https://stream.echo6.co/videos/watch/cf209089-650b-4edf-a70d-7d49dea5944f 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 resource 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. -- RESOURCES -- ► Get your free, downloadable recipe card, plus herbal goodies every Wednesday when you sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://bit.ly/4v6Uy0x ► Access the transcript for this episode here: https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/podcast229.html ► Emily’s website: https://www.emily-french.com ► Emily’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetgrass_herbals/ ► Emily’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/communityherbalism ► Are you looking for high quality dried herbs? My recommendation is Mountain Rose Herbs. Click here to check them out: https://bit.ly/3ms3vQ2. You can also look for local places to buy herbs near you in my directory here: https://bit.ly/3NRQq0U -- DISCLOSURE -- I’m a huge fan of Mountain Rose Herbs and will often share referral links to buy herbs or herbal supplies at their online herbal apothecary. By using the above affiliate link, you help support this channel. Thanks! -- 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 -- SWEATER PATTERN -- Yes, I did knit my sweater! Pattern is: Very V Raglan by Jessie Maed Designs -- DISCLAIMER -- The herbal and plant information in this video is for educational purposes only. The information contained is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other medical professional. If you have or suspect that you have a serious health problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Always consult with a health care practitioner before using any herbal remedy or food, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition. Wed, 17 Jun 2026 19:19:56 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://stream.echo6.co https://stream.echo6.co/client/assets/images/icons/icon-512x512.png https://stream.echo6.co/videos/watch/cf209089-650b-4edf-a70d-7d49dea5944f All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://stream.echo6.co/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.