Kun Bu (昆布) — Kelp
Kun Bu — kelp — is a Chinese medicine partner to Hai Zao (Sargassum) for Phlegm-fire nodules and goitre. Together they form the classical thyroid-supportive pair for goitre, nodules and lymphadenopathy.
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Dosage
- Cautions and incompatibilities
- Key formulas
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Kun Bu (昆布) — Kelp (Laminaria japonica) — is a Chinese herb in the Transform Phlegm (soften hardness) category. I prescribe it as part of bespoke pharmaceutical-grade granule formulas from Sun Ten in Taiwan at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire and via online herbal consultations.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Kun Bu |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 昆布 |
| Latin name | Laminaria japonica |
| English name | Kelp |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Salty |
| Channels entered | Liver, Stomach, Kidney |
| Category | Transform Phlegm (soften hardness) |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Softens hard nodules and reduces goitre
- Promotes urination and reduces oedema
- Transforms Phlegm
Indications
- Simple goitre and thyroid nodules
- Cervical lymphadenopathy
- Testicular swelling
- Oedema and ascites
4. Dosage
6–12g
5. Cautions and incompatibilities
- High iodine content — not for hyperthyroidism
- Caution in autoimmune thyroid disease
- Contraindicated in Spleen-Cold
6. Key formulas
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Kun Bu where its indications and TCM pattern match the patient’s presentation, always as part of a tailored formula. Return to the Chinese herbs directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
