What is Laminaria Algae?
Laminaria is a type of seaweed native to Japan. Laminaria contains iodine which is of great use to the human body. Laminaria helps the human body to produce thyroid hormones. There are various laminaria uses. In spite of some serious safety concerns, this seaweed can be found in food in many Asian countries. Along with that, Laminaria japonica is known to have a high content of Iodine, which is an essential element for the body to produce thyroid hormones. In addition to that, it is quite rich in potassium which is why most people use it as a medicine.
How Do Laminaria Algae Work?
Now that you know what a Laminaria tent is and why they are used, you must be wondering how they function. To understand that, you need to first understand its procedure of application. The Laminaria tent is a small rod of dehydrated seaweed. Only after its reinsertion in the cervix, it rehydrates by absorbing the water from the surrounding tissues of the patient's body. The laminaria algae can expand as much as ten times its original size on insertion.
Laminaria has vast applications in helping your body stay healthy. For instance, the use of Laminaria for weight loss and treating high blood pressure is gaining increasing prominence. In most cases, Laminaria also helps to treat constipation. Cancer patients suffering from radiation sickness can get relief with the help of Laminaria. Being a rich source of potassium and iron, Laminaria is pretty helpful to the human body and its functions.
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When Should You Use Laminaria?
Laminaria usually forms a thick and sticky gel after coming in contact with water. This allows Laminaria to work as a bulk laxative. However, you can also use it to induce labour in a pregnant lady.
Induction of Labour
Labour can be induced most successfully when the cervix is ripe and prepared for birth. As a laminaria obgyn would tell you, it should be thin, soft, and ready to open. However, sometimes, this might not be the case, and the labour has to be induced artificially. In such a scenario, a Laminaria stick can be inserted into the cervix, helping it prepare for birth. It is conventionally the first step to medical induction.
Most of the time, the dilation caused by the insertion of a Laminaria stick can cause the body to go into labour immediately. This is why you should always wait at least 24 hours after the insertion to see if the labour begins on its own. If it still does not, you might need further medical intervention.
Uses of Laminaria Saccharina
It helps promote hair and scalp health. It not only enhances hair growth but can also reduce dandruff and scalp inflammation.
It can improve liver function and reduce oxidative stress on the body.
Although more research material might be required for this, in some cases, it has been shown to prevent diabetes and obesity.
Since it can also act as a bulk-forming laxative, it helps the digestive system in your body.
You can also treat listeria infections and certain other food-borne bacterial infections with it.
Important Facts About Laminaria
Laminaria is a variety of seaweed kelp. It contains antioxidants and antibacterial traits. It can also be used as a laxative in many cases. In case you don’t know, a Laminaria stick is a dried bundle of Laminaria that has been compressed into a stick. In many countries, Laminaria is popular as an oral supplement. It is rich in minerals like Iron and Potassium which keep the human body healthy. A research study has highlighted that Laminaria decreases dandruff and inflammation in the scalp.
When taken as an oral supplement, Laminaria decreases oxidative stress and boosts liver function. It can help with the reduction of obesity and diabetes in many people. Laminaria is increasingly gaining prominence in treating listeria infection or other foodborne bacterial infections. So as you can see, the human body can greatly benefit from the use of Laminaria. You can take it as a supplement orally to stay fit and healthy. It is also helpful for diabetes patients to a large extent.
