Japanese Knotweed

Japanese knotweed is a plant that is native to Japan, China and Korea. It is similar in appearance, though not in use or structure, to bamboo. In Asian countries, Japanese knotweed has a long history of multiple uses in natural and medicinal remedies and treatments.

Medicinal uses for Japanese knotweed

Japanese knotweed has been used in traditional remedies and medicines for many years. In large quantities, Japanese knotweed serves a gentle laxative, curing constipation and other digestive problems. Also, since Japanese knotweed has been shown to stimulate the immune system and improve cardiac function, it has been shown to have a positive effect on bodies healing from severe injuries, such as burns. Japanese knotweed has been used to promote health in general, due to its beneficial effects on the circulatory system.

Keeping the circulatory and cardiac systems in good health prevent heart disease and high blood pressure, as well as improving blood flow. Increased blood flow through capillaries opened by Japanese knotweed helps essential nutrients and oxygen circulate to the cells and organs of the body.

Japanese knotweed and anti-aging

Japanese knotweed has become a popular, natural ingredient in anti-aging supplements and anti-wrinkle creams do to the presence of resveratrol. Resveratrol is the ingredient in red wine responsible for the recent recommendations of drinking at least a glass a day to promote heart health. Resveratrol is a substance that lowers blood sugar and improves circulation. Japanese knotweed has been included in many anti-aging supplements due to the positive effects of the resveratrol found in abundance in this natural ingredient. By improving blood flow and circulation, the resveratrol present in Japanese knotweed helps to improve the tone and quality of the skin by keeping the blood flowing and delivering nutrients and other materials necessary to keep the skin firm and elastic.

The increased blood flow helps to slow or reverse the process of the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers, both of which are responsible for holding the skin in place and keeping a youthful appearance. When these collagen and elastin fibers break down, the skin becomes victim to the forces of gravity, creating the sagging and wrinkled appearance associated with aging. Learn about resveratrol's anti inflammatory benefits.

The use of Japanese knotweed in anti-aging supplements is intended to keep the blood circulating to the areas most affected by the detrimental effects of getting older. While many areas of the body benefit from improved vascular health and cardiac function, the skin is one of the first areas addressed by those concerned with the effects of getting older. When included in an anti-aging supplement and used on a regular basis, Japanese knotweed will help to slow the appearance of the lines and wrinkles that cause people to seek out anti-aging treatments.