Japanese Knotweed – A powerful herb with versatile uses
In the West, Japanese Knotweed is mainly seen as an invasive exotic. These are plants that are new to the scene and are crowding out our native plants. In addition to this dark side, the powerful plant also has an impressive sunny side. We will highlight that side below.
The movement from East to West
Let's start at the beginning. Long ago, this plant first started growing in East Asia. As a result, the plant has a long history of human use in China and Japan, for example. It is still seen as a food source there today; the shoots are the most consumed. Within traditional Chinese medicine, the Japanese Knotweed has been used as a medicine since the late Han Dynasty (about 2000 years ago). The plant is still used very regularly within this healing method for various ailments. If we look at Western medicine, the plant is less well known. In the current picture, however, we see that research is increasingly being done on it.
In the West, we only became acquainted with the Japanese Knotweed many decades later. This was introduced in Western Europe in the 19th century to serve as an ornamental plant. In 1825, the Japanese Knotweed even received a prize in England as the most beautiful imported garden plant. This is in stark contrast to the battle that we in the West have been fighting for about 30 years to eradicate this plant as much as possible. The Japanese Knotweed has a strong will to grow and spread.
Botanical description Japanese Knotweed
The Japanese knotweed is a bamboo-like plant that can grow up to three meters high. The most striking features are the reddish stems and the heart-shaped leaves. The power of the plant lies in the rhizome, which can grow not only deep but also wide, making the plant difficult to combat. A small rhizome has enough power to develop into a new plant.
The Japanese Knotweed also has a strong resistance to harmful external factors such as toxins and viruses. In fact, the Japanese Knotweed likes to root itself in places where it is dirty, such as industrial estates. The plant also prefers a moist to wet and moderately nutritious soil. It is therefore not surprising that it does well in the Netherlands. You can also see the plant here in forests and forest edges, dikes, roadsides, along the railway or the water.
The plant prefers to grow in the sun or in partial shade, but will also do well in the shade. The plant is very adaptable. The thorns are red and are accompanied by knots. This is what gives the Japanese Knotweed its name. From these knots grows the heart-shaped leaf with a size of between 10 and 15 centimetres. The signature of the plant therefore refers to the heart (shape of the leaf) and the blood circulation (colour of the stems). White flower clusters form in August/September at the end of the stems and are loved by bees. After flowering, the flowers grow into fruits with a seed.
The Power of Japanese Knotweed
One of the most important bioactive substances in the root of the Japanese Knotweed is resveratrol. Resveratrol is known for its antioxidant effect and has long been associated with cardiovascular health**. It is said to promote blood circulation and protect against free radicals, which can cause cell damage**. Partly due to the positive properties of resveratrol, Japanese Knotweed has also been used in the West for some time investigated .
In addition to resveratrol, the plant also contains emodin, a substance classified as a phytoestrogen that may help alleviate menopausal symptoms**. Phytoestrogens mimic the action of estrogen, which may help with hormonal imbalances during menopause**. Other substances in the plant, such as polydatin, contribute to its versatile effects**.
The plant also contains vitamins and minerals, including a high concentration of vitamin C and A. Thanks in part to vitamin C, Japanese Knotweed can function as an antioxidant**. The plant also contains minerals such as zinc, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, which contribute to healthy bodily functions.
Apart from bioactive substances, vitamins and minerals, the power of this plant has also been found interesting in a scientific study Research shows that An to have an effect on infectious diseases and the plant is included in various protocols such as the Buhner protocol.
Usage and safety
You can use Japanese Knotweed both internally and externally in various forms. For example, you can make a herbal infusion from the leaves and a decoction from the roots or you can take the plant as a tincture or in powder form. You can also eat the plant. There are various recipes online about this. Please note that the plants are combated with pesticides because of their enormous growth. So do not just pick the plant in the wild. Make sure that you always use plants of organic origin.
Japanese Knotweed is more than just an invasive plant. Thanks to its high content of bioactive substances, vitamins and minerals, it offers versatile applications for your
NB : The health claims attributed to Japanese Knotweed are still pending European approval. Always consult a doctor or therapist before using any herbal preparation, especially if you are taking medication or are being treated for a condition.
**Health claims pending European approval
