What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
This plant is Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), which is considered an invasive species, which is one step up from just a weed. It was brought to America in the 1800s as an ornamental plant for gardens, and it spread from there. It’s mostly invasive on the east coast, but it can also be found overgrowing in Alaska and Oregon. It dies back every winter in the north or anywhere that gets at least frost, so it is not as bad currently as it probably will be as the climate rises.
But I have really good news… It’s an incredibly useful plant!!! Wouldn’t it be better to wildcraft and utilize this beneficial herb than gripe about it?
Any review of the research on Japanese Knotweed will inevitably bring up that it is a major source of resveratrol. There are many studies on resveratrol alone, but I’m a much bigger proponent of using an extract of a whole plant with all of its phytochemicals as opposed to taking just one of the components in un-natural doses. But, these studies do help us to understand how one particular phytochemical works, and in the case of resveratrol, it is anti-inflammatory, anti-edema and anti-coagulant. This combination is fantastic for people who suffer from cardiovascular diseases such as atrial fibrillation, congestive heart disease, atherosclerosis and more.
It is also a phytoestrogen, which as I discussed with red clover, is estrogen modulating. resveratrol binds with estrogen receptors to mildly stimulate and also block from excess estrogen. So whether you have an issue with too much estrogen (fibroids, endometriosis, heavy periods, etc) or too little (perimenopause/postmenopause), adding in a phytoestrogen can be very helpful. Fair warning though, this herb is also considered an emmenagogue, or an herb that can induce menses. So if you are perimenopausal and enjoying the decreasing frequency of your period, you might want to reconsider using this herb.
High dose studies have also shown resveratrol to be helpful at decreasing tumor size and metastasis in lung and breast cancers. The resveratrol increases apoptosis, or cellular death, of cancer cells by inhibiting an overactive cyclooxygenase enzyme in those cells.
I first learned about this plant from a patient who picked it in our parking lot and was telling me about it’s usage in Lyme protocols. I couldn’t find any research to back up it’s usage for the Borrelia borgderferi spirochete, but I did find a lot about various viruses that can be treated. Hepatitis B, HIV, Epstein Barr Virus, Herpes Simplex Virus, and Influenza to name a few.
Amazing stuff for an invasive weed.
If anyone in the south could get me a high quality picture of Kudzu, I would love to write up something on that invasive weed as well. There isn’t any growing up here in Vermont that I’ve seen.
Jen Williamson, ND is a native of Buffalo, New York who earned her Bachelor of Science at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania and a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. While in medical school, she became very involved in the student community, most notably as the President of the Student Government Association. For her service, upon graduation she was given the Outstanding Leadership Award.
In the spirit of Docere, the Naturopathic principle of the doctor’s role as teacher, Dr. Williamson was an adjunct professor in the Complementary and Alternative Therapies program at Daemen College. She has had articles in a variety of publications, includingNaturopathic Doctor News and Review, SheKnows.com, local Buffalo magazines and papers, as well as her own newsletter, blog and website. While practicing in Buffalo, she also offered over 30 different classes to the public at various events and locations.
In 2012, Dr. Williamson moved to Vermont to expand her practice of Naturopathic Medicine as well as provide an atmosphere that resonates with her medicine for her son, Victor, and husband, David. As a Primary Care Physician at Avalon Natural Medicine, Dr. Williamson focuses on mental/emotional, gastrointestinal, and endocrine disorders. Most of her treatment plans include a combination of nutritional, herbal and homeopathic remedies, but she has also received additional training in Hair Trace Mineral Analysis and Bowel Nosodes.
Someone told me Japanese Knotweed with alchohol is more potent. Is that true? Would you recommend some good Japanese Knotweed products?