Fallopia japonica
Family: Polygonaceae
Other Names: Hu zhang, American bamboo, Fleeceflower, Fr. Renouée de japon
Parts Used: Roots, rhizome, young stalks
Characteristics: Bitter, cold, dry
Actions: Analgesic, antiarthritic, antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral, laxative, tonic
Japanese knotweed is a tenacious weed that has become a real problem in Atlantic Canada because of its invasive tendencies and resilience. A native of Japan and East Asia, it was brought to North America in the late 1800s, and quickly spread across the continent. Growing to a height of up to 3 metres with a root system that can break through concrete and extend up to 3 metres deep underground, it crowds out native plants, alters the ecosystem, and can be very difficult to remove.
It does have some redeeming qualities, however. For one thing, it tastes good. The young stems, resembling crimson asparagus, appear in April or May and are tart and crunchy, somewhat like rhubarb. It is also a valuable medicinal herb. Its root is high in resveratrol, which is important in brain function and heart health. There has also been some promising research into its use as a treatment for Lyme disease. It grows along roadsides and streams, and has a bright green hollow stalk with red dividing the sections of growth, somewhat like bamboo. The heart-shaped leaves are flat at the base and emerge from these points, its veins red when young and lighter as it matures. Harvest the young stems before they turn woody; the roots may be dug up in the spring as the shoots are beginning to appear, and should be sliced thinly and tinctured or dried before use.
MEDICINAL USES:
Dementia, heart disease, Lyme disease, gingivitis
decoction: Mix 1 tsp. of dried root in 1 cup of water; simmer 10 minutes. Let stand to steep for half an hour. Take ½ cup 2 times a day.
important: Avoid taking in large amounts as it could cause nausea and vomiting. Do not use with blood-thinning medications. Do not use during pregnancy.
Impatiens capensis
Family: Balsaminaceae
Other names: Wild Balsam, Orange jewelweed, Spotted
touch-me-not, Slipperweed,
Fr. Impatiente du Cap, Chou Sauvage
Parts used: Aerial
Systems affected: Skin
Actions: Antidote, anti-
inflammatory, cathartic,
diuretic, emetic, fungicide
This delicate annual grows throughout the summer in low-lying, damp soil, often close to streams. Easily recognizable by its small, orange, trumpet-shaped flowers with curved tails and darker spots inside, it is one of the best remedies for Poison Ivy, and often grows nearby. The stems are long and tender, growing in clumps that can be 1 metre or more tall, and the leaves are thin, ovate, and slightly toothed. The leaves will repel water, giving it its name, as water will bead up into tiny jewel-like droplets. The ripe oblong seed pods will explode when touched, scattering its seeds and giving it the name “touch-me-not.” There is another species of Jewelweed, Impatiens pallida, which has yellow flowers and has similar medicinal properties, but is less potent than the orange variety. It is an attractive plant for hummingbirds and butterflies.
MEDICINAL USES:
Skin irritations
other uses: Yellow dye can be made from the flowers.
treatment for skin irritations: Fill a stockpot with chopped fresh jewelweed, cover with water, and boil until water is reduced by half. Strain and pour into ice cube trays. Freeze and use as needed. Good for up to 1 year.
important: Herb has an acrid burning taste and can act as an emetic and purgative. Internal use not recommended. Does not dry well. Not recommended for use in tinctures, as some people have a bad reaction when jewelweed is mixed with alcohol.