Home :: Kelp

Kelp Herb - Uses And Side Effects

Kelp comes from fronds of the tall, brown algae called Laminaria digitata, L. japonica, L. saccharina, and Macrocystis pyrifera, which grow in the sea along the northern Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Although some people have used natural stents or kelp "tents" to keep the cervix open in women during childbirth, contamination of these tents has caused infection and led to a halt in their use.

Kelp is an underwater plant with a majestic form, deep green color and a high nutritional yield. Commonly referred to as "seaweed" this botanical beauty is not from the common "seaweed" but rather a different classification of plant entirely. Care and importance should be taken when consuming kelp and one should know its origin. The primary known constituents of Kelp include algin, carrageenan, iodine, potassium, bormine, mucopolysaccharides, mannitol, alginic acid, kainic acid, laminine, histamine, zeaxanthin, protein, and Vitamins B-2 & C.

Common doses of Kelp

Kelp comes as:

• capsules (380 micrograms, 640 milligrams, and 660 milligrams)
• tablets (150 and 225 micrograms)
• a water extract or powder.

Some experts recommend the following dose:

• One tablet or capsule daily, providing 500 to 650 milligrams of ground kelp. This quantity provides approximately 250 micrograms of elemental iodine (about 150% of the recommended daily allowance).

Uses of Kelp herb

Kelp is known for the following properties: antibacterial, antioxidant, diuretic, emollient, endocrine tonic, expectorant, and nutritive. Specifically, kelp may help to :-

• As an iodine source
• Obesity
• Rheumatism
• To induce abortion
• To prevent breast cancer
• To thin the blood
• Tumors

Kelp has also been shown to support the lowering of blood cholesterol levels.

Typical preparations

Powdered kelp can be easily included in practically every dish. You may sprinkle it on entrees, soups, salads, and it makes a marvelous drink in the form of a "green smoothie". Also adds well in teas and in iced drinks. Encapsulated kelp is also available as well as the liquid extract from the fresh plant.

Side effects of Kelp

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of kelp:

• acne
• bleeding

This herb also can cause:

• arsenic poisoning (if contaminated)
• bone marrow changes that affect red blood cells
• high blood pressure
• low platelet count

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Don't use kelp while taking drugs that lower blood pressure. If you have abnormal blood clotting or a platelet defect or if you take aspirin, don't use kelp when taking blood thinners, such as Coumadin.

Important paints to remember

• If you're pregnant, check with your health care practitioner before using kelp. Applying the herb to your skin may affect the cervix and placenta. Also know that kelp "tents" used to dilate the cervix during delivery have been linked to fetal death.
• Don't use this herb if you're breast feeding.
• Don't use kelp if you're prone to heart failure or high blood pressure.
• If you feel ill when using large amounts of kelp daily, have your health care practitioner check for arsenic poisoning.
• If you use kelp and take a blood thinner, notify your health care practitioner if you experience bleeding symptoms, such as unexplained bruises, bleeding gums, or blood in the stool.

What the research shows

Scientific studies don't support the use of kelp for cancer prevention. No research has been done to evaluate kelp and blood thinners.

Other names for Kelp

Other names for kelp include brown algae, horsetail, Laminaria, sea girdles, seaweed, sugar wrack, and tangleweed.

Products containing kelp are sold under such names as Kelp and Kelp Norwegian.