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Cura x Cura

Hai Dai海带

Laminariae Thallus · Kelp · Kombu

Herbs that Transform Phlegm and Stop Coughing 化痰止咳平喘药

Overview

The kelp frond, familiar as food and used medicinally on the same reasoning: salty and cold, it softens what has hardened and dissolves phlegm nodules, and it drains water downward. It works alongside Hai Zao for goitre and neck lumps. Its iodine content is the practical point to raise with any patient who has thyroid disease.

Nature & Flavor

Salty · Cold

Channels

Liver · Stomach · Kidney

Typical Dosage

6–15 g in decoction
海带Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Softens hardness, dissipates nodulesGoitre and neck swelling, scrofulous lumps, stubborn phlegm nodules.
  • Transforms phlegmSticky phlegm with a full, congested chest.
  • Promotes urination, reduces swellingEdema and damp accumulation with scanty urine.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Hai Dai

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Goitre and enlargement of the neck
    - Scrofula and phlegm nodules
    - Edema and damp swelling

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

GoiterThyroid nodulesLymphadenopathyEdema

Contraindications

Cautions

Cold and salty: not for Spleen–Stomach cold deficiency with poor appetite and loose stools. It is high in iodine, which matters for anyone with hyperthyroidism, autoimmune thyroid disease or a thyroid nodule under investigation, and for anyone taking thyroid medication — tell the prescribing physician before using it for any length of time.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Not a classical prohibition, but the iodine load matters in pregnancy — avoid sustained use except under practitioner and physician supervision

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. 《中华人民共和国药典》.
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华本草》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.