This blog is a little behind schedule but better late than never! As always use caution when taking any herbs or herbal supplements. None of the below information is intended for treatment or to diagnose, only to inform.

Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum Cuspidatum)

Parts Used - Roots and leaves

Energy is cool, tastes are bitter and sour.

Constituents -  resveratrol, vitamin C, transresveratrol, emodin, emodin monomethyl ether, polydatin (piceid) piceatannol, physcion, astringin, oxalic acid, alkaloids, phenolics, sterol/terpenes, barium, bromine, calcium, catechin, chrysophanol, citreosein, copper, dimethylhyroxychromone, fallacinol, glucofragulin, glucoside, iodine, iron, isoquercitrin, manganese, methylcourmarin, molybdenum, napthoquinone, nickel, phosphorus, physide, piceid, plastoquinine, potassium, sulfur, tannin, zinc.

Internal Uses - This herb is good for cardiovascular health, to prevent or reduce fevers, antitoxin (an antibody that counteracts a toxin), and helps to move blood. Most often used to treat injuries, boils, burns, abscess, bites, stings, and hepatitis. Suggested doses are a ½ tsp of a tincture of the root 3 times daily.

Topical Uses - The leaves can be crushed and powdered to form a paste for topical use.

Juniper (Juniper Communis)

Parts Used- Berries

Energy is warm and spicy and sweet.

Constituents -Monoterpenes, alpha and beta pinene, sabinene, limonene, terpinen 4-ol, alpha-terpineol, borneol, geraniol, myrcene, camphene, camphor, alpha-eudesmol, neolignan glycosides, lignans, tannins, flavonoids.

Internal uses - This herb is good for urinary problems, gout, rheumatic complaints, is a diuretic, is a carminative, antiseptic, and a stimulant, good for respiratory health, kidney stones, and uric acid buildup. Recommended dose is 10-30 drops in a tincture or 4 to 6 drops of oil taken with honey 3 to 4 times a day.

Topical uses - The oil can be used to treat skin issues like acne, athlete’s foot, eczema, and joint pains, rheumatism, and cellulite. Dilute oil in a carrier oil like grape seed oil or jojoba oil.

Jambul (Syzygium Cuminij Eugenia Jambolonum)

Parts used - Fruits and seeds

Energy is neutral, taste is astringent and is a carminative.

Constituents - anthocyanins, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycoside called antimellin, vitamin A, C, and calcium, gallic acid, and tannins.

Internal Uses - This herb is an anti-diabetic, anti-diarrhea, colic, and antimicrobial. Recommended dose is 0.3 to 2 grams of dried fruit 3 times a day.

Topical Uses - A paste from the leaves can be applied to wounds.

 

Hope any of the above information was helpful. Check back next week for helpful herbs that begin with the letter K!

The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: A Contemporary Introduction and Useful Manual for the World's Oldest Healing System, Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa and Michael Tierra

 

The Way of Chinese Herbs, Michael Tierra

 

The Way of Herbs: Fully Updated with the Latest Developments in Herbal Science, Michael Tierra