Health Benefits of Japanese Knotweed

Ah Japanese knotweed, what comes to most peoples minds is “that’s an obnoxious weed.” It is a prolific and invasive plant, but Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) has great medicinal & food value! The Spring shoots can be eaten when they are about 4–8″ tall. This plant has a taste similar to rhubarb and can be used in dessert recipes. Medicinally knotweed has been used in treating Lyme disease, lowering blood pressure and many more health benefits. Knotweed health benefits include:

Cognitive Disease

One of the most well known and widely relied on benefits of Japanese knotweed is its apparent effect on cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This is due to the resveratrol content of the herb. Resveratrol has shown a measurable preventative effect against neurodegenerative processes that can affect neural pathways and can keep brain pathways energized and in use. Japanese Knotweed contains many powerful antioxidants which can help prevent and in some cases reverse neuronal plaque buildup in the brain.

Heart Disease

The antioxidant properties of Japanese knotweed can have preventative effects against cardiovascular disease.

Blood Pressure

Resveratrol is able to reduce fat and balance blood pressure. It reduces heart strain, stress and reduces blood pressure which lowers the chance of strokes and heart attacks by dilating the blood vessels and arteries hindering blood clots.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Japanese Knotweed is great for healing GI inflammation, constipation, bloating, gas, cramps, and other chronic digestive problems. By adding resveratrol rich knotweed to your diet you can significantly reduce gastrointestinal distress and the herb also acts as a mild laxative which can help clear out your system and get your digestive processes back to normal.

Cancer Prevention

Resveratrol appears to have a number of beneficial effects against carcinogens responsible for many types of cancer including breast, prostate, colon, and thyroid cancers. Research is ongoing but these early results are very encouraging and its another reason why Japanese knotweed is a great idea
.Following is a rough list for required dosages of powered Japanese Knotweed root:

For a 150 pounds weighing adult — 1 teaspoon for 3 times in a day
For a 100 pounds weighing adult — 2/3 teaspoon for 3 times in a day
For 60 pounds weighing child — 1/3 teaspoons for 3 times in a day (tincture is more desirable and effective)
For a 30 pounds weighing child — 1/5 teaspoons for 3 times in a day (tincture may act as a better option)