Episode 229: Japanese Knotweed for Lyme, Inflammation, and Infections with Emily French

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Episode Summary

What happens when we stop looking at Japanese knotweed as a problem to solve and start looking at it as a teacher?

Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) is often used as a go-to herb for Lyme disease, but in this fascinating conversation, herbalist Emily French invites us to see this remarkable plant through a much wider lens. From chronic inflammation and joint pain to menstrual stagnation, skin care, and beyond, Emily shares why knotweed has become one of her most trusted herbal allies—and why reducing it to a single use misses the bigger picture entirely.

Along the way, we explore knotweed's role as a blood-moving herb, its powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and the surprising ways it supports both ecological and personal healing. Emily also offers thoughtful reflections on knotweed's controversial reputation, revealing how this much-maligned plant may have more to teach us about cooperation, resilience, and reciprocity than many of us realize.

Japanese knotweed also makes a delicious wild food! Emily has shared her recipe for Strawberry Rhubarb Knotweed Galette, a rustic dessert that transforms young knotweed shoots into a memorable seasonal treat. You can download your copy from the  section below.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know:

► Over fifteen medicinal benefits of knotweed (far beyond just being a “Lyme herb”!)

► Three tips for harvesting knotweed roots

► The fascinating ways that knotweed helps prevent Lyme-causing bacteria from taking hold

► When to use the roots of knotweed—and when the leaves and stems are best

► What makes this plant such an amazing ally for burns, bruises, and sprains

► and so much more…

For those of you who don’t know her, Emily French is a clinical and traditional herbalist who works 1:1 with clients and also teaches about herbalism online and in her 3 year herbal apprenticeship. Her work revolves around her love for reconnecting people with the sophisticated art and science of plant-based healing that we've all known, somewhere in our bones, for thousands of years. She is a passionate and intuitive herbalist, educator, wildcrafter, farmer, medicine maker, and mama. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Emily has a broad understanding of both acute and chronic health issues, and of working with the healing plants to help people move toward balance and vitality.

Emily's passion for Japanese knotweed is contagious! By the end of this episode, you may find yourself seeing this controversial plant in an entirely new light.

Would you prefer reading this episode? If so, click here to download a transcript.

Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, scroll down below.

Connect with Emily:

• Website | Emily-French.com
• Instagram | @sweetgrass_herbals 
• Facebook | Sweetgrass Herbals

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [1:09] Intro to Emily French + Emily’s plant path
• [8:41] The many and varied medicinal benefits of Japanese knotweed
• [17:10] Japanese knotweed for Lyme disease
• [23:53]  Why is Japanese knotweed so supportive for Lyme? The biochemistry
• [27:50] Herbal preparations for Japanese knotweed
• [28:58] Tips for harvesting Japanese knotweed
• [31:30] Formulating with Japanese knotweed
• [34:30] Strawberry Rhubarb Knotweed Galette recipe
• [38:05] More reasons to love a plant that so many people vilify
• [45:44] Emily’s herbal offerings
• [52:35] How working with herbs has changed the way Emily has seen the world
• [57:38] Student spotlight
• [58:25] Herbal tidbit

Get Your Free Recipe Download!

-- TIMESTAMPS -- 

• 0:46 - Intro to Emily French + Emily’s plant path
• 8:27 - The many and varied medicinal benefits of Japanese knotweed
• 17:00 - Japanese knotweed for Lyme disease
• 23:48 - Why is Japanese knotweed so supportive for Lyme? The biochemistry.
• 27:52 - Herbal preparations for Japanese knotweed
• 29:02 - Tips for harvesting Japanese knotweed
• 31:36 - Formulating with Japanese knotweed
• 34:38 - Strawberry Rhubarb Knotweed Galette recipe
• 38:15 - More reasons to love a plant that so many people vilify
• 46:00 - Emily’s herbal offerings
• 52:55 - How working with herbs has changed the way Emily has seen the world
• 57:57 - Student spotlight
• 58:43 - Herbal tidbit

Connect with Rosalee

• On Instagram | @rosaleedelaforet

• On Facebook | Herbs With Rosalee
• On YouTube | Herbs With Rosalee

• Website | herbswithrosalee.com


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