What is Knotweed?
Knotweed is a plant native to many parts of Asia. Japanese and Giant knotweed are both used as components in the nutraceutical, resveratrol, which is thought to have anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties. Knotweed has an appearance similar to bamboo, which may explain why it is sometimes called Japanese or Mexican bamboo. It is not, however, related to the bamboo plant. It is sometimes also called donkey rhubarb, and some people do eat the young stems of knotweed, which are somewhat similar in taste to rhubarb or asparagus. Europeans and Americans introduced the two knotweed plants into their countries with less than pleasant results. Though the purpose for introducing knotweed was largely ornamental, knotweed soon became known as a tenacious and aggressive plant species that could easily invade small cracks in the sidewalk, or choke more preferable plants. Knotweed is not simply a useless weed, however it may annoy gardeners. In fact in the northeast US, beekeepers grow knotweed beca
Knotweed contains a variety of compounds and active ingredients, including quercetin, salicylic acid (which is also found in aspirin) and lysine, and an assortment of sugars. The herb is gathered during its flowering season and dried before being used. In traditional Chinese medicine, knotweed has bitter and cool properties, and is associated with the Bladder meridian. It is taken internally to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, cough, and inflammations of the mouth and throat, and has been approved by the German Commission E for those conditions. It is also used to treat certain skin disorders and parasites, and may help stop bleeding. Animal studies have shown that injections of knotweed decoctions can have a diuretic effect, which is more pronounced with increased dosages. How much knotweed should I take? The typical dose of knotweed is between 9 and 15 grams per day, taken internally as a decoction or powder. Concentrated extracts are also available; for a 5:1 extract
What is it used for? Knotweed is a member of the polygonum family, similar to fo ti. It is known by several names, including bird’s tongue, cow grass and pigweed. Knotweed contains a variety of compounds and active ingredients, including quercetin, salicylic acid (which is also found in aspirin) and lysine, and an assortment of sugars. The herb is gathered during its flowering season and dried before being used. In traditional Chinese medicine, knotweed has bitter and cool properties, and is associated with the Bladder meridian. It is taken internally to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, cough, and inflammations of the mouth and throat, and has been approved by the German Commission E for those conditions. It is also used to treat certain skin disorders and parasites, and may help stop bleeding. Animal studies have shown that injections of knotweed decoctions can have a diuretic effect, which is more pronounced with increased dosages. How much knotweed should I take? The
