Can eating kelp quickly relieve symptoms of excessive internal heat (a traditional Chinese medicine concept)?

Generally speaking, there is no established belief that eating kelp can quickly relieve symptoms of "heatiness" (shang huo). Consuming kelp may help alleviate such symptoms, but its effectiveness varies from person to person, and severe symptoms of heatiness shouldn't be treated solely by eating kelp. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Kelp is considered a cooling food, and this property can help reduce symptoms caused by internal heat. Kelp is rich in dietary fiber, various minerals, and water. The dietary fiber promotes intestinal motility and helps eliminate metabolic waste from the body, while the high water content helps replenish fluids lost due to heatiness, thereby relieving discomfort such as dry mouth and thirst. With its crisp texture, kelp is best prepared using light cooking methods such as cold mixing or making soup, which do not add excessive heat to the body. Eating kelp in this way can help regulate the body's condition to some extent, aligning with the dietary principle of using cooling foods to assist in relieving symptoms of heatiness.

Although eating kelp may help relieve heatiness, it should not be consumed in excessive amounts to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort. It is also recommended to use fully soaked and thoroughly cleaned kelp to remove surface impurities and salt. Additionally, it should be consumed with other ingredients to ensure a balanced diet. If symptoms of heatiness persist or worsen, timely and proper treatment or regulation should be sought. People with cold deficiency of the spleen and stomach should reduce their intake to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.