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Invasive Plant Medicine

Treats Symtoms Of Lyme

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Japanese Knotweed

It is said that in nature, the cure is never far away from the injury. For example if you are bitten by a snake, there will be some plant nearby to counter the poison. This was of course much more relevant when people knew what to look for right there in the forest!

Japanese knotweed, an invasive plant that grows all over the US, may be one of the most important plants in treating symptoms of Lyme disease. Interestingly, it has become even more invasive in the northeast US, in tandem with the rise of Lyme disease.

The compounds found in the root have been used for thousands of years in Far East medicine. The most notable one is resveratrol, an anti-oxidant credited with preventing heart disease, also found in red wine.

Now it's widely sought after in the West. Herbalist / acupuncturist Timothy Scott, author of "Invasive Plant Medicine The Ecological Benefits and Healing Abilities of Invasives" shares his enthusiasm and knowledge of the plant here.

It is always a good idea to consult a specialist before any new herbal regimen. Knotweed should not be taken in pregnancy except in small doses and should not be used with other blood thinners.

--Bibi Farber