This product is the thallus of the kelp (Laminaria japonica Aresch.) from the Kelp family or the kelp (Ecklonia kurome Okam.) from the Alariaceae family. It is mainly produced in Shandong, Liaoning, Zhejiang, and other regions. It is harvested in summer and autumn, impurities are removed, it is cleaned, cut into wide strips, and then dried.

bubble_chart Properties and Meridians

Salty, cold. act on liver and kidney channels.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Dispersing phlegm and softening hardness, unblock water and dispersing edema.

bubble_chart Indications

Same as seaweed, often used in mutual reinforcement with seaweed.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. Bielu: "It treats twelve types of edema, goiter, accumulated qi, and scrofula."
2. Bencao Jingshu: "Kelp is salty and can soften hardness, its nature is moistening and purgative, its coldness can eliminate heat and disperse accumulations, hence it treats twelve types of edema, goiter, accumulated qi, and scrofula. Dongyuan said: For goiters as hard as stone, nothing but this can remove them. This is precisely the effect of saltiness in softening hardness. Examining its flavor, nature, and therapeutic uses, it is largely similar to seaweed."

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

Decoct and take 6-12g.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

This product contains polysaccharides such as alginic acid, kelp extract, and galactan, amino acids including kelp acid, glutamic acid, asparagine, and proline, vitamins B1, B2, C, P, and carotene, as well as inorganic salts like iodine, potassium, and calcium. Due to its content of iodine and iodides, it helps prevent and treat iodine-deficiency goiter. Kelp acid and potassium salts have blood pressure-lowering effects, while alginic acid and kelp acid help reduce serum cholesterol. Additionally, it has a grade I laxative effect.