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Ashitaba Herb
Ashitaba Herb
ASHITABA
scientific name : Angelica Keiskei Koidzmi
is an Asian herb belonging to the same genus as Angelica
Sinensis aka Japanese/Chinese Angelica. The name Angelica
comes from the Latin name for angel and was given to this herb
because of its godly effects, namely itsextraordinary ability to
slow the aging process.
If the leaves were picked today, it would blossom again
tomorrow; that’s the regenerative power of Ashitaba. Ashitaba
name comes from the Japanese words “tomorrow
leaf”. Ashitaba has been used in Japan (Edo Period of
15th Century) and China (Ming Dynasty in early 15th Century) as
medicinal herbs due to its power of supplying vital
nutrients. Chalcones, organic compounds called flavonoids,
found in Ashitaba confer potent antioxidant activity exceeding
that of red wine, green tea, or soy.
Ashitaba is a remarkable plant exhibiting the benefits of both
land and marine plants. It is a dietary treasure, containing eleven
vitamins, thirteen minerals, chlorophyll, enzymes, carotene,
germanium, saponins, proteins, plant fibers, glycosides,
coumarins, and an unique and rare class of flavonoids
called chalcones.
Ashitaba is high in chlorophyll, also called "Green Blood",
because it has a similar molecular structure to that of our blood.
It helps the internal organs, the stomach, and the brain work
better and has exhibited antiallergy actions. Natural organic
germanium, in Ashitaba, is known to promote production of
Interferon which is a defensive material produced by our body to
prevent viruses and bacterias from penetrating into our
cells. Germanium is valuable in the purification of blood by
keeping away harmful hydrogen ions in the blood, creating an
alkaline PH, increasing oxygen, and by activating blood cell
replacements.
Research published in Nutraceuticals World, Sept 2002,
astonishingly showed that Ashitaba outperformed all other
herbs including green tea that were tested for their antioxidant
potential based on the ORAC guide (Oxygen Radical
Absorbance Capacity).
Ashitaba plants possess phenolic compounds active as an Anti
Oxidant, AntiInflammatory, Anti Turmorigenic, Anti
Carcinogenic, AntiMicrobial, and a Detoxifier. The
Biomedical Group of Takara Shuzo found that the powerful
compounds contained in Ashitaba can enhance production
of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which, is an incredible
process. NGF is a biological substance which is essential in the
development and survival of certain neurons in both the central
and peripheral nervous systems.
In one study, using 1% Ashitaba dry powders, a 20% increase
of NGFconcentration was noted after only four days!
On the Japanese island of Hachijo, residents have Ashitaba as
part of their diet, and typically have some of the longest life
spans on earth. The plant has been an integral part of the diet
on this island for hundreds of years, and is the only known plant
to contain a substances called chalcones , discovered when
scientists began to analyze the diet and environment in order to
determine the reasons for the health and longevity observed.
Ashitaba is historically referred to locally by the residents of the
island as the"longevity herb", and is one of natures most
dynamic nutritional food sources, and has a vast spectrum of
other beneficial properties which augment a number of systems
in the body, especially the immune system and the circulatory
system.
Ashitaba may help to:
Promote blood cleansing & circulation
Reduce blood pressure
Regulate cholesterol level
Regulate blood sugar level
Reduce joint & muscular pain
Enhance liver & kidney function
Support digestive & G.I. health
Antiviral & antibacterial actions
Suppress cell growth abnormalities
Inhibit general inflammation
Strengthen the immune system
Relieve smooth muscle spasms in the arteries &
bronchial tubes
Enhance smooth bowel movements
Remove toxic wastes from body
Improve visual acuity
Perimenopausal relief
Smoother skin texture
Aid natural sleep cycles