Hai Zao - Sargassum, Seaweed

TCM Materia Medica

Hai Zao TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

The TCM herb "hai zao" which in english is Hai Zao herb"sargassum, seaweed", is categorized within the "herbs that cool and transform phlegm heat" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the kidney, liver, lung and stomach channels and exhibits bitter (ku), cold (han) and salty (xian) taste/temperature properties.

Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:

  • Dosage: 4.5-15g

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Clears heat, reduces phlegm nodules - goiter, scrofula.
  • Promotes urination (adjunctive herb) - reduces edema, particularly in the leg and floating type.

Hai Zao has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).

Hai Zao may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: edema and/or goiter

As noted above, hai zao is within the herbs that cool and transform phlegm heat functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

(truncated intro "... used for phlegm-heat and dry-phlegm patterns - coughs, scrofula, goiters (stagnant phlegm-fire in the channel), convulsions. )".

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