Gelidiaceae
Agar
Gelidium amansii
✓ Generally Safe
Safe in Pregnancy
Native to: East Asia, Pacific Ocean
Also known as: Agar-agar, Japanese Isinglass, Kanten, Chinese Gelatin
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Parts Used
Whole
Therapeutic Uses
Constipation (gentle bulk-forming), weight management (creates satiety), hypercholesterolaemia (binds bile acids), blood sugar regulation, gut health (prebiotic fermentation).
Herbal Actions
Bulk laxative, prebiotic, weight management (satiety), hypocholesterolaemic, antidiabetic
Active Constituents
Agarose and agaropectin (sulfated polysaccharides — 70–80%), minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron), trace proteins
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1 tsp agar dissolved in hot water, cool to gel — eat as dessert or add to food |
| Tincture | Capsules: 500mg–1g with large glass of water, 2–3x daily before meals |
| Notes | MUST take with adequate water — gels without water. For weight management: take 30 min before meals. For cholesterol: 2–4g daily. Kanten traditional Japanese weight management food. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Safe in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Must take with water — intestinal obstruction risk without adequate fluid. May reduce absorption of medications.
Side Effects: Gas and bloating initially. Bowel obstruction if insufficient water. Generally very safe.