Bulk Herb Store

Herbs: Kelp - powder

Excerpts from Nutritional Herbology

Kelp is employed by herbalists as a mineral supplement. It is especially prized for its iodine content, for which it is used to treat hypothyroidism and obesity.

Kelp has also been used as a blood purifier and to treat atherosclerosis and rheumatism. It functions in these conditions by absorbing toxins from the bowel. It is especially effective at absorbing the metabolic products produced by yeasts.

Kelp is most famous for its use in foods. In the Orient, it is used to flavor soups and suishi.

The medicinal virtues of kelp are primarily related to its content of viscous fiber called algin. Algin is responsible for the use of kelp in the treatment of obesity, atherosclerosis and as a blood purifier. Algin absorbs most nutrients as well as toxins from the digestive tract in much the same way that a water softener removes the "hardness" from tap water. This results in less toxins entering the circulatory system. It also reduces caloric intake.

Kelp contains mucilaginous compounds that enhance the detoxifying and eliminative functions of the digestive system. These compounds absorb toxins from the bowel and provide bulk to the stool. Kelp is an excellent herbal source of calcium, magnesium, sodium and iodine. Iodine is essential to normal thyroid function. It is used to increase the metabolic rate and strengthen connective tissues including the hair, skin and nails. Kelp has been used to treat hypothyroidism, enlarged glands, debility, fatigue, eczema, psoriasis, arthritis, and obesity.

Excerpts from The How to Herb Book

Kelp has a salty taste and is used by many people in place of salt. It has a high content of natural plant iodine, which is absorbed much more slowly and therefore more safely, than chemical iodine. Iodine is necessary for proper function of the thyroid, which is essential for proper growth, energy, and metabolism.

• Abounds in calcium, chlorine, potassium, magnesium, and other mineral including trace minerals.
• Good for nails and hair loss.
• Regulates the thyroid and pituitary glands (activates all glands of body).
• Helps to regulate body temperature; aids in chronic low body temperature.
• Good for pancreas and adrenals.
• Helps male and females organs, good for prostate.
• Builds cell membrane.
• Aids function of digestive and endocrine systems.
• Tests in Japan claim it is preventative of fetus abnormalities. Good during pregnancy because it normalizes glands and hormones and because of its high mineral content.
• Helps to prevent growth of tumors.
• Cleanse the body of radiation.
• Acts as an antibiotic; assists the thyroid in releasing iodine into the blood stream when infection is present. Iodine fights infection. Helps prevent disease.

Has been used in the following:

From Our Reading and/or Experience...

• We use it often in capsules and tincture combinations. Of course, it can be used in many other types of remedies. Except as a tea, as powders are not normally used in teas.
• Kelp is a food, so keep it in the kitchen as all other food ingredients. We add it to dishes (soups, etc.) in small amounts so as to add nutritional value to the dish.
• Some use it as salt or with salt, as it has a salty flavor.
• Kelp has a distinct odor and flavor. Some folks love it. Others don't, but simply use it because of how effective it is for a number of conditions, such as: thyroid disorders, obesity, tumors, atherosclerosis, and rheumatism.
• It can be used to benefit anyone: men, women (including before, during or after pregnancy, and nursing), children and animals.
• It can be used as often as you would like, and in any way you choose.
• As is the case with most powders, Kelp should be stored in a dark, dry, and cool place. Refrigeration or freezing is great, but certainly not necessary. Following these suggestions will delay the loss of its highly valued nutritional and medicinal properties.

Customer Reviews

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Re: kelp
by Bulk Herb Store on Aug 23, 2006

Kelp can be taken any way you choose: in capsules, stirred into a drink, in/on food (don't cook it), etc. Yes, the entire family can benefit from it. We don't use multivitamins. The herbs supply more than enough organic nutrition, and compliment our "Nourishing Traditions" way of eating quite well. We have already included above what The How to Herb Book has to say on Kelp.

Re: kelp
by Amy Whitlock on Sep 22, 2006

Where would I find the kelp in pill form?
Would this be good enouph for hypothyroidism, or should I take it along with something else. I've been on Synthroid for 5 1/2 yrs. now. I haven't taken anything for about 2 months and am feeling the effects of a low thyroid. I do want something natural. Any suggestions?

Re: kelp
by Bulk Herb Store on Sep 22, 2006

We do not offer Kelp already in capsules (only the Kelp and empty capsules for you to fill yourself). From our reading and experience, we have found hypothyroidism (and other thyroid disorders) to be the direct result of your chosen lifestyle (diet, stress levels, etc.). Kelp has helped many in such areas. It's one of the first things I'd try to stimulate the thyroid to proper function (which is the goal). However, I'd consider reading Nourishing Traditions. It address thyroid trouble, and makes very good suggestions in how to address them naturally.

Re: How to use kelp powder
by Bulk Herb Store on Oct 5, 2006

Please see "From our Reading and/or Experience" for ideas on how we use it.

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