Properties: Salty, cold
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Liver, Stomach and Kidney
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Resolves Phlegm and softens Phlegm nodules (areas of hardness)
Phlegm Nodules in the neck (scrofula, goiter, sensation of fullness and obstruction in the chest)
Thyroid tumors, tuberculosis, lymphadenitis, cirrhosis – with Blood movers
Dysphagia
- Promotes urination and reduces swelling
Adjunct for oedema, fistula and Leg Qi
Suggested Daily Dosage: 6-12g in decoction.
Cautions: Although known for its use in iodine deficiency goiters, Miyai et al (2008) suggested that excessive iodine from seaweed consumption may actually suppress thyroid function.
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.
- Fucoidan
Long chain sulfated polysaccharide with a range of biological activities including anti-cancer, anti-coagulant, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti-viral.
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, and A+ Medical Encyclopaedia have 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.
