Laminaria (Kunbu)
Pharmaceutical Name: Thallus Laminariae seu Eckloniae
Botanical Name: 1. Laminariajaponica Aresch.; 2. Ecklonia kurome Okam.
Common Name: Laminaria, Kelp, Kunbu sea cress
Source of Earliest Record: Mingyi Bielu
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The laminaria thallus is collected from the sea in summer or autumn. It is cleaned, cut into pieces and dried in the shade.
Properties & Taste: Salty and cold
Meridians: Liver, stomach and kidney.
Functions: 1. To resolve phlegm and soften hardness; 2. To promote water metabolism
Indications & Combinations:
1. Goiter manifested as enlarged neck and stifling sensation in the throat. Laminaria (Kunbu) is used with Seaweed (Haizao) and Sea clam shell (Haigeqiao) in the formula Kunbu Wan.
2. Edema of the
foot or general edema. Laminaria (Kunbu) is used with Poria (Fuling) and Alismatis rhizome (Zexie).
Dosage: 10-15 g.