Japanese Knotweed

(Hu zhang) This Asian perennial was introduced to North American gardens as an ornamental plant but it has since become invasive and it now the target of eradication programs. But not many know that this is useful in herbal medicine and its stature among herbalists is growing. The roots are used to treat burns, boils, abscesses, hepatitis, appendicitis, and menstrual irregularities, and studies have shown that an extract made from the roots has antitumour properties.