Kun Bu (昆布) is kelp, recorded as Thallus Laminariae. It is salty in flavour and cold in temperature, entering the Liver, Kidney and Stomach channels. The catalogue files it among the substances that cool and transform Phlegm-Heat.

Pinyin

kun bu

Chinese

昆布

Latin Name

Thallus Eckloniae·Thallus Laminariae·Thallus Laminariae; Thallus Eckloniae

English Name

Kelp·kelp; sea tangle·sea tangle

Japanese

konbu

Korean

konpo

Actions and indications

Resolves Phlegm and softens hardness

Phlegm nodules of the neck, such as scrofula and goiter, with fullness and a blocked feeling in the chest
Thyroid tumours, tuberculosis, orchitis, lymphadenitis and cirrhosis, combined with Blood-moving herbs
Difficulty swallowing
Palpable abdominal masses, an enlarged liver and spleen, and a painful swollen scrotum

Promotes urination, clears Heat and reduces swelling

Edema, fistula and Leg Qi, as a supporting herb
Difficult urination; the effect is mild, and it is rarely chosen for water problems alone

Combinations

hai zao

Goiter and scrofula. Hyperthyroidism calls for a short course at higher doses; hypothyroidism for a long course at ordinary doses

hai zao + xia ku cao + zhe bei mu + xuan shen + ge qiao

Nodules including scrofula and goiter

bie jia + mu li + xiang fu + hong hua + chuan shan jia + san leng + e jiao

Palpable masses in the abdomen, enlarged spleen and enlarged liver

Age

Raw

Granule

Tincture

Concentrate

Frequency

Any 3-15g; Tincture: 0.5-2ml

3-15 g

—

0.5-2 ml

—

Cautions

contraindication Deficiency Cold of the Spleen and Stomach; this cold, salty, draining sea plant can burden a weak or Cold digestion

caution Cold Phlegm

caution Only where there is an Excess pathogenic clumping

caution Taken over a long period it causes weight loss

caution Thyroid disease or thyroid medication: kelp carries a heavy natural iodine load, and eating kombu daily for about a week raised TSH in healthy adults, sometimes above normal; use only under qualified supervision

caution Kelp can accumulate arsenic and other heavy metals, with some samples above international limits; use tested material

pregnancy Pregnancy: use under professional supervision because of the iodine content

lactation Breastfeeding: use under professional supervision because of the iodine content

Interactions

Drug interactions

Insulin and oral antidiabetics (sulfonylureas such as tolbutamide, glipizide and glyburide): the effects may reinforce each other; combine with care
Levothyroxine, antithyroid drugs and radioactive iodine treatment: its iodine can shift thyroid function tests, so combine only under professional oversight

kun bu

About kun bu

Names

Classification

Actions and indications

Resolves Phlegm and softens hardness

Promotes urination, clears Heat and reduces swelling

Combinations

Dosage

Cautions

Interactions

Drug interactions

About kun bu

Names

Classification

Actions and indications

Resolves Phlegm and softens hardness

Promotes urination, clears Heat and reduces swelling

Combinations

Dosage

Cautions

Interactions

Drug interactions

Related

Used in 2 formulas