Repeat after us: Konichiwa, Ashitaba! You may not know what either of those words means now, but chances are, you will. A rough translation of the phrase is “Hello Tomorrow’s Leaf!” Ashitaba is a Japanese plant (called “Early Growth” and “Tomorrow’s Leaf). Medical professionals and regular folks are finding unique Ashitaba uses to implement into their daily regimens. You’ll be green with envy if you don’t check out Ashitaba for yourself.
The Name Game
As soon as you think you’ve figured out how to spell or even pronounce Ashitaba, its name changes. You’ll also hear Ashitaba called by other terms, (per the National Institutes of Health/National Center for Biotechnology Information) including:
- Angelica keiskei
- Ashitaba chalcone
Should Ashitaba really take off and enter the popular lexicon, we’re betting it’ll receive a nickname. We’d like to suggest “Taba” or “Ashi” for starters!
Look Inside
We can’t really see inside ourselves without scanners or major heavy duty machinery, but it is refreshing to try and picture Ashitaba uses and how they may one day be known for completely remodeling our health.
Don’t Be NERVOUS
Did we make you feel nervous? Don’t be – in fact, Ashitaba may stimulate the production of nerve growth factor, which helps neurons and improves cognitive functions.
Do You Heart Ashitaba?
Using Ashitaba may get your heart pumping (in a good way) while reducing negative heart-health issues including blood pressure, clotting, and bad cholesterol (LDL).
Ashitaba also may have an effect on the blood pumping through your heart, as the plant is full of B12, chlorophyll, and potassium. These free the blood of toxins, help blood flow more freely, and improves red blood cell formation.
See the Future
OK, there’s no crystal ball for Angelica keiskei, but Ashitaba uses are being cited in major health info sources.
Because Ashitaba lowers chances of blood sugar spikes, diabetics may see less of a need for insulin. Ashitaba is also being cited as exhibiting anti-cancer effects, by suppressing cell growth abnormalities.
We certainly can’t see all the way into the future for Ashitaba’s uses in the fight against these massive illnesses, but it is certainly something to keep an eye on.
Take a Load Off
We aren’t even going to attempt to convince you that Ashitaba is a magic weight-loss bullet. Most people have become too smart – skeptical, even – to believe there’s one single easy way out.But we have seen that Ashitaba can increase metabolism and even give you more energy.
That’s right. You do have to get up and move, but you may have more energy for that walk, jog, or marathon.
Some studies show that Ashitaba could control appetite and help build muscle.
Be cautious and be safe as with any weight loss supplement or plan.
Grow Your Own Way
Whether you truly enjoy DIY and feel you have the greenest thumb on the block or you feel like removing the middleman can help remove issues such as additives that ruin health drinks, you can DIY Ashitaba tea.
Here’s what you need:
- Supplies: Shovel, compost (NOT fertilizer), shears or scissors
- Just-harvested Ashitaba seeds or an already-started Ashitaba plant
- Ideal grow zone: Humid zone 8-10 environment with rich soil, partially shaded with access to at least 6 hours of natural sun per day
- Planters or holders that will drain easily
- Room to grow, as fully mature shoots reach about five feet
Reminders to get you started:
- Refrigerate seeds for one month
- Mulch should be added a few inches to the top of the container
- Plant seeds in cold, damp conditions
- Cut the Ashitaba flower umbels before the plants bloom
- Keep that soil damp!
If it sounds like a lot of effort for a little green, remember the many Ashitaba uses and revel in your own handiwork.
Let’s Drink (and Eat) To That!
If Ashitaba uses and benefits have planted a little seed in your mind, but you don’t have the land space, time, energy, or green thumb to grow it yourself, don’t worry.
All you need to do is click and sip.
Expert Ashitaba growers have made the effort for you, and you get to reap their bounty.
You’ll find Ashitaba teas available online from verified growers, as well as a full slate of recipes!
Why not try:
- Ashitaba Bavarian Cream
- Spicy Ashitaba Fried Rice
- Fish Cake and Spring Rolls
Apparently, you CAN have your Ashitaba and eat it too!
Ask Your Doctor
You know how almost all even vaguely-adjacent medical information comes with that standard disclaimer to ask your doctor?
Same goes here.
If you plan to implement an Ashitaba regimen, it is always beneficial to discuss your plans with a medical professional.
Of course, sites like WebMd and Drugs.com have Ashitaba listings.
Online, you can gather details including important factoids like interactions with other drugs and supplements you may be taking, side effects, reviews and commentary, physicians recommendations (or detractions), and more.
But we’re going to add the other important and standard disclaimer here: The internet is like the Wild West. It’s not always controlled, so treat what you see on there like a giant spray-painted wall.
It could be real information, or it could just be a very decorative expression from a single or multiple creative – but ill-informed – artists.
Keep the Conversation Growing About Ashitaba Uses
Whether you’re literally scrolling this article with one hand while the other lifts a glass of Ashitaba tea to your lips or you’ve just started your Ashitaba journey, we’re glad to have you along.
We want these Ashitaba uses to be just the starting point for you, like the first little blush of green struggling to poke its way up out of the soil after it bursts through the seed pod.
Please plant your own roots by joining the conversation below. Have you tried Ashitaba? Grown it? Bought it?
We’d love to hear, and so would other Ashitaba enthusiasts. We look forward to growing with you.