Fucus, Kelp, Kun Bu 昆布
Bladderwrack
Kun Bu (TCM)
Kun Bu (TCM)
Fucus spp.
Notes on Pharmacognosy, Otto Augustus Wall, 1902 |
Fucus nodosa
English Botany, Sowerby, 1799 |
Botanical name:
Fucus spp;
F. vesiculosis, F. serratus, F. nodosus
Parts used:
Thallus (whole plant); Carbonised Plant
Temperature & Taste:
Cold, dry. Salty
Classification:
P. Clears Hot Phlegm
Fucus spp;
F. vesiculosis, F. serratus, F. nodosus
Parts used:
Thallus (whole plant); Carbonised Plant
Temperature & Taste:
Cold, dry. Salty
Classification:
P. Clears Hot Phlegm
ADVERTISEMENT:
Uses:
1. Clears Phlegm, Reduces Nodes and Masses: (TCM, West)
-Goiter, Scrofula, Lymphatic swellings, and other phlegm Tumors
-traditionally for the ‘12 kinds of Edema, Goiter and Fistula’; ‘Goiter as hard as a rock can only be cured with this herb’ (TCM).
-charcoal obtained from Kelp was used in 1750 by Dr. Russel for these purposes and was called ‘Vegetable Ethiops’.
2. Promotes Urine, Clears Damp: (TCM, West)
-Edema, Fluid retention
-remedy for Obesity and in diet drinks
-‘The best remedy for Obesity’ but is usually only effective if the Thyroid is involved. (Ellingwood)
3. Benefits the Kidneys: (West)
-Impotence, Infertility (auxiliary medicine)
-Kidney disorders, bladder weakness, Prostatitis, Desquamative Nephritis
-irritation and inflammation of the Bladder.
4. Benefits the Heart:
-Hypertension, High Cholesterol, Heart Disease and fatty Degeneration of the Heart
5. Nutritive Tonic:
-rich in Minerals and Trace Minerals
6. Clears Heat and Toxin:
-acute Sore Throat.
-Psoriasis and Rheumatic pains (expressed juice, concentrated decoction or dried Extract)
-helps remove Heavy Metals and Radioactive Toxins from the body.
7. Externally:
-a wash of the decoction is used for Strains, Sprains and Bruising.
-the mucilage from the swollen vesicles is an old folk remedy applied to Rheumatism, Bruises, Sprains and ‘weak feet’. (It may be boiled down to a lotion or added to a salt-water bath)
-the mucilage is applied to Glandular Swellings.
-'Corrosive ulcers and all kinds of gatherings are treated with sea-weed, used before it has dried' (Pliny)
Dose:
Powder: 2–5 grams
Substitute:
... available in PRO version
Powder: 2–5 grams
Substitute:
... available in PRO version
Main Combinations:
1. Scrofula and Neck Swellings:
i. Kelp with ... available in PRO version
ii. Kelp with ... available in PRO version
iii. Kelp with ... available in PRO version
2. Goiter:
i.... available in PRO version
ii. Kelp, ... available in PRO version
3. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Kelp has been ... available in PRO version
4. Obesity:
i. Kelp with ... available in PRO version
ii. Kelp with ... available in PRO version
iii. Kelp with ... available in PRO version
iv. Kelp with ... available in PRO version
v. Kelp with ... available in PRO version
5. Fluid Retention, Kelp with ... available in PRO version
6. Prostatitis, Kelp with ... available in PRO version
7. Hyperthyroidism:
i. Kelp with ... available in PRO version
ii. Kelp with ... available in PRO version
iii. Kelp with ... available in PRO version
Major Formulas:
Decoction of Self Heal and Kelp
ADVERTISEMENT:
Cautions:
1. Use cautiously during pregnancy
2. When treating Thyroid conditions, watch for aggravation when treatment is initiated. It is not suitable in all cases.
Toxicity
1. Iodine-Induced Thyrotoxicosis After Ingestion of Kelp-Containing Tea
Main Preparations used:
Extract of Kelp, Carbonised plant or ashes
1. Use cautiously during pregnancy
2. When treating Thyroid conditions, watch for aggravation when treatment is initiated. It is not suitable in all cases.
Toxicity
1. Iodine-Induced Thyrotoxicosis After Ingestion of Kelp-Containing Tea
Main Preparations used:
Extract of Kelp, Carbonised plant or ashes