Recent studies suggest that Japanese knotweed could be more effective than antibiotics at treating Lyme disease!
Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection that is known to cause numerous unpleasant effects including meningitis, face paralysis, heart palpitations and severe headaches. While people think that Lyme disease is fairly uncommon, there are over 365,000 new cases of it in the USA and Europe alone.
A study conducted by researchers at the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health determined that antibiotics were not a particularly effective treatment for the disease. 10 to 20% of patients who were treated with antibiotics continued to have persistent Lyme disease symptoms after their treatment.
A natural remedy
With clinical trials suggesting antibiotics may not be the best solution for Lyme patients, the researchers turned their attention towards natural remedies. After a few initial trials using a variety of plants, the researchers determined that Japanese knotweed and Ghanaian quinine outperformed western medicine.
How does it work?
Japnese knotweed contains the chemicals polyphenol resveratol which is known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour properties and also protects the heart and nervous system. Japanese knotweed is used a lot in traditional Asian medicine but rarely used in the western world.
Dr Ying Zhang who worked on the trial said, "This study provides the first convincing evidence that some of the herbs used by patients such as Cryptolepis, black walnut, sweet wormwood, cat's claw, and Japanese knotweed have potent activity against Lyme disease bacteria, especially the dormant persister forms, which are not killed by the current Lyme antibiotics."
Researchers hope that with further trials, they'll be able to incorporate Japanese knotweed into Lyme disease treatments.
Knotweed in the garden
While Japanese knotweed does have its benefits in the medical world, it won't do you much good in the garden. In fact, Japanese knotweed is known to be one of the most destructive invasive weeds, so it's important that you remove it quickly!
Here at Taylor Total Weed control, we offer a free evaluation service and can offer you professional advice on how to eradicate the Japanese knotweed in your garden.
Find out more about Japanese knotweed removal by clicking the button below, or phone us on 029 2039 7554 to book your FREE Japanese knotweed consultation.
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