Starwest Botanicals Organic Kelp Powder, 16 Ounce (Pack of 1)

Alternative to “Proden PlaqueOff” for dog dental health — good results for excellent price

I bought this product after researching the best dental products for my three year old Chihuahua-Schnauzer mix who was having a case of plaque buildup, teeth staining, and bad breath. In the US, the dental treats that seem to do not much at all are an option, and then there is regular toothbrushing and finally a full dental deep cleaning. Regular toothbrushing is something my dog seems to dislike but I still force it on him every few days. I researched further and found that abroad, especially in Europe, Proden PlaqueOff is also regularly recommended by vets -- and it's nothing more than kelp powder. I researched the particular type of kelp used in PlaqueOff and found this Starwest product is the very same, for a price that's much easier on the wallet and also readily available (PlaqueOff was sold out on Amazon). I bought it and have been sprinkling a very tiny amount on his dry kibble in the morning daily and he ingests all of it without too much of a fuss. In just two weeks, his bad breath almost completely cleared up and his plaque buildup seems to be lessened. And all of this without any brushing or any other "dog breath" dental treat over the two weeks. Just kibble with this sprinkled on it. Impressive to say the least. The results are more than just anecdotal. Based on what I read, there have been several scientific studies conducted on the long-term results of this particular kelp (in the form of PlaqueOff) versus control on dog dental health, and all have seen positive results due to the kelp's antibacterial properties breaking down the bacteria harbored in the dog's mouth. Watch how much you administer -- it's 1/8 teaspoon for humans according to the Starwest label, and dogs should be given a tiny sprinkle. Too much can lead to thyroid problems. I'm also watching for any other adverse reactions. Give it a try. Your dog's dental health may thank you (and so will your wallet). Overall, highly recommend

242 persons found it helpful

Really Gross

I have been taking a lot of kelp, and decided to make my own capsules as it is cheaper to buy that way. I first ordered this product, Starwest Botanicals ground kelp, and although I continued to take it, I was not happy with the quality at all. It was grayish in color and did not smell or taste like seaweed at all. When I started to run low, I ordered "Raw Organic Fine Ground Kelp Powder from Maine Coast Sea Vegetables" (It comes in a bag that says Natural Zing on it, if you look closely, you can see it in the picture) hoping it would be better. It is beautiful! Smells freshly like seaweed, is green, tastes wonderful... I couldn't be happier with it. It was such a stark difference in quality that I no longer wanted to finish the other bag of Starwest Botanicals kelp. I would not recommend this to anyone who is taking or using ground kelp, it is well worth whatever extra $ it may cost to buy the other brand

230 persons found it helpful

Amazing as a fertilizer for seedlings and plants

Star West Botanicals Kelp Powder is the same as Sea Magic Plant Growth Stimulant only MUCH less expensive. Sea Magic comes in small, packets (like the kind veggie seeds come in) and it's $7-$10 for two; Star West comes in a 1 pound bag for about $6. A bag lasts about 4 months and feeds hundreds of seedlings and plants. I mix the kelp powder into my seed starter growing medium for my veggie garden. Once the seedlings have sprouted, I mix 1TBSP with a gallon of water and it serves as a well-rounded fertilizer for all of my vegetables and strawberry plants and provides them with a well-balanced meal full of micronutrients not found in commercial fertilizers. I just bought a second bag which should provide nutrition for the rest of the growing season. I really don't know anything about taking kelp powder orally, but I suppose indirectly I will reap all the benefits of it when I'm noshing on a bumper crop of tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, beans, and more...only without the fishy taste. About the photos: these are lettuce, purple pole beans and tomatoes - a mere 14 days after planting the seeds

203 persons found it helpful

Helps rebuild my teeth. A great value.

I am using this mainly to rebuild my teeth and fill all the tiny little cavities which caused me pain. I learned on youtube that if you get enough minerals and certain vitamins (A, E, D3, K, K2) that your teeth can rebuild themselves and fill in all the tiny cavities. It is working. I used to feel tooth pain all the time but now most of it is gone. This kelp powder works very quickly and relieves most of my teeth discomfort very quickly. Dentists destroy your teeth in the long run with the things they do. I'd rather naturally heal my teeth and keep them. This product is a great value. I bought it months ago and still have most of it. It is the worst tasting thing ever, but is great for my health and very cheap. Shilajit is too expensive and other mineral supplements cost a lot too

136 persons found it helpful

Beware of the mouth-puckering taste of kelp

Sea kelp, which is also referred to as bladder wrack and kelp, is a brown seaweed that grows along the ocean shores and can be eaten cooked or raw. Kelp is nutritionally dense and has a variety of health-promoting properties. However, adverse reactions have been reported from the consumption of kelp, and you should talk to your health-care practitioner before attempting to self-medicate with it. Kelp powder offers a convenient way to ensure a regular source of iodine, the trace element needed for healthy thyroid function. For those individuals wishing to avoid the salty, mouth-puckering taste of kelp, ingesting the encapsulated powder will prevent a taste bud revolt. A host of health benefits are offered by kelp, and it is used to treat a number of nutrition-related health issues. Kelp is rich in around 70 essential minerals, including iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and vitamin B-9. These minerals help greatly in building cell membranes, helping digestion and improving brain function. Alternative medicine practitioners recommend kelp to help "cleanse the blood" and increase energy, according to "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database." Kelp also has been used to help treat obesity, arthritis, rheumatism, arteriosclerosis, digestive disorders, heartburn, constipation, bronchitis, emphysema, urinary and genital disorders and anxiety. People also consume sea kelp to enhance disease resistance and help prevent herpes and other viral infections. However, these uses are based on anecdotal reports and not solid scientific evidence. Some sea kelp is contaminated with toxic heavy metals. Heavy-metal poisoning has been reported from the ingestion of contaminated sea kelp. Iodine has also been associated with an exacerbation of acne, and kelp may cause or worsen acne in acne-prone individuals. In addition, sea kelp may impair fertility. Do not take it if you are trying to conceive. Allergic reactions and increased bleeding after surgery have been reported from consuming sea kelp, according to "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database." WARNING It has a strong taste so careful with it as Kelp flavor is overpowering in larger doses. I use the Kelp to get the minerals, iodine, and trace minerals that are lacking in the western diet. I got this to use in smoothies, but find the taste overwhelming, not to mention the smell. In order to "sneak it in" you have to use a very tiny amount, 1/8 tsp. Otherwise it ruins the flavor for me. Bottom Line: Seems very fresh, the mylar packaging should ensure freshness. The price can't be beat. Kelp flavor is overpowering must use small amount will last a long time

132 persons found it helpful

Over all I feel better and motivated to push further towards my health goals …

I noticed increased energy, even working out in the 90Â° weather. It helped my weight loss journey tremendously, 15 lbs in 2 weeks! Over all I feel better and motivated to push further towards my health goals and am excited about sustained energy while working my farm

94 persons found it helpful

Absolutely disgusting taste, but needed

Well I got mine today and was happy to open the bag since I never had kelp before. First thing I noticed was the strong fishy smell. Anyways I got my gram counter out and weighed out .5 grams since that's 500 mg and I planned on taking 2 spoon fulls daily. Once in the morning and once at night. Sounded like a plan until I scooped that stinky powderd kelp on my spoon and happily downed it. At that point I knew I made a big mistake! First off the taste is like salty, fishy, sticky sustenance that will stick on the roof of your mouth! My body automatically rejected this and I was soon puking my brains out trying to scrape it off the roof of my mouth as I gagged. Second attempt was in warm water. I thought it would desolve and be easier to down, but it was even worse than my first attempt. The only way to take this product is by capsule. You can add it to food, but it over powers everything and turns tasty yummy food into nasty salty, slimy, fishy oily disgusting taste. Absolutely the most nasty taste in the world, but probably the most needed for the trace minerals, so capsules FTW

91 persons found it helpful

Happy with product

This product got to me quickly and was packed very well. This is the 2nd time I have ordered it. It contains so many trace minerals and I see the difference in my skin and my digestion. It is something that I try to take every day. It is also organic and is a Canadian product making it safe for ingestion. Thank you for having this available

85 persons found it helpful

Hair mask

I use this as a hair mask combined with the Aztec healing clay and it just makes my curls more prominent and leaves my hair hydrated. It leaves a mess and doesn't smell that good, but it's still amazing

77 persons found it helpful

good quality

Kelp is kelp. It's not used for its taste, that's for sure. I use it for help falling asleep. Every time I take it, I dream. And when it's time to get up, I have energy, even on nights when I should've gone to bed sooner. The nights I forget to take it, I can tell within fifteen minutes, because I fall asleep so easily with it. I pack it in capsules myself to save money. Also so that I will take it cause I still can't stand the taste. I take 2-3 capsules at bedtime, and on days I start to drag or get moody, I take it then too for an energy boost. I know that sounds contradictory, but it just gives your body what it needs to do what it's supposed to be doing. I also use this in a face mask and a hair mask I make. My wrinkles smooth out when I do the mask, and my skin takes on a nice tone. With the hair mask, when I use kelp, it just looks so colorful and vibrant. I love it

69 persons found it helpful