Kelp Seaweed Information

NAME
Kelp


LATIN NAME
Laminara digitata

ORIGIN
Northern coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

PARTS USED
Whole part of plant.


TRADITIONAL HERBAL USES AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Kelp contains over 70 minerals, including iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. It is also rich in vitamins, proteins and enzymes.
Kelp is a kind of seaweed that grows on rocky ocean shores in the Northern hemisphere.
It is a sea vegetable, and is known to be rich in iodine. Iodine is essential to the production of thyroid hormones and the correct function of the thyroid gland. Therefore an under active thyroid can create weight gain, so a diet rich in iodine can speed up the metabolism ( which is governed by the thyroid ) and aid weight loss. Iodine is also a natural anti-biotic, so it helps the body fight infection. Kelp is also an alkaline food and creates a healthy blood ph balance. When our bodies become ill it is often because our acidic levels are too high, and this can create disease and aggravate existing conditions of ill health. Therefore eating plentiful amounts of Kelp can create a healthy alkaline rich system in the body. This can also support the function of the immune system and boost energy levels. Kelp makes a great weight loss and detox food. Kelp is a blood purifier, it is known to prevent hardening of the arteries, and reduce inflammation of the joints associated with arthritis.


FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
Kelp grows profusely in the worlds oceans. This is known as a kelp forest. These kelp forests provide some of the world's richest ecosystems. Hundreds of species of fish, including seals, and sea otters live in and feed on Kelp.


CONSTITUENTS
Kelp contains Alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, vitamin C, cobalt, iodine, and iron. Kelp also contains lutein, manganese, magnesium, calcium, chrominum, niacin, phosporous, potassium, riboflavin, selenium, silicon, sodium, tin, zeaxanthin and zinc.


TYPICAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE
For medicinal purposes 5 -10 grams of Dulse can be taken daily.


PRECAUTIONS
None known.