Reynoutria japonica, (syn. Fallopia japonica, Polygonum cupsidatum), Japanese Knotweed, Hu zhang, 虎杖

Reynoutria japonica, (syn. Fallopia japonica, Polygonum cupsidatum), Japanese Knotweed, Hu zhang, 虎杖, according to Foster and Duke's 2014 3rd edition of a A Field Guide to Medicinal Plant Herbs, this widespread East Asian native is now a weed in much of North America. Adopted by Cherokee as a wild edible. In rural China, the spring shoots eaten like asparagus. The rhizomes and root called hu-zhang are used Traditional Chinese Medicine to build and detoxify the blood and reduce swelling. Science confirms skin collagen promoting, and anti-inflammatory activity. Rich in anti-oxidant resveratrol (best known from grape seeds and peanut skins, not to mention red wine).

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