Japanese Knotweed Root Helpful for Mast Cell Activation
When most people think of Japanese knotweed, they think of an invasive plant which must be removed at all costs. Unfortunately, since it got such a bad name for itself in the Western world, most have ignored it’s unique medicinal benefits. As noted by the studies cited herein, we will discuss how Japanese knotweed root can be helpful for those suffering from mast cell activation. In addition, we will cover just about everything else you need to know about this herb for your healing journey.
History of Japanese Knotweed Use
Knotweed has been used medicinally for thousands of years by the Chinese, Koreans and Japanese. Traditionally, it was used for skin problems, lung issues, various types of infections, menstrual complaints, constipation and plenty more. Despite these impressive properties, it has been mostly ignored by both the traditional and alternative medical communities. Hard to believe, given it’s impressive list of potential applications. To review more of its medicinal qualities, take a look below:
Medicinal Qualities of Japanese Knotweed Root
– Helpful for: Fighting chronic infections, balancing the gut microbiome, immune health, cardiovascular support, liver protection, brain health, calming down mast cells, increasing frequency of bowel movements
– Key Properties: Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-spirochetal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, mast cell modulator, anti-anxiety, histamine reducer, cardioprotective, antitumor
How Japanese Knotweed Can Help Mast Cell Activation
– Active ingredient is resveratrol, which is a natural inhibitor of human intestinal mast cell activation (1)
– Resveratrol has also shown to prevent increases in the mast cell population, even under allergic stress (2)
– Contains emodin, which suppresses IgE-mediated anaphylactic reaction and mast cell activation (3)
– Helps with resistant infections like Lyme (4), bartonella (5), EBV (6), COVID (7) and plenty more
– Supports detoxification, by stimulating Nrf2 and liver response to dietary or chemical stressors (8)
– Helpful with disrupting biofilm production of pathogens, which allows them to be eradicated (9)
– Resveratrol shown to increase regulatory T cells (Tregs), which reduces overall immune sensitivity
– Effective in suppressing various inflammatory markers, which is key to controlling pathogen virulence
Common Questions about Japanese Knotweed
What’s in Japanese knotweed which makes it so effective?
Knotweed root contains resveratrol, polydatin, emodin, physcion and other phytonutrients which have broad anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, knotweed has diverse applications as an antimicrobial, with antiviral, antibacterial, antispirochete, anticancer properties and more. If that wasn’t enough, Japanese knotweed can also modulate mast cells by attenuating the release of histamine.
Is Japanese knotweed root helpful for Lyme disease?
Studies have shown that Japanese knotweed root is one of the best choices for Lyme disease. Little do most know, it was shown to be even more effective than the leading antibiotic doxycycline against active and stationary phase Lyme. In addition, it has been shown to eradicate Bartonella, which is a common co-infection for those with Lyme disease. On top of that, Japanese knotweed does all this while still modulating mast cell function, so your immune system does not become so aggravated while removing pathogens. This makes it my first choice when working with clients who have Lyme disease.
Can Japanese knotweed help with EBV and other viruses?
Studies have shown that knotweed can be helpful for various types of viruses including EBV and COVID. The key component, resveratrol, has been shown to prevent EBV transformation, and inhibits the outgrowth of EBV-immortalized human B cells.(10) In addition, it has been shown to inhibit proliferation and survival of Epstein Barr virus. (11) Lastly, it also has broad anti-inflammatory properties which dampen the virulence of Epstein Barr and other viruses.
Does Japanese knotweed have any effect on biofilms?
Japanese knotweed has been shown in studies to be a biofilm inhibitor. This is due to the wide variety of phytonutrients present, which are known to interrupt the signaling capability of pathogens. When signaling becomes disrupted, they can not create their protective biofilm. This then leaves the pathogen exposed so it can be removed with the right antimicrobial. Without removing the protective biofilm, you have little to no chance of fully eradicating the infection.
Is there a cleansing response when using Japanese knotweed root?
Yes, you can experience mild cleansing responses from using Japanese knotweed root. The good news is, since it’s a mast cell modulator, they are usually very tolerable. If you decide to try knotweed, please remember, you must define a dosing cycle for this herb. In my opinion, it is NOT to be used every day for extended periods of time.
I have seen the best success by starting at moderate doses, 2x per day, every other day. Eventually once there is little to no cleansing response, then you can go to 2 days on and 1 off. Once you can tolerate that, then 3 days on and 2 days off is best for long term cycling.
Keep in mind, if you try to fast forward this process, you will regress in your healing, because you will trigger the already over-active immune system, and deplete the stress reserves even further.
Which brands can I trust when buying Japanese knotweed?
In my experience, it is best to use BOTH a knotweed derived resveratrol extract AND a broad spectrum powder. My favorite extract is made by Truthentics. It is 50% resveratrol and 50% knotweed extract. In terms of a full-spectrum product, I have had success with the organic knotweed powder from Nature Restore. If you are not choosing these brands, I would just make sure you that it is organic, and if you are purchasing an extract, that it is NOT alcohol-based.
Are there any side effects to using knotweed products?
Side effects are minimal if you remember to dose properly, and to cycle this herb. In my experience, you should NOT use it daily for more than 5 days. Please note, since knotweed is such a strong cleansing herb, you can experience various shifts in symptoms as you heal. If you start to feel uncomfortable to the point where it’s affecting your day, it may be time to reduce the dose, and take a day or two off. Also, don’t be concerned if you start to have looser stools at higher doses, this is to be expected. Despite this effect on stools, I have yet to see someone complain of stomach pain.
What is the best dose when starting Japanese knotweed root?
In my experience, it will all depend on the person. The sicker you are, the slower you need to go. I usually start off with less than a gram on an empty stomach, 2 times per day and make sure NOT to take it daily. If you do not notice a detox effect or significant relief, it may be best to increase the dose.
In terms of dose frequency, what has worked best for me and my clients, is one day on and one day off initially, then two on and one off, and eventually, three days on and two off. It is critical to understand this concept about cycling this herb. If you do not, you will end up detoxing faster than you can handle, and overstimulating your Nrf2 response. Neither of these is helpful to your long term progress.
Using Japanese Knotweed for MCAS
Japanese knotweed root is a very powerful. Do not fool yourself into thinking it’s like anything else you have tried. I have personally seen this work in cases where nothing else has.
In my experience, if you’re battling MCAS, then knotweed may be helpful, BUT you must start slow. In addition, you have to cycle knotweed on and off. You can NOT just keep taking it day after day with no break. This will likely lead to an overwhelming Herx response, which will lead you in a big circle. Instead, consider the options mentioned in this article, like one day on and one day off to start. Eventually, you would max out at three days, one and two off, repeating the cycle until there is no longer any detox reaction experienced.
If you have any other questions about mast cell activation or Japanese knotweed root, feel free to get in touch. Happy healing everyone!
Matt Sikora
EndSickness.org
Phone:(734) 846-8619
Email: endsickness@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +17348468619
