Hai Dai is kelp. It is salty in flavour and cold in temperature, entering the Liver, Kidney, Stomach and Bladder channels. Kun Bu, also a kelp, is entered separately.
Names
Pinyin
hai dai
Classification
Channels
Stomach, Bladder, Kidney, Liver
Flavour
Salty
Temperature
Cold
Actions and indications
Softens hardness, transforms Phlegm and dissipates nodules
Goiter
Scrofula and Phlegm nodules in the neck
Tumors, nodules and abdominal masses
Promotes urination and reduces edema (mild)
Edema
Swelling of leg Qi (beriberi) type
Clears Phlegm-Heat, stops cough, moistens dryness, nourishes fluids and benefits the Kidneys
Dosage
Age
Raw
Granule
Tincture
Concentrate
Frequency
Any
5-15 g
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Cautions
pregnancy Contraindicated in pregnancy
lactation Breastfeeding: its iodine load calls for professional supervision
contraindication Stomach deficiency
caution Spleen and Stomach deficiency with Cold, which a cold, salty, draining seaweed burdens
contraindication People on blood-thinning medication
caution Too much can suppress thyroid function. It is one of the richest iodine sources known, and a week or so of kombu raised TSH in healthy adults, sometimes beyond the normal range, until it was stopped; with any thyroid condition or thyroid medication, use only under supervision
caution Kelp concentrates heavy metals from seawater: samples have exceeded international limits and it is rated at high risk of arsenic contamination, so use tested material
Interactions
Drug interactions
Levothyroxine, antithyroid drugs and radioactive iodine treatment: the herb's high iodine content can shift thyroid function, so combine only with professional oversight