Japanese Knotweed

What is Japanese Knotweed?

Japanese Knotweed is rich in a powerful antioxidant called resveratrol, which is considered an anti-cancer and brain healing micronutrient. Recently it has become a vital medicinal herb throughout Korea, China and Japan and is also known as itadori tea in Japan, with the word itadori translating to ‘remove pain’ in English.

Health Benefits:

May help lower blood pressure

As Japanese Knotweed is rich in resveratrol, it’s antioxidant properties could help to lower blood pressure. One study showed that high doses of resveratrol may reduce the pressure the heart puts on artery walls when it beats. This type of pressure is called systolic blood pressure and typically increases with age as the arteries stiffen, however when it is high its a risk of heart disease. The resveratrol in Japanese Knotweed may help to produce more nitric oxide which causes the blood vessels to relax, in turn lowering the blood pressure.

Could help with symptoms of diabetes

Insulin sensitivity could be increased with Japanese Knotweed due to its contents of resveratrol, studies suggest that this is due to resveratrol stopping a certain enzyme from turning glucose into sorbitol. If a person with diabetes has too much sorbitol, it can create cell-damaging oxidative stress. Other benefits of resveratrol for people with diabetes include protecting against oxidative stress and helping to reduce inflammation.