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.
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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