This product is the algal body of the Sargassaceae plant, Sargassum pallidum (Sargassum pallidum (Turn.) C. Ag.) or Sargassum fusiforme (S. fusiforme (Harv.) Setch.). The former is commonly known as "large-leaf seaweed," and the latter as "small-leaf seaweed." It is mainly produced in coastal areas of Liaoning, Shandong, Fujian, Zhejiang, and Guangdong. It is harvested in summer and autumn, impurities are removed, it is washed, cut into sections, and dried for use.

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

1. Used for goiter, scrofula, testicular swelling and pain, etc. This herb has a salty and cold nature, with the effect of softening hardness and dispersing phlegm to resolve masses. For treating goiter, it is often combined with kelp, Fritillaria Bulb, etc., such as Sargassum Jade Flask Decoction; for treating scrofula, it is often used with Prunella, Scrophularia Root, Forsythia, etc., such as the Internal Dissipating Scrofula Pill; for treating testicular swelling and pain, it is combined with Tangerine Seed, kelp, Chinaberry Fruit, etc., such as the Jisheng Fang Tangerine Seed Pill.
2. Used for beriberi with edema and other types of edema. This herb has the effect of unblocking water and dispersing edema, and can be used with Alisma and other damp-excreting medicinals.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. Benjing: "It governs goiter and qi, nodules under the neck, disperses stagnant qi, abdominal masses, firm qi, rumbling in the abdomen, and twelve types of edema."
2. Bencao Gangmu: "Seaweed, salty in nature, can moisten and purge, cold in nature, can drain heat and guide water, thus it can dissolve goiters, subcutaneous nodes, and firm accumulations of yin ulcers, and eliminate edema, beriberi, persistent fluid retention, and dampness-heat of phlegm qi, causing pathogenic qi to be expelled through urination."

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

Decoct and take 10-15g.

bubble_chart Cautions and Contraindications

Traditionally, it is believed that liquorice root should not be used. However, in clinical practice, it is often combined with other medicinal substances.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

Both hijiki and sargassum contain alginic acid, mannitol, potassium, iodine, and other elements. Sargassum also contains sargassum polysaccharides, fucosterol, and more. Seaweed, due to its iodide content, has therapeutic effects on endemic goiter caused by iodine deficiency and temporarily inhibits hyperthyroidism and increased basal metabolic rate. Sulfated alginic acid esters have anti-hyperlipidemic effects, can reduce serum cholesterol in rabbits, and alleviate atherosclerosis. Seaweed water extract has a hypotensive effect on anesthetized dogs and rabbits. Seaweed contains anticoagulant substances that have anticoagulant effects. It has antibacterial effects against human-type subcutaneous nodule bacilli and also inhibits influenza viruses and skin fungi.