Japanese Knotweed

In her article "Urban Weeds Treat Urban Ailments", Melissa Sokulski points out an old folk saying that weeds grow where they're needed. This may be nothing more than coincidence, but I've always believed it to be true for the simple fact that some "weeds" grow on my side of our property and others grow on my son and daughter-in-law's side. On my side, dandelions which strengthen kidneys and liver (and do much more) are prolific and heron bill which is useful in treating respiratory ailments grow on theirs. There is only a drive way between us and given the way weeds travel, spread and proliferate it seems that all weeds should grow on both sides.

Another plant I'm finding more and more of on my side is knotweed. Studies have shown that the highly invasive, much maligned Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) is one of the higest natural sources reservatrol, an ingredient usually thought of as being found in red wine. Reservatrol supplements are being sold now in healthfood stores and it's not coming from red wine, it's coming from Japenese knotweed.

The benefits of reservatrol include antioxidant, blood thinner, benefits to the central nervous system, regulates hormones and has shown to benefit those with Alzheimer's Disease especially if it's taken with vitamins E and C. It has proven beneficial to those recovering from stroke and injuries to the spine.

Why not look around the next time you go for a walk and see what natural medicines may be disguised as "weeds" in your area?