Ashitaba Leaf (“King of Vegetables”)

• Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei) is a detoxifier of cells
• A celery-like vegetable of the Angelica family,  Ashitaba is a green leafy vegetable that detoxifies the cells naturally. 
• It is very high in chlorophyll, a substance that has a molecular structure similar to that of human blood!
• It is one of the highest vegan sources of vitamnin B12
• Unlike celery however, Ashitaba is considered to be medicinal.
• Ashitaba is one of the most antioxidant vegetables
• Ashitaba is very rich in minerals and phytochemicals because it grows only on volcanic soil
• The main locations where it has been able to grow so far are some volcanic islands in Japan, and the volcanic slopes of the Lombok volcano in Indonesia.
• Ashitaba has extremely alkalizing properties. It containing 11 vitamins, 13 minerals, chlorophyll, enzymes, carotene, germanium, saponins, proteins, plant fibers, glycosides, coumarins and a unique and rare class of flavonoids called chalcones which confer potent antioxidant activity.
• Note: This is the real Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei), not to be confused with ‘‘fake Ashitaba” (Longevity Spinach)

The Ultimate Green Leafy Vegetable

• Ashitaba is nicknamed “Tomorrow’s leaf”, for the plant’s remarkable ability to regrow leaves and stalk seemingly overnight.
• Ashitaba out-performs all other green leafy vegetables that were tested for their antioxidant potential – ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity).
• Ashitaba is powerfully regenerative and may be consumed daily for life.

Recommended dosage: 

• 1 teaspoon mixed with 1 cup (200 ml) boiling hot water, to drink after a meal, morning, noon and night.
• For best results, take one teaspoon in the morning and evening in a small amount of juice
• or mixed into a tea or sprinkled over salads and other foods.

Contraindications:

• Ashitaba has a sweet herb-like taste and has no known contraindications.
• Since Ashitaba is basically a super-vegetable, there are no contra-indications as to how much you can eat.

Ashitaba has been called the ‘King of Alkalines’, as it has extremely alkalizing properties.

• It also contains vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6, biotin, folic acid, and the minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, copper, manganese, sulphur and silicon.
• Ashitaba is also rich in natural germanium, that has been shown to promote the production of interferon in our body. Germanium helps in the purification of blood by keeping away harmful hydrogen ions, creating an alkaline PH, increasing oxygen, and by activating blood cell replacements.
• Ashitaba also contains natural phytochemicals known as chalcones, a rare class of flavanoids that are unique to Ashitaba and which act as powerful antioxidants and cellular protectors.
• Research has shown that the unique healing properties of Ashitaba are at least partly due to these unique compounds.
• It is the chalcones that give the distinctive yellow color of the plant’s sap when a stem of it is broken.

Chalcones  show antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties.

The miracle power of Chalcones:

• When cutting the stem and root of Ashitaba, a thick sap will fows out form the cut.
• Among the approximately 50 species of Angelica, Ashitaba is the only plant that has this yellow sap.
• This yellow sap is due to the very high content of chalcones present in Ashitaba
• It is a type of flavonoids that is rarely found anywhere else in the natural world.
• The chalcones present in ashitaba are known as Xanthoangelol, Xanthoangelol-E and 4-Hydrooxyderricin.
• These organic compounds are flavonoids and they give the plant its characteristic yellow sap.
• Theirt antioxidant activity exceeds even that of red wine, green tea, or soy.
• These chalcones are considered the most potent active ingredient behind the multiple benefits of Ashitaba.
• Chalcones have been demonstrated to be anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory, all of which promote the fast healing of wounds and potent anti-aging effects.
• Chalcones are rarely found anywhere in the natural world!
• The golden sap of Ashitaba can be used fresh in various drinks.
  • It can be juiced along with the leaves and taken as a digestive tonic.
  • It can also be applied topically to speed the healing of a number of skin defects.
• The chalcones are a very potent blood purifier.
• Chalcones in ashitaba have been shown to promote metabolism and the proper functioning of organs, which in turn can balance hormonal levels and promote the feeling of well being thus alleviating depression.
• The chalcones can also aid sleep so that the person can regain energy and the ability to concentrate.
• Chalcones can directly trigger weight loss and successfully reduce visceral and subcutaneous fat.
• Of all the types of chalcones present in Ashitaba, two – 4-hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol – have the most aggressive action in reducing amounts of visceral fat and subcutaneous fat, thereby improving overall health and cardiovascular status
• Unique to Ashitaba is a class of flavonoid compounds called chalcones, potent antioxidants, protecting cells from free radical damage, which is associated with accelerating the ageing process and degenerative diseases.
• Chalcones have been found to stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which is synthesised in minute amounts in the body and is essential in the development and survival of certain neurons (nerve cells) in the peripheral and central nervous system.
• Ashitaba also contains natural phytochemicals known as chalcones, a rare class of flavanoids that are unique to Ashitaba and which act as powerful antioxidants and cellular protectors. It is the chalcones that give the distinctive yellow color of the plant’s sap when a stem of it is broken.
• They also suppress the excessive secretion of gastric juice in the stomach, which is often caused by stress and can lead to stomach ulcers.

The list of therapeutic compounds in Ashitaba is endless.

Many researchers believe that Ashitaba is so effective against so many different medical problems as a result of its synergistic action – a combined effect of its various active components working together.

• Ashitaba is one of the few plants to have the ability to stimulate NGF
• Ashitaba is also one of the few plants to produce B Vitamins, which are normally produced in organic animal bodies
• Remarkably, Ashitaba exhibits the benefits of both land and marine plants

100 grams of Ashitaba powder contains:

• the beta-carotene content equivalent to 4 carrots
• the vitamin B2 content equivalent to 28 cloves of garlic
• the vitamin C content equivalent to 4 lemons
• 9 times the amount of iron found in spinach!
• Vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6, biotin, folic acid, and the minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, copper, manganese, sulphur and silicon.

Chlorophyll

• Ashitaba is rich in chlorophyll, the green pigment present in plants that is responsible for collecting and storing energy from the sun.
• Because the chlorophyll molecule is almost identical to the haemoglobin molecule in red blood cells it is often referred to as ‘nature’s blood’.
• And one of its many attributes includes its ability to stimulate the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.
• It is also an excellent agent for cleansing the blood and liver, and promotes the growth of ‘friendly’ intestinal bacteria.

Germanium

• Ashitaba is rich in organic germanium, that has been shown to promote the production of interferon in our body.
• All parts of the Ashitaba plant contain Germanium, a powerful antioxidant which protect against asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes and even HIV.
• Germanium is an essential nutrient that acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body and protects the cells from damaging free radicals (harmful by-products of oxygen based reactions).

Other key nutrients:

• Coumarins – These are potent antioxidants, which have been found to contain anti-carcinogenic properties.1 They are particularly abundant in Ashitaba and other foods such as citrus fruit and celery.
• Melatonin – Ashitaba also contains a significant amount of melatonin, a well known antioxidant with benefits of calming the body, stress reduction, anti-aging and anti-carcinogenic properties.
• Angelicin
  • Angelicin and some of its derivatives are naturally occurring compounds which show interesting photobiological properties.
  • Angelicins have been considered with particular reference to the capacity to generate active forms of oxygen, photoreactions with nucleic acids, proteins and unsaturated fatty acids.
  • Photobiological effects have been considered: skin phototoxicity, antiproliferative effects, genotoxicity, ability to induce hemolysis in erythrocytes, inactivation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganism and of viruses.
  • The ability of some angelicins to induce photocarcinogenesis has been reviewed as well as in the activity as photochemotherapeutic agents.

Ashitaba is also unique for its high levels of B12, a rare vitamin which is normally not found in terrestrial plants.

• This makes Ashitaba an ideal supplement for vegetarians and especially vegans, since a shortage of vitamin B12 can cause serious imbalances.
• Most plants are devoid of vitamin B12, which can normally only be obtained through meat, fish and eggs. However, Ashitaba is a good source of this nutrient, making it an ideal supplement for strict vegetarians and vegans, who omit these foods from their diets and are at risk of suffering from a deficiency.

Ashitaba has 7 of the 9 Essential Amino Acids, including the 3 BCAAs, well know of all sports, fitness and bodybuilding enthusiasts.

If you combine this with the proven, very powerful detoxifying effects of Ashitaba, this makes it the ideal drink for sports and bodybuilding.

Ashitaba is a Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Stimulator

• Ashitaba is one of the few plants in the world that stimulates the protein known as Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in humans
• NGF helps neurons maintain connection with the brain.
• 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 NGF concentration was noted after only four days!
• NGF is believed to have the potential to alleviate Alzheimer’s disease and peripheral neuropathy, a common neurological disorder resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves, which originate from the brain and spinal cord and is common in diabetics.
• This little protein plays a huge roe in how our brain interactswith neurons throughout our body. When NGF is low, it can cause problems like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, dementia and more.
• As ashitaba is high NGF, it also improves memory and overall cognitive function.

Nerve Growth Factor and Nootropic Effects

• The production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is enhanced by several compounds contained in Ashitaba.
• NGF is a protein essential in the development and survival of certain neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.
• This protein is expected to be effective in preventing and treating Alzheimer-type dementia and diabetic peripheral neuropathy and as yet cannot be manufactured.
• The NGF is synthesized in minute amounts in all vertebrate tissues, plays an essential role in the differentiation and survival of several nerve cell populations in the peripheral and central nervous system.
• The discovery of the NGF was defined by the Nobel Foundation as a milestone in developmental neurobiology.

Ashitaba is often called “Tomorrow’s Leaf”, because if we harvest a leaf from it at sunset, a new sprout will often grow over night!

This shows how incredibly vigorous it is.

It is able to grow very fast, exhibiting a strong energetic life force.

• Ashitaba of the extreme high quality, grows in Hachijo Island, one of the Longevity Islands in Japan.
• In China and Japan, it has been a well guarded secret for hundreds of years.
• In the Izu islands, the residents call it the “longevity herb”.
• Ashitaba indeed thrives despite the desolate and rocky environment.
• 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, many living well into their 90′s healthily.
• These people have had Ashitaba as an integral part of their diet for hundreds of years.

“At age 69, I decided to grow this herb when I saw my neighbor from Taiwan cure his gout in one week by eating fresh Ashitaba. I have no fear of aging now. My biological age is 50. I am busy, happy and healthy,” said Mrs. Hayano, now 74.

Her face is wrinkle-free and her energy level is enviable. No longer does she have insomnia, hypertension, joint pain, osteoporosis, or thinning hair.

She attributes this reversal of aging symptoms to drinking Ashitaba tea daily over the past five years.

An Immune System Tonic:

• In Japan, Ashitaba was also seen as a powerful medicine against infectious disease.
• Before vaccination was introduced, whenever smallpox raged, Ashitaba was brought to the mainland to cure those infected and prevent infection in those still well.
• This tradition of using Ashitaba to stop smallpox from spreading started with the Izu islanders, but was well accepted in mainland Japan long ago.
• Ashitaba acts as immune system stimulant, which has inhibited the growth of unhealthy cell mutation.
• It helps to maintain the healthy function of the intestines and stomach, while also possessing possible anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-acidic agents.

Ashitaba is a rasayana (rejuvenating herb)

• Ashitaba is one of natures most dynamic nutritional food sources.
• Ashitaba contains much Carotene, Vitamin, Mineral, Calcium and especially much Vegetable fiber which are superior to other greenish yellow vegetables.
• Researchers believe that Ashitaba is so effective against so many different medical problems as a result of its synergistic action – a combined effect of its various active components working together.
• The abundant of anti-aging properties make it very beneficial towards human’s skin so that it appears smoother and younger looking.
• Hormonal issues also can be solved by this healing plant with the right amount of consumption.
• Ashitaba keeps degenerative diseases from occurring. Your kidneys, liver, sensation of the overall body will be functioning better, too!
• Ashitaba iis also a growth hormones booster.
• Within weeks of drinking Ashitaba tea, you will feel a noticeable difference in the glow of your skin straight away.
• This can be a good alternative to glutathione supplements which has the effect of detoxifying and purifying your liver and at the same time whitening your skin complexion somehow as it goes through your bloodstream.
• An added benefit of Ashitaba is as a skin and hair beautifiyer.
• Due to ashitaba’s ability to reduce the damage done by free radicals to cells and by increasing blood circulation the skin remains supple and wrinkle free and hair grows thicker, the color shines and the hair does not become dry or brittle.

A Skin Tonic & Wound Healing Agent:

• When you break the stems and roots of Ashitaba, a sticky yellow juice gushes out.
• The juice which so readily flows from the plant is used topically to treat a host of skin conditions.
• The juice of the plant is applied to boils, cysts, and pustules to speed healing.
• It is used to clear athlete’s foot fungal infections.
• It is applied to repel insects and to speed healing and prevent infection in insect bites.
• Applying the juice of the plant is said to cure most skin conditions and to prevent infection in wounds.
• It is used both in chronic and acute skin complaints.

Further research:

• It is a powerful cancer inhibitor (interferons synthesis) – Japanese research study on mice indicates chalcones inhibit skin and lung cancer substantially.
• HIV Treatment
  • Research in Japan shows that chalcone (Xanthoangelol) from Ashitaba is effective in the treatment of HIV.
  • The plant is reported to provide immune system stimulation, promote the healthy function of stomach and intestines, and has demonstrated anti-viral and anti-bacterial activity.
• Regulates effectively blood sugar, especially for diabetics
• Gastrointestinal disorders and tract disorders (Chronic gastritius, acute gastritis, duodenal ulcer, stomach cancer, chlorydria, gastric atonia, descensus ventriculi, and chronic enteritis) have been sucessfully treated by taking 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.
  • Reduces cell damage and increases blood circulation to the skin thus producing wrinkle free skin and hair grows thicker (fuller and stronger)
• Heavy Metals Chelation – Mothers who take Ashitaba helps remove heavy metals such as mercury and lead, especially important to maintain a healthy immune system, providing milk for babies.
• Gynecological conditions – Provides women with therapeutic alternatives to hormone replacement therapy and hysterectomies, as well as for treatment of menstrual cramps and pains. It helps to make menopause more comfortable.
• Purification of the blood – Ashitaba out-performs a range of herbs including sage, St. John’s Wort, camomile, dandelion, fennel, black tea and green tea for its antioxidant potential (Research published in the September 2002 issue of Nutraceuticals World)
• Alleviates hangover
  • Every day, in our tissues, millions of cells die, being simultaneously replaced by new ones.
  • But the nervous cells are not replaced. Therefore if we overwork them, if we exhaust them, we accelerate their destruction process and we bring about irreparable lesions, exterminating our vital potential and diminishing our longevity.
• Heart Protection
  • Ashitaba is beneficial to the heart due to the antioxidants (chalcones) it contains.
  • Ashitaba purifies the blood which lowers blood pressure.
  • This is aided by its diuretic qualities. As we get older the blood gets sticky and dirty due to the toxins. Purifying the blood lets the blood flow more easily thus lowering the blood pressure.
  • The B12 found in ashitaba helps build new hemoglobin (red blood cells) allowing more oxygen in the blood and better cell functioning in all organs and muscles including the heart – keeping it strong.
  • Other compounds in ashitaba can stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) which is essential in the development and survival of certain neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.
  • These compounds also aid in increasing the nerve’s message conductivity. See also blood purification and preventing disease.
• Ashitaba and Diabetes
  • When you have diabetes you either have less insulin available or your insulin is not working effectively, which effects your blood glucose level.
  • You need insulin in order to allow glucose into your cells for energy now, as well as to store some glucose in your liver for energy later.
  • All foods containing carbohydrate are broken down into glucose.
• Promotes wound healing due to its very high chlorophyll content.
• Ashitaba improves vision and enhances liver and kidney functions
• Boost your mood and prevent anxiety, increase your energy levels, improve concentration and focus, slow signs of skin aging

Dr. Toru Okuyama at Meiji University, College of Pharmacy tested Ashitaba on mice with tobacco- induced lung cancer and skin melanomas. In this six month study the skin cancer mice were given an external application of the Ashitaba extract.

The article stated that the cancer was controled-with this therapy. In the tobacco- induced lung cancer the mice were given the extract of Ashitaba in fluid and food form. The article stated that the lung cancer progression stopped with the oral Ashitaba therapy.

Ashitaba is both taken as both a medicine and an edible green vegetable. It can be served in meals or in drink.

The whole-leaf Ashitaba powder has a pleasant green flavor.

Originally, the Japanese treated ashitaba leaves like other greens, such as kale, eating them raw or cooking them in various dishes.

They eat the leaves raw or cooked, sprinkle Ashitaba powder over a all kinds of foods such as yogurt, and include the powder in baked products and noodles.

• Ashitaba powder can be used as a spice in foods such as omelets.
• Ashitaba leaves can be boiled or fried (though you may want to avoid frying things when trying to lose weight!)
• Ashitaba powder can be added to smoothies or beverages or used in sauces and spreads.
• It can be used to create milk shakes, ice creams, cakes, like matcha powder
• One teaspoon of Ashitaba powder taken in the morning and evening in a small amount of juice, followed by a glass of water.
• It can be taken in capsule form, and you can take one or two daily with your morning vitamins.
• Since it increases the intake of oxygen, detoxifies after workouts and replenishes electrolytes, it can also be used as a replacement for isotonic drinks!

Best of all, its taste can compare with the greatest teas and increases mental clarity.

Ashitaba is a safer alternative to Tea and Coffee. It can make you feel energized without the caffeine jitters and toxicity of caffeine.

Ashitaba is free from any side effects, so you can drink as many cups of ashitaba tea as you like.

• WARNING! Many sellers online are not really selling Ashitaba but a different plant called Gynura Procumbens.
  • Break the stem of each plant. Look for the yellow liquid that comes out.
  • This sap is called chalcones, the powerful agent Japan ashitaba has and Gynura Procumbens does not.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

• It is considered a strengthening Yin tonic
• Ashitaba has been used to purify the blood, detoxify the liver, cleanse the colon, enhance blood circulation, harmonize the spleen and stomach and balance insulin.
• The oldest written record of the medicinal value of Ashitaba appears in a Chinese book published during the Ming Dynasty written by Dr. Lee (1518 to 1593 AD).
• This book was then transcribed into Latin, English, German, Russian and became internationally famous as a publication on Oriental Medicine.
• It was brought into Japan and presented to the Shogun by Razan Hayashi in 1606.
• Ashitaba is great at activating Qi and Xue (Blood)
• The application for this is apparent in the treatment in the menstrual problems
• It removes stagnation in the uterus, which will help with many menstrual difficulties
• This can also reduce hypertension and function as a diuretic without the side effects of western medicines.
• It also increases blood flow (activates Qi and Blood) and increases Kidney Yin and Yang Qi
• The increase of the Kidney Yang Qi will act as a diuretic and increase the urine output.
• As a diuretic it has no side effects such as western medicines frequently have
• It increases the libido (sex drive) for those persons with Kidney Yang Xu (deficiency).
• In terms of the increase in Kidney Yin Xu (deficiency), this herb is wonderful in treating the problem of Peri – menopause. With a Kidney Yin Xu (deficiency) one of the cardinal symptoms in women is related to their irregular or no menstruation.
• Ashitaba harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach. It helps to balance the Earth element.
• In TCM terms, Ashitaba can be classified as a great Yin tonic, an unequalled longevity herb, capable of helping repair nerve damage, good for detoxifying liver and therefore effective in treating many disorders of the skin and eyes, cleansing to the colon, helps regulate blood pressure abnormalities, and is one of the few effective treatments for Epstein-barr syndrome.
• Ashitaba is a Better Version of Dang Gui! – Ashitaba is a gentle medicine that can be taken frequently and at bed time without the stimulating effect that Dang Gui (angelica sinensis) has, especially on women.
• Because ashitaba is gentler, it can be tolerated better by peri- menopausal women.
• Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) is commonly called ‘women’s ginseng’ and “…It has been used for several hundred years for a broad range of gynecological conditions and can help broaden therapeutic options for women beyond hormone therapy replacement and hysterectomies.
• Ashitaba is gentler than Dang Gui. So, in effect Ashitaba is better than women’s ginseng (Dang Gui) for it has the added benefits of chalcone and chlorophyll along with its antibacterial and antiviral capabilities.
• Ashitaba is a very useful Lactogogue, that is, an agent which induces the secretion of mother’s milk – especially with mastitis or low milk production after birth.

Research

• Dietary chalcones with chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic potential
• Interferon from chalcones for chronic Hepatis B
• How Ashitaba Improves Liver Functions
• Numerous research studies to assess the properties of Ashitaba chalcones and their therapeutic uses have been performed in Japan, China and Korea revealing powerful anti-tumor (inhibiting skin and lung cancer),1 anti-thrombus, 2 anti-bacterial,3 anti-viral, anti-inflammatory,4 anti-mutagenic,5 and anti-ulcer6 properties.
• The water based (hydrophillic) antioxidants in Ashitaba measure at 6.20. Sage tea takes second place at 4.67. Third place went to green tea with a measurement of 3.50. This analysis was provided by PhotoChem®.