Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei koidzumi)

Angelica keiskei, more widely known under the Japanese name of Ashitaba ("Tomorrow's Leaf"), is a perennial plant from the angelica genus with an average growth height of 50–120 cm.

It is endemic to some parts of Japan. Simple conditions for cultivation and fast rate of growth, have led many locals to plant ashitaba in herb gardens, flower pots, and backyards.

Traditionally, it is seen as a major contributor to the supposedly healthier, extended lives of the local residents, something that may be based on its substantial levels of vitamin B12 and on the chalconoids that are unique to this species of angelica.

In folk medicine it is claimed to be diuretic, tonic, to improve digestion, and, when applied topically, to speed wound healing and prevent infection. For similar reasons, it very widely serves as pasture for cows, being reckoned to improve their milk's quality as well as the yield and to maintain their health at the same time.

These claims have yet to be proven in clinical trials, while studies have substantiated the presence of furocoumarins in several of these plants' components. Furanocumarin is an agent known to increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and may cause dermatitis.

John from http://www.growingyourgreens.com/ shares with you the "most important vegetable he is growing for his health in his garden." In this episode, you will learn about the Ashitaba plant also known as Angelica keiskei from Japan. This rare crop has beneficial nutrients contained within that has been heavily researched in Japan.



You can purchase seed ($10) for the Ashitaba at: https://www.horizonherbs.com/product.asp?specific=1302

References:

Ashitaba - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://buff.ly/1wN4vge

Related:

Growing Ashitaba aka Angelica Keiskei & Harvesting Seeds - YouTube http://bit.ly/1vEoE5u

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