrub off any unwanted residue.
Just remember to dry it out completely after each use. I would suggest drying in a light and airy place, so that the ocean smell does not overwhelm your bathing area.
December is our Turkish towel special for gifting or for using yourself. For each order of $50+, I will include a couple of pieces of Turkish towel for you to try or give away.
You can also buy it here online from Ocean Harvest’s store.
Happy Holidays however you celebrate.
Now, I’m headed into the bath with my Turkish towel!
Terry d’Selkie