{"product_id":"japanese-knotweed-1-2-optimalrx","title":"Japanese Knotweed 1:2 (OptimalRx)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePolygonum cuspidatum\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJapanese Knotweed is a potent \u003cstrong\u003eantioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and circulatory tonic\u003c\/strong\u003e, native to East Asia and long used in Traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. Rich in \u003cstrong\u003eresveratrol and other polyphenols\u003c\/strong\u003e, it supports\u003cstrong\u003e cardiovascular health, healthy ageing, and optimal immune function\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts \u003cstrong\u003eantimicrobial and immune-modulating\u003c\/strong\u003e properties make it valuable in protocols for \u003cstrong\u003echronic infections, including Lyme disease and co-infections\u003c\/strong\u003e, while its \u003cstrong\u003eanti-inflammatory\u003c\/strong\u003e actions benefit \u003cstrong\u003ejoint pain, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress\u003c\/strong\u003e. It also promotes \u003cstrong\u003evascular integrity, healthy blood flow, and metabolic balance\u003c\/strong\u003e, supporting conditions linked to \u003cstrong\u003epoor circulation, inflammation, and immune dysregulation\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTraditional Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this herb has been used for over 2,000 years, first recorded in the Supplementary Records of Famous Physicians during the late Han Dynasty. It is known for clearing heat, detoxifying, improving circulation, eliminating phlegm, and relieving coughs and asthma, thereby supporting overall systemic health. Traditionally, it has been used to treat traumatic injuries, jaundice, chronic infections, nervous disorders, hypertension, bronchitis, thick phlegm, and amenorrhoea from blood stagnation. It also appears in classical formulas for abscesses, burns, and snakebites and is valued for its anti-aging and longevity-promoting effects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eActions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, immunomodulator, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, mild laxative, antitumour, adaptogenic, angiogenesis modulator (inhibits abnormal blood vessel formation), oestrogenic (mild), astringent, febrifuge (antipyretic)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIndications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e•    Chronic and stealth infections including tick-borne infections, Lyme disease and co-infections such as Babesia, Bartonella and viral infections and reactivations (e.g. Epstein-Barr virus, herpes, shingles, human papillomavirus), bacterial infections, respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, coughs, common cold, asthma.\u003cbr\u003e•    Chronic fatigue, post-viral syndromes, post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), post- COVID.\u003cbr\u003e•    Chronic inflammation, skin conditions associated with systemic inflammation such as rosacea, persistent acne, psoriasis, eczema, acne both internally and as a topical preparation.\u003cbr\u003e•    Musculoskeletal pain and joint inflammation including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis.\u003cbr\u003e•    Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, poor peripheral circulation, endothelial dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, vascular inflammation.\u003cbr\u003e•    Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, poor peripheral circulation, endothelial dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, vascular inflammation.\u003cbr\u003e•    Liver support and detoxification, fatty liver disease.\u003cbr\u003e•    Menopausal symptoms, painful or delayed menstruation.\u003cbr\u003e•    Gastrointestinal disorders including inflammatory bowel diseases, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, leaky gut syndrome, constipation.\u003cbr\u003e•    Microbial dysbiosis including the gut, sinuses and urinary tract\u003cbr\u003e•    Cancer adjunct protocols\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEnergetics\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSlightly cooling, drying, bitter, pungent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUse in Pregnancy\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJapanese knotweed should not be used in pregnancy, as advised in TCM pharmacopeias, owing to the herb’s abortifacient effects. The resveratrol content has demonstrated uterine stimulant activity in some animal studies, suggesting a potential risk of stimulating contractions. Additionally, the herb’s oestrogenic compounds, though mild, warrant prudence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContraindications \u0026amp; Cautions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAutoimmune Conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e: The immunomodulatory effects necessitate careful monitoring in autoimmune disorders, particularly during flares. Start with lower doses and titrate gradually.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHormone-Sensitive Cancers\u003c\/strong\u003e: The mild oestrogenic effects call for caution in oestrogen-dependent malignancies, including certain breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers and uterine fibroids. Consultation with an oncologist is essential.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBleeding Disorders\u003c\/strong\u003e: Those with clotting disorders, thrombocytopenia or von Willebrand disease should use Japanese knotweed cautiously, if at all.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSurgery\u003c\/strong\u003e: Discontinue use at least two weeks before scheduled surgeries to minimise bleeding risks.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePotential Gastrointestinal Effects\u003c\/strong\u003e: Some patients may experience mild digestive discomfort, particularly at higher doses.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGastrointestinal Ulceration\u003c\/strong\u003e: The plant’s anthraquinone content may irritate existing ulcers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSevere Liver or Kidney Disease\u003c\/strong\u003e: While Japanese knotweed supports liver detoxification, caution is advised in individuals with severe hepatic or renal impairment.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHypotension\u003c\/strong\u003e: Japanese knotweed may exacerbate low blood pressure, particularly in conjunction with antihypertensive medications.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAllergic Reactions\u003c\/strong\u003e: Though uncommon, allergic responses including skin rashes and respiratory symptoms have been reported, particularly in individuals with known allergies to plants in the Polygonaceae family.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGallstones\u003c\/strong\u003e: As a cholagogue, Japanese knotweed stimulates bile flow which may pose a risk for people with impacted gallstones or obstructed bile ducts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDrug Interactions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaution\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ewith chemotherapeutic agents: Complex interactions are possible so Japanese knotweed should only be used concurrently under an oncologist’s supervision.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaution\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ewith anticoagulants and antiplatelets: Japanese knotweed contains resveratrol which may have antiplatelet activity. There is an increased bleeding risk when combined with warfarin, heparin, aspirin, clopidogrel or other blood thinners. Regular international normalised ratio (INR) (a test to measure the time taken for blood to clot) monitoring is recommended if coadministration is necessary.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaution\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ewith cytochrome P450 substrates: Resveratrol moderately inhibits cytochrome P450 substrates, potentially increasing blood levels of medications metabolised through these pathways. This includes certain statins, antidepressants, calcium channel blockers and immunosuppressants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaution\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ewith immunosuppressants: Japanese knotweed could interfere with immunosuppressive therapy due to its immunomodulatory properties. Particular caution is warranted with cyclosporine, tacrolimus and sirolimus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaution\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ewith laxatives: The anthraquinone content may have additive effects with other laxatives, potentially causing excessive bowel evacuation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMonitor\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ewith antihypertensives: Japanese knotweed has been studied for its vasodilatory effects which may lower blood pressure. Possible additive hypotensive effects when combined with ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers. Monitor blood pressure levels to avoid excessive hypotension.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMonitor\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ewith hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Resveratrol has been studied for its oestrogenic activity. The clinical significance of this remains unclear. The possible hormonal modulation could affect medications such as oral contraceptives or HRT and requires clinical monitoring for efficacy and side effects.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMonitor\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ewith digoxin: There is a theoretical interaction based on Japanese knotweed’s cardiovascular effects. Monitoring digoxin levels is prudent.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMonitor\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ewith antidiabetic medications: Resveratrol has been shown to modulate glucose metabolism. Possible additive hypoglycaemic effects when combined with metformin, insulin or sulfonylureas. Monitor blood sugar levels to prevent hypoglycaemia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDietary Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVegan Friendly. Gluten and dairy free\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSubstitutes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrographis, Cat’s Claw, Turmeric, Baical Scullcap\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OptimalRx","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45101467041988,"sku":"Polygonum cuspidatum","price":0.22,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0656\/9374\/5348\/files\/OptimalRxJapaneseKnotweed_1in2_500ml.webp?v=1755144170","url":"https:\/\/innerbloomdispensary.com.au\/products\/japanese-knotweed-1-2-optimalrx","provider":"Inner Bloom Dispensary","version":"1.0","type":"link"}