Skip to content
Cura x Cura

Hai Zao海藻

Sargassum · Sargassum Seaweed

Herbs that Transform Phlegm and Stop Coughing 化痰止咳平喘药《神农本草经》

Overview

A brown seaweed, bitter, salty and cold, whose whole use is softening what has hardened: it dissolves phlegm nodules of the neck — goitre and scrofula above all — and drains water downward. It is the classical companion of Kun Bu, and it is also the herb behind the most-discussed exception among the eighteen incompatibilities.

Nature & Flavor

Salty · Cold

Channels

Liver · Kidney

Typical Dosage

10–15 g in decoction
海藻Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

2 core actions

  • Softens hardness, dissipates nodulesGoitre and thyroid enlargement, scrofula, stubborn phlegm lumps.
  • Promotes urination, reduces swellingEdema and damp accumulation; painful swelling of the testes.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Hai Zao

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Goitre and enlargement of the thyroid
    - Scrofula and phlegm nodules
    - Edema; painful swelling of the testes

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

GoiterThyroid nodulesLymphadenopathyEdema

Contraindications

Cautions

Cold and salty: avoid in Spleen–Stomach cold deficiency with loose stools. Classical incompatibility — the eighteen incompatibilities place it against Gan Cao 甘草; a few classical formulas pair them deliberately, but that is an experienced practitioner's decision and never a default. It is also iodine-rich, which matters in hyperthyroidism, autoimmune thyroid disease and for anyone on thyroid medication.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Use with caution in pregnancy — cold, draining and iodine-rich; practitioner supervision required

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

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.