Japanese Knotweed – A powerful herb with versatile uses

The Japanese Knotweed is mainly seen in the West as an invasive exotic species. These are plants that are newly appearing on the scene and are displacing our native plants. In addition to this shady side, the powerful plant also has an impressive sunny side. We will highlight that side below.

The movement from East to West

We'll start at the beginning. Long ago, this plant first began to grow 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 to this day; the shoots are the most consumed. Within traditional Chinese medicine, Japanese knotweed has been used as a medicine since the late Han dynasty (about 2000 years ago). The plant is still regularly used within this healing method for various conditions. If we look at Western medicine, the plant is less known. However, in the current picture we see that more and more research is being conducted into this.

In the West we only became acquainted with the Japanese Knotweed many decades later. This was introduced to 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 struggle we have been waging in the West 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. Most striking are the reddish stems and heart-shaped leaves. The plant's strength lies in its rhizome, which can grow not only deep but also wide, making the plant difficult to control. A small rhizome has enough strength 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 take root in places where it is dirty, such as industrial estates. The plant also prefers a moist to wet and moderately nutrient-rich soil. It is therefore not surprising that he is doing well in the Netherlands. You 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 grow well in the shade. The plant's adaptability is great. The spines are red in color and are accompanied by nodes. The Japanese Knotweed owes its name to this. From these nodes grows the heart-shaped leaf with a size of between 10 and 15 centimeters. The signature of the plant therefore refers to the heart (leaf shape) and the circulatory system (stem color). White flower clusters form at the end of the stems in August/September 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 Japanese Knotweed is resveratrol. Resveratrol is known for its antioxidant properties 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 been researched in the West for some time .

In addition to resveratrol, the plant also contains emodin, a substance that is classified as a phytoestrogen and that may relieve 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 effect**.

The plant also contains vitamins and minerals, including a high concentration of vitamins C and A. Partly thanks 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 body function.

Apart from bioactive substances, vitamins and minerals, the power of this plant has also been found interesting in a scientific study . Research shows that there isan effect on infectious diseases and the plant appears in various protocols such as the Buhner protocol.

Use and safety

You can use Japanese Knotweed both internally and externally in different forms. You can make a herbal infusion from the leaves and a decoction from the roots or you can take the plant in a tincture or in powder form. You can also eat the plant if necessary. There are several recipes online about this. Please note that the plants are controlled with pesticides due to their enormous growth. So don't just pick the plant in the wild. Make sure you always use plants of organic origin.

You can combine this plant well with other plants. It is a so-called 'synergistic herb'. This means that it can enhance the power of another herb.

The 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 Wellbeing . Although the scientific basis in the West is still developing, traditional use and preliminary research indicate promising results. As with all herbal supplements, be aware of the claims and, if in doubt, always consult an expert.

Note : 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 awaiting European approval