Thursday, September 27, 2007

Kelp: Medicine from the Sea

Based on an article found on herbalandalternativemedicine.com:

Kelp is a type of seaweed that is rich in vitamins, minerals and essential trace nutrients our bodies need. This "herb" makes an excellent all around vitamin that's particularly useful for women during menses, and it is believed to have medicinal properties as well.
(Note: kelp is also an ingredient in our eight-herb essiac.)

The full power of kelp comes from the number of nutrients it provides, and its natural iodine. Natural plant iodine is absorbed more slowly by the body than synthetic versions are, and this is safer as well as more useful for the body to absorb and use. Iodine is essential for the human body to operate properly. Iodine is specifically useful in regulating the thyroid gland, which plays a major role in moderating the body's metabolism.

When the thyroid is not functioning properly, it can cause extreme and chronic fatigue, weight gain or loss, and/or growth problems. By helping to regulate the thyroid naturally, kelp may assist with maintaining the body's growth, energy levels, and in balancing body weight too.

Additionally, the thyroid's release of iodine into the body helps prevent or fight diseases and infections. By helping to regulate and supplement the natural iodine levels in the body, kelp indirectly acts as an infection fighting herb.

The large amounts of vitamins and minerals contained in kelp are a true treasure. This herb is packed full of calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and other trace minerals. This makes it an excellent plant to use as a daily multi-vitamin, and the added iron and calcium is particularly useful for women.

Kelp is considered an essential herb for hair, nail and skin problems, because it helps these areas of the body to become stronger and healthier with regular use. Kelp helps rebuild cell membranes, and the high mineral content makes it an excellent choice for use during pregnancy because it normalizes glands and hormones, while providing the extra nutrients a woman's body needs while carrying a child.

Since kelp is a seaweed it is naturally salty, so it can also be used as a table salt substitute in cooking.

Some of the various health problems kelp has been used for over the years include: hair and nail growth or repair, clearing up skin problems such as acne, providing additional energy, regulating the thyroid gland, reducing morning sickness, as a pregnancy vitamin, and an all around daily vitamin.

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