Laminariae Japonicae Thallus
Aliases：Laminaria (Kunbu), Kelp (Haidaicai)
Haidai (Kelp Thallus) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried thallus of Laminaria japonica Aresch. (family Laminariaceae).
Efficacy & Actions
Eliminate phlegm and soften hardness; promote diuresis and reduce edema.
Indications
Goiter, scrofula, testicular swelling and pain, and phlegm-fluid edema. Often used together with Sargassum (Haizao) in a mutually reinforcing manner.
Modern Pharmacology
Thyroid regulation: Rich in iodine, an essential raw material for thyroid hormone synthesis, crucial for preventing and treating iodine‑deficiency goiter. Antihypertensive: Laminine and potassium salts help lower blood pressure. Hypolipidemic: Alginic acid and laminine reduce serum cholesterol levels. Hypoglycemic: Laminarin polysaccharide helps prevent and manage hyperglycemia. Antitumor: Hot‑water extracts inhibit certain tumor cells. Immunomodulatory: Polysaccharides enhance humoral and cellular immunity. Other effects: Also possesses anti‑radiation, anticoagulant, laxative, and hair‑care properties.
Ingredients
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Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 6–12 g in decoction.
Contraindications
Use with caution in cases of Spleen‑Stomach deficiency cold: Kelp is cold in nature. Excessive consumption may aggravate symptoms such as epigastric cold pain and loose stools. Not suitable for patients with hyperthyroidism: Because kelp is rich in iodine, it may worsen the condition. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not overconsume: Iodine can cross the placenta or pass into breast milk, potentially affecting fetal or infant thyroid function. It is recommended to limit intake to no more than 20 g per meal. Proper preparation: Long‑term use of kelp as a staple food is not recommended, as it may lead to excessive iodine intake. Before cooking, rinse kelp thoroughly to remove possible arsenic. Interval after eating: To avoid interference with iron absorption, do not drink tea or eat sour fruits (such as hawthorn or grapes) immediately after consuming kelp.
Selected Formulas
1. For goiter with hard nodules (from Sheng Hui Fang) Take 30 g (one liang) of Kunbu (dried kelp), wash off the salt, dry in the sun, and grind into a fine powder. For each dose, wrap 3 g (one qian) of the powder in a piece of cotton cloth, soak it in good vinegar, then place it in the mouth and slowly swallow the liquid. When the flavor fades, replace it with a fresh packet. 2. For bladder qi stagnation requiring urgent descending of qi (from Guang Ji Fang) Take 500 g (one jin) of Kunbu from Korea, soak overnight in rice‑washing water, then wash off the salty taste. Add about 10 liters (one hu) of water and cook until soft. Tear into thin strips. Add one handful of scallion white (cut into 1‑inch sections) and continue cooking until very tender. Finally, season with salt, vinegar, fermented black beans (douchi), ginger powder, dried tangerine peel powder, and Sichuan pepper powder, then eat. It is best to consume with foxtail millet or Japonica rice. This preparation is very effective for descending qi. There are no special dietary restrictions. The same method can be used for Haizao (Sargassum).
Daily Consumption
Cold Shredded Kelp Salad Soak and boil kelp until tender, shred, then mix with scallion, cilantro, salt, vinegar, light soy sauce, chili oil, and sesame oil. Effects: Softens hardness, resolves nodules; promotes diuresis and unblocks qi. Kelp and Pork Rib Soup Simmer kelp together with pork ribs. Effects: Eliminates phlegm, softens hardness, unblocks vessels; tonifies qi and nourishes blood. Kelp, Mung Bean and Rice Congee Cook shredded kelp, mung beans, and white rice together into a congee. Effects: Clears heat, resolves toxicity; reduces internal heat (lowers “fire”). Stir‑fried Kelp Stir‑fry kelp alone or with pork (vegetarian or non‑vegetarian). Effects: Provides rich dietary fiber and nutrients.
Medicinal Parts
thallus
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry container in a well-ventilated, dry place.