Nature: salty, cold
Enters: Liver, Stomach, Kidney
Actions: Softens masses and nodules; resolves phlegm; promotes urination, reduces swelling.
Indications:
• Phlegm: swellings, masses, nodules in the neck, sensation of fullness and obstruction in the chest.
• Adjunct herb for edema and leg qi.
• Stronger than Hai zao at resolving phlegm and soften masses.
• Shown to have an anti-asthmatic and antitussive effect in many animals.
• Contains iodine – caution with hyperthyroidism (when due to iodine excess).
• Useful in treating both hyperthyroidism (temporarily improves the symptoms) and hypothyroidism (due to a lack of iodine).
• Extracts of this herb and Undaria have been used for their fucoxanthin content as a non-stimulating thermogenic supplement for weight loss.
SD: Heavy metal poisoning: has been shown to bind heavy metals.
K&R: Earth, metal, and water yin.
• Glandular stimulant, remineralizer.
• Treats obesity and cellulite by nourishing thyroid function.
• Rich in minerals and nutrients for various deficiencies.
• Retarded development, anorexia, emaciation, asthenia, anemia, frigidity, impotence.
• Strengthens a weak constitution for chronic problems like asthma, emphysema, sinusitis, arthritis, collagenoses, chronic dermatoses, amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, hypothryroidism, polyneuritis, paralysis.
• Adjunct herb for autoimmune disorders, degenerative disease, cancer.
MLT: Long Western tradition for regulation of the thyroid and for weight reduction (due in part to high iodine).
• Binds toxins to help their excretion.
Hsu: Antitussive, expectorant, hypotensive (slight, temporary).
Dose: 4.5-15g