The Healing Effects Of Kelp

Other Common Names: Bladderwrack, Seawrack, Common Seawrack, Laminaria, Fucus, Sargassum, Alaria esculenta, Nereocystis luetkeana, Macrocystis pyrifera

Kelp forests occur in cold, nutrient-rich water and are among the most beautiful and biologically productive habitats in the marine environment. They are found throughout the world in shallow open coastal waters, and the larger forests are restricted to temperatures less than 20?C, extending to both the Arctic and Antarctic Circles. A dependence upon light for photosynthesis restricts them to clear shallow water and they are rarely much deeper than 15-40m. The kelps have in common a capacity for some of the most remarkable growth rates in the plant kingdom. In southern California, the Macrocystis can grow 30 cm per day.

The large fronds spread along the surface, gathering light energy for photosynthesis, and are held afloat by the bulbous float, seen at the base of the fronds. Owing to the combination of a float and a flimsy holdfast, a strong storm can rather easily uproot such a kelp, and shorelines are often lined with stranded plants. This plant is usually an annual!

Kelp was the original source of iodine, being discovered as such by Courtois in 1812, when investigating the products obtained from the mother-liquors prepared by lixiviating burnt seaweed. Iodine does not occur in nature in the uncombined condition, but is widely, though sparingly, distributed in the form of iodides and iodates, chiefly of sodium and potassium, in sea-water, some seaweeds, and various mineral and medicinal springs.

It is a very rich single source of natural vitamins and minerals, including essential trace minerals. It contains iodine, iron, sodium, phosphorus and calcium, as well as magnesium and potassium. Kelp has a reputation for being an especially good source of iodine and potassium.

Kelp is a source of vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D and E, plus amino acids. Kelp also makes a popular salt substitute. Because the plant's nutrients come in a natural form, they are easily assimilated by the body.

Kelp is especially high in iodine, which must be present for proper glandular function and metabolism. Iodine feeds the thyroid which controls metabolism. Iodine is important for thyroid disorders (both overactive and underactive) and obesity.

Kelp is used for weight loss. Kelp contains a viscous fiber called algin. Algin absorbs most nutrients as well as toxins from the digestive tract. This reduces both caloric intake and toxins entering the circulatory system. Alginic acid binds and removes radioactive strontium 90 from the body.

The charcoal derived from Kelp has been used in the treatment of goitre and scrofulous swellings under the name of AEthiops vegetabilis or vegetable ethiops, introduced by Dr. Russell in 1750, who also used a jelly for similar purposes, both internally and externally. He was also successful in dispersing scrofulous rumours by rubbing in the mucus of the vesicles of Bladderwrack, afterwards washing the parts with sea-water. The charcoal was also helpful in goitre. The iodine from other sources led to the neglect of kelp products.

In 1862 Dr. Duchesne-Duparc found, while experimenting in cases of chronic psoriasis, that weight was reduced without injuring health, and used the drug with success for the latter purpose. Dr. Godfroy experimented on himself, losing five and a quarter pounds in a week after taking before three meals a day an extract made into pills. The bromine and iodine stimulated the absorbent glands to increased activity, without causing an atrophied wasting of the glands. Later experiments of Hunt and Seidell indicated that the result is brought about by stimulation of the thyroid gland.

For external application to enlarged or hardened glands, the bruised weed may be applied as a cold poultice.

Known Hazards: Don't use if you are allergic to iodine in any form, particularly if you have had an allergic reaction to injected dye used for X-ray studies of the kidney or other organs.

Doses of iodine in excess of 150 micrograms a day can induce or worsen an overactive thyroid gland.

  • Grieve. M. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9
  • Satterlee. David - HerbalDave's Notebook (President of Herbal Alternatives, Inc.)

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