Kelp (Laminaria spp.)

Kelp is a cooling, moistening, and mineral-rich sea vegetable that supports the thyroid, lymphatic system, skin, and detox pathways. High in iodine and cleansing fibers, it helps regulate metabolism, bind toxins, and nourish the body at a cellular level. Best for catabolic and thermic types needing deep nourishment and gentle detox.

Monograph of

Kelp (Laminaria spp.)

• Family

  Laminariales (Brown seaweed family)

• Taste

  Salty

  Umami

  Slightly sweet and mineral-rich

• Season

  Harvested year-round in cold oceans, with peak freshness in spring and summer

  Typically dried and rehydrated for culinary and medicinal use

• Qualities

  Heavy

  Moistening

  Cooling

  Stable

  Slightly unctuous

• Suitability

  Best suited for catabolic and thermic types needing grounding and nourishment

  Can benefit anabolic types in small amounts due to its drying iodine effect on damp tissue

  Use with caution in cold, sluggish, or hypothyroid conditions without guidance

• Indicated Tissue States

  Tissue states show what’s happening at the tissue level — whether things are too dry, too tense, too inflamed — and what foods or herbs can help fix that. Kelp (Laminaria spp.) is best indicated for tissue states involving

  Dry / Atrophy – moistens and mineralizes

  Heat / Excitation – cooling and anti-inflammatory

  Stagnation / Congestion – promotes metabolic movement

  Avoid overuse in cold or hypofunctioning states without balance

• Affinities

  Affinities are the targeted tissues that a substance acts on after the release of chemicals. Kelp (Laminaria spp.) has an affinity for:

  Thyroid and endocrine system

  Lymphatic system

  Skin and connective tissue

  Bones and teeth

  Blood and circulation

• Chemical Constituents

  Iodine, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc

  Fucoidan (anti-inflammatory polysaccharide)

  Alginate (binds heavy metals)

  Laminin, mannitol, B vitamins

  Carotenoids, chlorophyll

• Nutritional Value

  (per 1 tbsp dried kelp flakes)

  Iodine: 2000–3000% DV (varies by origin)

  Calcium: ~60 mg

  Magnesium: ~30 mg

  Potassium: ~160 mg

  Fiber: ~1g

  Calories: ~15 kcal

• Preparation Methods

  Eaten as rehydrated strips, kelp noodles, or powdered flakes

  Used in broths, soups, or slow-cooked dishes

  Traditionally added to beans to improve digestibility

  Often paired with warming herbs/spices like ginger, miso, or mustard seeds

Medicinal Actions of

Kelp (Laminaria spp.)

• Endocrine/Energy System

  Thyroid tonic – iodine supports healthy thyroid hormone production

  Metabolic regulator – balances sluggish metabolism due to iodine and trace minerals

  Adrenal nourisher – mineral-dense support for chronic fatigue or stress recovery

• Immune/Lymphatic

  Heavy metal binder – alginates help escort toxins out of the GI tract

  Internal detoxifier – clears stagnation and supports lymphatic flow

  Immune modulator (mild) – fucoidan supports immune regulation and anti-inflammatory responses

  Antiviral (mild) – fucoidan may inhibit viral replication

  Immune nourishing – supports resilience in depleted or recovering individuals

• Skin/Integumentary System

  Skin softener – nourishes from within, supports elasticity and clarity

  Hair and nail strengthener – rich in iodine, silica, and minerals

  Supports collagen maintenance – due to vitamin C synergy and antioxidant content

• Digestive System

  Mucosal protector – alginate soothes and coats mucosal lining

  Fiber-rich prebiotic – supports gut microbiota and regularity

  Mild laxative – promotes elimination through fiber and osmosis

• Circulatory System

  Blood cleanser – assists with chelating heavy metals

  Antihypertensive (mild) – potassium and magnesium promote vascular relaxation

  Cholesterol-lowering – fiber and fucoidan support lipid balance

• Muscuskeletal System

  Bone builder – high in calcium, magnesium, and trace minerals

  Joint soother (mild) – anti-inflammatory and mineralizing effects

Traditional & Modern Sources

USDA Nutrient Database

Herbal Academy – Seaweeds & Mineral-Rich Medicinal Foods

Bauman College – Food as Medicine Curriculum

McDermott, J. The Healing Powers of Sea Vegetables

Journal of Applied Phycology – Fucoidan and Alginate Research