Properties: Neutral and salty
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Lung, Spleen and Kidney
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Transforms Phlegm and softens hardness
Reduced Thyroid function, especially when associated with iodine deficiency
- Regulates Spleen Qi and Fluids, clears Phlegm
Obesity with lethargy
Fluid retention
Hypoglycemia
Sensations of Cold
Suggested Daily Dosage: 0.8-2g of dried herb per day.
Cautions: Contraindicated in those with a known sensitivity to iodine. Excessive use may aggravate or induce hyperthyroidism.
Notable Constituents:
- Iodine
Element used as a disinfectant and has an important nutritional function in thyroid function whose deficiency can lead to goiters and growth issues in children.
- Alginate
Polysaccharide found in brown seaweeds whose sodium salt is the main active ingredient in antacids and used as an emulsifier, thickener, and stabiliser in food and cosmetic industries. Calcium alginate is used in wound dressing to promote healing.
Notes:
Actions and indications taken from Ross (2010) Combining Western Herbs and Chinese Medicine: A Materia Medica. He also notes that while most seaweeds in China are considered Cold in temperature, Bladderwrack is used in the west for hypothyroidism with sensations of cold. He therefore classifies its temperature as neutral and suggests it is appropriate for Yang deficient types of hypothyroidism.
Does not appear in any formulae listed on this site
Research Links & References: (click to display)
Research Links:
Reference Notes:
Individual herb information has sourced mainly from TCM Wiki and American Dragon for basic data and then updated manually with my own notes. Zhou, Xie and Yan (2011): Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Vol. 5, has been used for entries not available from those sources with additional material searched for and filled in where available. Western herbs not appearing in the Chinese literature have used Ross (2010): Combining Western Herbs and Chinese Medicine: A Clinical Materia Medica, White Rabbit Institute of Healing and therapeutika.ch. Choices of which source to use or combine have been my own.
These pages are intended to assist clinicians and are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment for which a qualified professional should be consulted. Actions and indications are taken from traditional uses and do not necessarily reflect the evidence base which should be researched independently. Dosages are for guidance only and will vary dependening on the potency of the batch and the tolerance of the individual so should be evaluated by a professional based on individual needs.
