Laminaria is a known food commodity in Korea, Japan, and China for more than one thousand years. It is rich in carotene, B vitamins, carbohydrates, inorganic salts which include calcium, and iron yielding 262 kilo-calories per 100 grams. It also contains mannitol, crude protein, ash, iodine, and calcium. Doctors over the centuries in Asia used Laminaria to cure Goiters which was aided by the salt and iodine contained in the Laminaria.

Laminaria or "kelp" as it is called around the world is a super health food because of the nutrients that it contains. It is especially used in Northern China during the cold harsh winters when green vegetables are close to non-existent. Laminaria is a seaweed that is grown on the coast originally in Korea and was imported into China. Eventually Japan became the largest importer of Laminaria into China.

Today, China grows its own Laminaria (haidai) and supplies not only its countries but many other parts of the world with Laminaria. Once Laminaria is dried, it was found to be able to absorb a very large amount of fluid rapidly and thus retain it. It was noted to have moderate hydroscopic (swelling) ability.

Abortions occurring in the first and are associated with certain known complications: 1) cervical (lower portion of womb) tears, 2) cervical lacerations, 3) injuries to the cervical musculature, 4) uterine perforation, 5) cervical incompetence (cervix becomes weakened and unable to remain closed as the pregnancy progresses further in gestation. This leads to early miscarriages and/or premature labor and delivery. 5) incomplete abortion leading to higher chances of uterine infection or bleeding.

Laminaria tents have been used in preparing the cervix (opening and softening of the cervix) for over 100 years. They were first used in the U.S. and Japan, and have been used in Denmark and Sweden for over 80 years. Due to its hydroscopic ability going from 2-3 millimeters to 12-13 mm ( 0.4 inches). By placing 1 to 3 Laminaria in the cervix for 6 to 12 hours, it reduces the incidence of having to use so much force to open the cervix to cause temporary or permanent damage to the cervix or other organs as described above.

Previous studies show that the usage of Laminaria reduces the incidence of complications by 1/5 prior to using dilators (rods used to open the cervix), than using dilators alone. Complications using Laminaria include difficulty with removal of the tent, displacement of the tent into the vagina or the uterus, impactment (stuck inside) of the Laminaria in the cervix, breaking off of the tip ends. These complications are rare if the Laminaria are carefully placed straight inside the cervix. Other complications include cramps on insertion, and menstruation-like symptoms in approximately 8 percent of patients.

There are a few reported cases of anaphylactic reactions after insertion, and infection. In conclusion, Laminaria tents have been used prior to patients undergoing procedures (up to 12 weeks) for over 100 years in the U.S. They reduce the incidence of morbidity (complications) related to the abortion procedure and the tents are associated with minimal side effects.