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…