Sargassum
Source
The thalline of Sargassum fusiforme (Harv.) Setch. and S. palhdum (Turn.)
C. Ag., family Fueaceae.
Characteristics
S. fusiforme: A branching kelp, 15-40 cm high; holdfast at the base fibrous
root like; axial axis terete; foliaceous protuberance long-clavate, enlarged
and hollow at the end; air sac axillary and fusiform. Black when dried,
shrunkened and curved. S. pallidum: Holdfast discoidal to conical; young
axial axis with thorny 
protuberances;
foliaceous protuberances lanceolate to obvate; air sac spherical and axillary.
Reproductive receptacls terete, solitary or in racemose arrangement. Black-brown
and shrunken into masses when dried. Both are bitter and salty in taste,
cold in nature, and attributive to liver, stomach and kidney channels.
Indication
1. Eliminate phlegm and soften the hard lumps: For sabcutaneous nodule,
scrofula, goiter, tumor, and swelling of testis.
2. Promote diuresis and reduce edema: For beriberi and edema.
3. Lower blood pressure: For hypertension.
Pharmacological
Action
1. Prevent and treat hypothyroidism caused by deficiency of iodine.
2. Its aqueous infusion can lower blood pressure and inhibit the growth
of trichophyton.
3. Causing atrophy of mammary gland and decreasing milk secretion.
Administration Decoction: 9-15g