Weeds & Seeds Swap

We where in Maine in November of 2007 when this picture was taken.  It was a mild fall, and a very late one, if you remember.  We spent some time in the tide pools during low tide looking for sea creatures, and there is no shortage of kelp!

We spent the night in Kittery, Maine, and then headed out taking the Route 1 coastal route, absolutely beautiful spots to stop along the way, and then inland a bit to 95 to make quicker time, then spent a night in Bangor, and finally headed to our favorite location to spend some time, Bar Harbor and the Acadia National Park.  We had vacationed here many times in Black Woods Campground with our children, it was nice to see the old spots again and remember.

Once again, the garden isn’t the only place where green things are growing.

Kelp grows in both the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and other oceans throughout the world. It is a fast-growing plant, and the leaves have little air pockets or blisters in them that cause them to float to the top of the water.

Orientals have used Kelp for centuries to treat the genito-urinary tract. They have also used it to soften hardened masses such as cysts and tumors.

Kelp is a source of Iodine, when is helpful in treating Goiter and some causes of obesity. Historical uses include treating constipation, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, indigestion, ulcers, colitis, gallstones and reproductive problems in both males and females.

What Science Has to Say:

One of Kelp’s main components is algin, a gelatinous fiber whose product include sodium alginate and alginic acid. Algin absorbs most nutrients and toxins from the digestive tract. This results in less blood and tissue absorption of toxins and a lowered caloric intake. Because of this, algin is able to help treat obesity, atherosclerosis, and is a blood purifier. I have a lot more I could write on Sodium Alginate, and if you’d like more info, ask, and I’ll post more in a comment. But know this, Sodium Alginate greatly reduces absorption of environmental pollutants and heavy metals…such pollutants contribute to diseases like leukemia, bone cancer, Hodgkin’s disease, anemia, and decreased production of blood cells.

I don’t want to lose you, there’s a lot more to share on Kelp, so I’ll add more in a later post.

Added 12/30/08 - I forgot to add the following on Kelp:

More Scientific information:

Iodine is another important constituent of Kelp. It is well known for its effects on the endocrine system. It stimulates the production of several iodine-containing hormones. Disturbed function of the endocrine glands is believed to be major underlying cause of atherosclerosis and subsequent heart disease.

Iodine is an important nutrient for the thyroid gland, which produces a hormone called thyroxin, which may be involved in the regulation of blood cholesterol levels. Metabolism is increased aiding in weight loss.

An industrial innovation for improving lipid metabolism has recently (actually some years ago now) been developed which prevents hyperlipemia and treats diabetes. The way it works is that kelp is fed to chickens which biologically incorporate its iodine in their eggs. The eggs are then a dietary source for diabetics and people with hyperlipemia. (of course this Nutritionist is wondering why the diabetics don’t just take kelp :-).

The thyroid has several other functions, and the thyroid is benefited by iodine which is found in kelp. Let me know if you’d like me to scan and email in pdf format more information, with the bibliography for the information provided in these posts. If you would like a fact sheet about any of the items marked in red, please send me an email. Thanks!