Ashitaba: Chinese Herbal Medicinal and Nutritional Plant

One of the oldest and prominent herbal plants native to Asia, grown in rich volcanic soil is Ashitaba. The herbal plant described like "celery - like vegetable". In China medicinal properties of the plant date back 2000 years, during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644 1) and Shogun warriors (1192 -1867 2). 4 A Chinese book written by Dr. Lee (1518 - 1593) first describes the medicinal value of Ashitaba during the Ming Dynasty. 8 Ashitaba known to purify blood and circulation, cleanse the colon, relieve muscle, joint, and nerve discomfort and enhance lung function. Ability of the herbal plant to grow very fast symbolic by its name Ashitaba, means "tomorrow's leaf". People living on the Izu Islands (volcanic islands of Japan 3) refer to the Ashitaba herb as "longevity herb" (growing in rugged terrain): Powerful antioxidants, nutrients, and energetic properties. 4

The Ashitaba herb plant contains eleven different types of vitamins and thirteen minerals."Nutritional analysis reveals that 100 grams of Ashitba powder contains the beta - carotene content equivalent to four carrots, the vitamin B2 content equivalent to 28 cloves of garlic, the vitamin C content equivalent to 4 lemons and nine times the amount of iron found in spinach". Also, nutritional content of Ashitaba: Folic acid, vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6 B12 (Usually B12 not found in plants, but obtainable in meats, fish and eggs. Reduction of B12 linked to cognitive and nervous system problems, besides increase risk of cardiovascular disease and pernicious anaemia.), and minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, copper, sulphur, manganese, and silicon. Ashitaba contains high level of chlorophyll (Green pigment found in most plants. Through a process of photosynthesis, chlorophyll collects and stores energy from the light. 6) Nearly identical (Ashitaba) to haemoglobin molecule in red blood cells, referred to as "nature blood". It functions in blood to carry more oxygen to the body's tissues and performs as an agent cleansing the blood and liver. A type of mineral found in Ashitaba promotes production of interferon (Interferon produced in the body in very small quantity. Interferon used to treat some types of cancer: Kidney, multiple myeloma, malignant melanoma, and tumors. 7).Potent antioxidants found in Ashitaba are Coumarins. Compounds found in Ashitaba called chalcones (The pigment found in chalcones produces yellow color juice of the herb 4): Strong antioxidants protect cells from damage, attributed to ageing process and many degenerative diseases, including cancer. 5 Among the longest life spans on earth, residents on the Japanese island of Hachijo, routinely incorporate in their diet Ashitaba.People on the island refer to Ashitaba herb as the "longevity herb" (no side effects). 4 Also, during stress, chalcones suppress excessive secretion of gastric juices in the stomach, known to cause stomach ulcers. Besides, chalcones regulate blood pressure, cholesterol level, and stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF - Development and survival of certain neurons (nerve cells) surrounding and within the central nervous systems). A thriving Nerve Growth Factor potentially inhibits neurological damage linked to Alzheimer's disease. According to a Japanese study conducted by Biomedical Group (In Takara), after taking Ashitaba for just four days, twenty percent increase in NGF concentration. Also, according to research published in September 2002 (issue of Nutraceuticals World), Ashitaba as a potential antioxidant outperformed green tea, black tea, St. John Wort, camomile, dandelion, and fennel. 5 Preliminary Japanese research study on mice indicates chalcone (derived from Ashitaba) inhibits skin and lung cancer substantially. "The result of recent research in Japan shows that chalcone (Xanthoangelol) from ashitaba is effective in the treatment of HIV." 8 Data has shown Ashitaba regulates effectively blood sugar especially for diabetics. Dr. Kevin Lance Jones, a licensed acupuncturist and orthomolecular medical doctor from California said: "There is a patient in Texas that has insulin-dependent (Type 1) diabetes who is currently taking the herb. He says that he now has to use less insulin because his blood sugar no longer spikes with attacks of hyperglycaemia. Another diabetes patient in Japan took Ashitaba for six months and his blood sugar level dropped from 400 mg/dl to 150 mg/dl". 5

People who have experienced GI (Gastrointestinal disorders) tract disorders (Chronic gastritius, acute gastritis, duodenal ulcer, stomach cancer, chlorydria, gastric atonia, descensus ventriculi, and chronic enteritis) treated by taking Ashitaba. 8

Ashitaba improves skin ("Ashitaba exfoliates the dead skin that causes a dull complexion and / or clogged pores". Also, herb heals scrapes, cuts, insect bites, acne, and ulcers. 9) and hair quality: Reduces cell damage and increases blood circulation to the skin thus producing wrinkle free skin and hair grows thicker (fuller and stronger 9) with a color shine and preventing dry or brittle hair. 8

Mothers who have taken Ashitaba helps remove heavy metals such as mercury and lead, especially important to maintain a healthy immune system, providing milk for babies. 10

Recommend Ashitaba taken for best results, one teaspoon in the morning and evening in a small amount of juice. (Also, mixed into a tea or sprinkled over salads and other foods. 8) 5 Herb should be taken before a meal. 8 Followed by a glass of water. Those who have taken the herb, describe the taste to be sweet and no known contraindications. Always best to consult your physician before taking any herb, especially when currently taking medication. 5

In the United States, Novus Research (Leading distributor in advance nutritional supplementation) first distributer offers Organic Ashitaba: Cultivated over several years. 4 California Certified Organic Farmers certified Ashitaba Green as an organic whole food. Seeds of the Ashitaba herb imported from Japan. 8 According to Professor Hang of the Yunam Agricultural Institute advices soaking seeds over night in water and then refrigerate (40 degrees F) in moist medium for 30 days. Afterwards plant seeds in cool climate, moist conditions and expect germination in fifteen days. Within sixty days, seedlings ready to be transplanted. Herbal plant Ashitaba flowers biennial. 11 During the harvesting and processing of Ashitaba herb, leaves and stems are dried together maximize the potent strength and antioxidant qualities. Also, herb processed for distribution contains no additives. 8

References:

1.) Ming Dynasty - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ming_Dynasty

2.) The Shogun Dynasty - http://www.planetpapers.com/Assets/2777.php

3.) Izu Islands - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Izu_Islands

4.) What is Ashitaba - http://www.organicashitaba.com/

5.) Ashitabe - http://www.thehealthierlife.co.uk/article/2980/ashitaba.html

6.) Chlorophyll - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorophyll

7.) Interferon alpha (IntronA, Roferon-A) - http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Biologicaltherapies/Interferon

8.) What is Ashitaba? - http://h.webring.com/hub?ring=allansbestherbal

9.) Natural Health Organic Farm brings you ORGANIC ASHITABA BEAUTY - http://www.ashitababeauty.com/

10.) All Japanese Take ASHITARA (Compulsary Food) - http://www.freewebs.com/ashitaba/index.htm

11.) Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei koidzumi) seeds - http://www.horizonherbs.com/product.asp?specific=jrennrf0