Kelp (Kun Bu)

昆布

Laminaria (Kunbu)

Pharmaceutical Name: Thallus Laminariae seu Eckloniae

Botanical Name: 1. Laminaria japonica Aresch.. 2. Ecklonia kurome Okam.

Common Name: Laminaria, Kelp, Kunbu sea cress

Source of Earliest Record: Mingyi Bielu

Part Used: The laminaria thallus is collected from the sea in summer or autumn. It is cleaned, cut into pieces and dried in the shade.

Natural Properties & Taste: Salty and cold

Meridians: Liver, stomach and kidney

Therapeutic Effects:
1. To resolve phlegm and soften hardness.

2. To promote water metabolism.

Indications:
1. Goiter manifested as enlarged neck and stifling sensation in the throat. Laminaria (Kunbu) is used with Seaweed (Haizao) and Sea clam shell (Haigeqiao) in the formula Kunbu Wan.

2. Edema of the foot or general edema. Laminaria (Kunbu) is used with Poria (Fuling) and Alismatis rhizome (Zexie).

Dosage: 10-15 g