Fucus, Kelp, Kun Bu 昆布

Bladderwrack
Kun Bu (TCM)

Fucus spp.
Notes on Pharmacognosy, Otto Augustus Wall, 1902

Fucus nodosa
English Botany, Sowerby, 1799

Members CLICK HERE for the PRO VERSION

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

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

Main Combinations:

Major Formulas:

Decoction of Self Heal and Kelp

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

Extra Info
History
Research
Comment