June 15, 2002

KELP

Latin Name: Fucus vesiculosis

Alternate Names: Bladderwrack, Seawrack

Family: FUCACEAE

Parts Used: Entire plant (thallus).

Properties: Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Antitumor, Diuretic, Emollient, Endocrine Tonic, Expectorant, Nutritive.

Internal Uses: Breast Cancer, Candida, Convalescence, Cough, Enlarged Lymph, Fatigue, Goiter, Heavy Metals, Hormonal Imbalance, Hypotension, Hypothyroid, Obesity, Rheumatism, Tumors

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

It can help absorb and remove drugs, chemicals, heavy metals, and radioactive strontium 90 from the body. It can help to normalize overly low blood pressure. Because Kelp helps to stimulate a sluggish metabolism, it can be helpful as part of a weight loss program. Kelp has a softening and draining effect on the body and can be used to help treat lymph node enlargement and tumors. It is good for helping prevent breast cancer.

Topical Uses: Arthritis, Cellulite, Obesity

Topical Applications: Compress or oil for arthritic joints. Bath herb for cellulite and weight loss. Used in lotions for its skin-softening qualities.

Culinary uses: Eaten raw or cooked into soups and grains for its salty flavor and the minerals it provides. Added to beans it improve their digestibility. Season any food where one wants to add a salty flavor.

Energetics: Salty, Cool, Moist.

Chemical Constituents: Algin, carrageenan, iodine, potassium, bormine, mucopolysaccharides, mannitol, alginic acid, kainic acid, laminine, histamine, zeaxanthin, protein, vitamins B-2 and C.

Contraindications: Contains irritating fibers. Not for cold, weak people. Overuse can produce goiter-like symptoms. Collect plants that are still growing in the ocean rather than collecting ones washed up on the shore. Avoid collecting from polluted waters.

Comments: Kelp is the most common type of seaweed in the ocean. The nickname, Bladderwrack, refers to the bladder like air pods (vesicles) that help keep this herb afloat on the ocean. When cows consume kelp they produce more milk and are less likely to suffer from mastitis. Kelp makes a wonderful garden fertilizer.

-- Cheryl in KS (mac0328@planetkc.com), June 15, 2002