WH Acupuncture & Herbs Centre

It is the dried seaweed of Sargassum pallidum (Turn.)C. Ag. or Sargassum fusiforme (Harv.)Setch.,family Sargassaceae. The former is usually called "Dayehaizao(seaweed with small leaves)",the latter "Xiaoyehaizao(seaweed with large leaves)". They are dredged up in summer and autumn. After the impurities are removed , they are washed clean, cut into segments and dried in the sunshine.

[ Medcinal Properties ]: Bitter, salty and cold; relate to liver, stomach and kidney meridians.

[ Medicinal Efficacies ]: Resolve phlegm and soften hardness; induce diuresis and relieve edema.

[ Clinical Applications ]: 1.Goiter, scrofula      It treats goiter in combination with Kunbu, Beimu and Qingpi, such as Haizao YUhu Decoction; it treats scrofula, with Xiakucao, Lianqiao and Xuanshen in Neixiao Luoli Pills. It also treats swelling of testicle.

2. Beriberi with edema      It treats beriberi with edema together with Zexie.

[ Usage and Dosage ]: 6-12g.

[ Precautions ]: It is incompatible with Gancao.

海藻为马尾藻科植物海蒿子Sargassum pallidum(Turn.) C. Ag.或羊栖菜S.fusiforme．（Harv.）Setch.的藻体。前者习称“大叶海藻”，后者习称“小叶海藻”。主产于辽宁、山东、福建、浙江、广东等沿海地区。夏，秋二季采捞，除去杂质，淡水洗净，切段晒干用。

3．《本草纲目》；“海藻，咸能润下，寒能泄热引水，故能消瘿瘤、结核、阴之坚聚，而除浮肿、脚气、留饮、痰气之湿热，使邪气自小便出也。”