HI @
maryb,
I checked out Japanese Knotweed a few weeks ago, and it's now sort of a big new protocol for me. I did a fair amount of research, including finding some YouTube videos.
THIS VIDEO was made by an herbalist in Maine, who apparently has used it successfully in his practice to treat Lyme.
It grows prodigiously in England and the US, and I was able to find some here in Southern Oregon. So far I've only used the leaves, which I've put in smoothies. I also dry the leaves and use it as a tea, and now drink about a quart (liter) of it every day. The main medicinal value is in the roots however, and I've not yet found out the best time of year to harvest the roots. But just using the leaves so far has been definitely positive for me. I'd also say quite subtle, with a feel of gentle support for my entire system, perhaps a bit like a small amount of tea, without any buzz.
A couple specific things I've noticed since taking it: It seems to have "normalized" my appetite. I've often felt I have somewhat of an "abnormal" appetite, where I sometimes feels a need to eat, though part of me doesn't want to. This has mostly gone away since drinking the tea. I've also noticed minor (but chronic) pains in my GI tract has gotten noticeably better. So, two GI symptoms noticeably improved from drinking the tea.
I've also noticed a better stamina when going outside the house. Though I think the tea is responsible for at least part of this, I think it's also a result of my ongoing liposomal Vitamin C protocol, which I continue to increase gradually (now up to 12g/day). I've also been adding 4 oz. of aloe vera juice to my tea as well. Something about this combination is definitely doing some good things for me.
I would encourage you to follow up on your interest in Japanese Knotweed. The more I read and research, and the more I experiment with my body, the more enthusiastic I become. I'm very much looking forward to trying the roots.
Best,
Wayne
P.S. From my research, it appears this can be a very powerful herb. The leaves of the plant may be a gentler form of taking this herb, which may be a good starting point for pwME/CFS.
@
alex3619