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  FAQ's
(Frequently Asked Questions)

 What is ASHITABA?

 What is CHALCONE?

 What other compounds are in ASHITABA?

 What's Ashitaba Green?

 Why WHOLE FOODS or GREEN FOODS?

 What does Ashitaba DO?

 Ashitaba and the HEART.

 Ashitaba and CANCER.

 Ashitaba and HIV/AIDS.

 Ashitaba and WOMEN'S health.

 Is it SAFE?

 How do I USE Ashitaba?

 Why PURIFY the BLOOD?

 Why DETOXIFY?

 What are ANTIOXIDANTS?

 How does it compare to GREEN TEA?

 What are FLAVONOIDS?

 What are PHYTO-NUTRIENTS?

 What is XANTHOANGELOL?

 Fiber - SOLUBLE vs INSOLUBLE

 Why ORGANIC?

 When was Ashitaba DISCOVERED?

 What PROOF is there?

 What's the difference between your Ashitaba and Japanese grown Ashitaba?

 Where can I read MORE about this amazing herb?


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 Ashitaba and ANTI-AGING


Ashitaba (Angelica Keiskei Koidzmi) discovered in Japan on Hachi Jo Island (Longevity Island), is an Asian herb belonging to the same genus as Angelica Sinensis (aka Chinese Angelica or Dong Quai). "Angelica" comes from the Latin name for angel and was given to this herb because of its godly effects, namely its extraordinary ability to slow the aging process, for which ashitaba is now attracting more and more attention from the scientific community.
ashitaba plant
This herb has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for 2,000 years to replenish energy by supplying the blood with vital nutrients and promoting circulation. The oldest written record of the medicinal value of ashitaba appears in a Chinese book first published in the Ming Dynasty written by Dr. Lee (1518-1593). Ashitaba is a species of the celery family. Its stems have a thick yellow juice containing chalcones, which is unique to this strain of angelica (Angelica Keiskei Koidzmi).
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Chalcones are rarely found anywhere in the natural world but are the key factor in ashitaba (Angelica Keiskei Koidzmi). Research has shown that the unique properties of ashitaba are at least partly due to these remarkable compounds. The chalcones that are in ashitaba are known as Xanthoangelol, Xanthoangelol-E and 4-Hydrooxyderricin and were discovered by Dr. Kimie Baba (MD, Osaka University of Pharmacy). These organic compounds are flavonoids and they give the plant its characteristic yellow sap. This differentiates ashitaba from all other strains of angelica. The antioxidant activity of flavonoids is due to their molecular structure, and these structural characteristics of certain flavonoids found in ashitaba confer surprisingly potent antioxidant activity exceeding that of red wine, green tea, or soy.

The Main Functions of Chalcone are:

To cleanse the Blood and promote blood circulation which then:-

Regulates cholesterol levels Articles/Research

Prevents cancer Testimonials   Articles/Research

Reduces blood pressure Testimonials   Articles/Research

Prevents osteoporosis Articles/Research

Regulates blood sugar Testimonials   Articles/Research

Reduces allergy and sinus problems Testimonials   Articles/Research

Improves vision Testimonials   Articles/Research

Strengthens the immune system Testimonials   Articles/Research

Improves memoryArticles/Research

Functions as an Antibacterial and
     AntiviralTestimonials   Articles/Research

Reduces joint and muscular pains Testimonials   Articles/Research

Promotes metabolism Articles/Research

Enhances liver and kidney functions Testimonials   Articles/Research

Acts as a mild sedative Articles/Research

Aids sleep Testimonials   Articles/Research

Relieves smooth muscle spasms in the arteries and bronchial tube Articles/Research

Aids in weight control Testimonials   Articles/Research

Beautifies of skin and hairTestimonials   Articles/Research

Replenishes energy Testimonials   Articles/Research

Prevents thrombus Testimonials   Articles/Research

Suppresses cytophy Articles/Research

Suppresses gastric acid secretion Testimonials   Articles/Research

As a potent antioxidant, it helps to protect the organ from destructive free radicals and slows the aging process. Testimonials   Articles/Research
Detoxification by enhancement of smooth bowel movements. It also acts as an effective diuretic to remove toxic waste from the body. Testimonials   Articles/Research
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other compounds

Composition of Nutrients - "PERCENT" Ashitaba Products (100g)
Constituent Content
Vitamin A 21300IU
Vitamin B1 1.15mg
Vitamin B2 1.97mg
Vitamin B6 1.11mg
Vitamin B12 0.04 ug
Vitamin C 330mg
Vitamin E 25.6mg
Biotin
(Vitamin H)
28.5 ug
Food Fiber 28.1g
Total Carotene 38.3mg
Manganese 216mg
Pantothenic Acid 3.48mg
Calcium 478mg
Iron 31.9mg
Potassium 4.06g
Sodium 365mg
Protein 36.8mg
The above analysis was done by the Japan FDA OS (28030263).
Ashitaba contains high levels of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll has been shown to be an antibacterial, aids in the production of blood, and helps heal wounds.

The chalcones ( Xanthoangelol and 4-Hydrooxyderricin) found only in the yellow sap of Ashitaba (and not in other strains of Angelica) have the ability to restore body functions and prevent cancer. They also function as a diuretic and laxative, and aid good metabolism.

Ashitaba contains B 12, which is normally produced by animals and sea flora, not by land based plants. This places ashitaba in the same category as marine products such as marine algae rather than that of field crops. Vitamin B 12 has been recognized for its ability to promote the production of blood cells, increase attention span and concentration, increase the production of growth hormone, and promote the immune system's ability to fight off serious disorders such as cancer.

Ashitaba contains proteins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, iron.

Ashitaba also contains Coumarins (psoralen, imperatorin, columbianagin, isorhazelpitin, rhazelpiton, selinidin), a class of widely occurring phenolic compounds, especially abundant in citrus fruits. These are presently being studied for their anticarcinogenic properties.

Other ingredients are glycosides (Isoquercitrin, Ruteorin, Angelic acid, Bergapten). These are converted into sugars (glucose) and other compounds by the body and are important in maintaining blood sugar and insulin levels.

Also contained are phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are not vitamins or minerals, but chemicals that appear to work alone and in combination, and perhaps in conjunction with vitamins and other nutrients in food, to prevent, halt or lessen disease.

Nutritional Fact Comparison of Hachi Jo Island Ashitaba
(100g edible parts) & Other Vegetables

ITEM
(Unit)


FOOD
NAME
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mg
C
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L
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mg
P
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P
H
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U
S

mg
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O
N







mg
S
O
D
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M





mg
P
O
T
A
S
S
I
U
M


mg
V
I
T
A
M
I
N

A


IU
V
I
T
A
M
I
N

B


mg
V
I
T
A
M
I
N

B
2

mg
V
I
T
A
M
I
N

C


mg
C
A
R
O
T
E
N
E



ug
Ashitaba
(Hachi Jo
Island)
1.5 65 65 1.0 60 540 2100 0.1 0.24 55 3700
Tube-shape
Kidney bean
0.9 60 50 1.0 1 280 270 0.11 0.13 9 480
Pumpkin 1.0 17 35 0.4 1 330 340 0.07 0.06 15 620
Cabbage 0.6 43 27 0.4 6 210 10 0.05 0.05 44 18
Cucumber 0.4 24 37 0.4 2 210 85 0.04 0.04 13 150
Celery 0.5 34 34 0.2 24 360 160 0.03 0.03 6 290
Turnip 0.6 30 22 0.3 14 240 0 0.03 0.02 15 0
Onion 0.5 15 30 0.4 2 160 0 0.04 0.01 7 0
Tomato 0.4 9 18 0.3 2 230 220 0.05 0.03 20 390
Carrots 1.0 39 36 0.8 26 400 4100 0.07 0.05 6 7300
Green Onion 0.8 45 20 0.6 1 180 85 0.04 0.06 14 150
Spinach 0.8 55 60 3.7 21 740 1700 0.13 0.23 65 3100
Source:"PERCENT" Ashitaba Products (100g)

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Ashitaba Green (Trademark and Patent pending) is an organic whole food, certified by "California Certified Organic Farmers". The ashitaba (Angelica Keiskei Koidzmi) seeds are imported from Japan but the plants are grown and harvested in California. In order to maintain the plant's energy and maximize its unique qualities as an antioxidant and detoxicant, extraction methods are not used in the processing of Ashitaba Green. The Hayano's farming/processing technique (Koidzumi-Hayano) has developed a pathogen-free (low bacterial count) processing plant. Freshly harvested ashitaba plants are treated as Whole Food, with leaves and stems dried together without losing its natural, beautiful green color. Ashitaba Green contains no additives.
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Primary Use of Ashitaba
Treats painful menstruation
Treats irregular menstrual cycles
Treats anemia or weakness
Promotes cardiovascular health
Supports liver and kidney function
Treats muscular and joint pain
Alleviates Allergies
Treats insomnia
Relieves constipation
Serves as an anti-tumor agent
Serves as an antioxidant
Improves memory and brain function
Improves circulation to brain, heart, limbs, eyes, and skin
Acts as a detoxicant (works as an efficient colon cleanser)
Ashitaba can help you Slow Aging and stay young and healthy with supple and wrinkle free skin.
It is an Organic Whole Food, a green leafy vegetable, containing antioxidant flavonoids and rich in amino acids, vitamins and minerals, chlorophyll, enzymes and fiber. It is good for vision, can lower cholesterol, is also a potent cancer fighter, and more.
The chalcone in ashitaba is a very potent antioxidant and an effective blood purifier. Antioxidants protect the cells from the free radical damage that can cause cell mutation. By controlling free radicals, aging can be prevented at the cellular level where the aging process begins. Cellular health is an important factor for healthy tissues and the efficient function of organs. These factors can result in an extended life span.

Ashitaba has also been used as a treatment for the following disorders: GI tract disorders:(acute gastritis, chronic gastritius, chlorhydria, stomach cancer, duodenal ulcer, descensus ventriculi, gastric atonia and chronic enteritis) chronic hepatitis, cell reproduction, blood cleansing, high blood pressure, carcinoma, vascular augmentation, anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, hangover, asthma, common colds, production of sperm, diabetes, shoulder stiffness, constipation, edema, Neurosis, Hemorrhoids, mastitis, and Aging of skin
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ashitaba and the heart

blood pressure effectsWhy do the Chinese rarely have heart attacks? Traditional Chinese Medicine has used herbs with several key ingredients to maintain blood pressure and to strengthen arteries and the heart thus preventing devastating heart attacks and avoiding the side effects and damage to organs associated with blood pressure medicines.

The French Paradox. The French eat a diet much higher in saturated fats than Americans. Yet the French are less likely than Americans to die of coronary heart disease. This has been termed the "French Paradox." Initial research into this phenomenon has shown the antioxidants (flavonoids) contained in red wine inhibits the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, interrupting the first step of atherogenesis. More recent studies have shown ashitaba antioxidant (chalcone) to be more potent than those in red wine and green tea. See antioxidants.

Ashitaba is beneficial to the heart due to the antioxidants (chalcones) it contains (see antioxidants below). 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 B 12 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
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Preliminary research has indicated that the chalcone derived from ashitaba has a strong anti-tumor and an immune-stimulating effect in animals. Using mice, experimental research for lung and skin cancer were conducted in Japan with ashitaba and the results indicate that chalcone inhibited skin cancer and lung cancer significantly. See also antioxidants, Why purify the blood? and Why Green and Whole Foods?"
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AIDS is a disease caused by an immunodeficiency virus named HIV. It causes the gradual death of immune cells and a decline in the host's immunity. As a result, one becomes immunodeficient, making one susceptible to various infections and eventual death. The result of recent research in Japan shows that the 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.


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In Traditional Chinese Medicine as practiced currently in China and Japan, Ashitaba is used to activate Qi (energy or chi) and Xue (blood). This can also reduce hypertension and function as a diuretic without the side effects of western medicines. It also increases Kidney Yin and Yang Qi which helps with many menstrual difficulties and with the increase of libido (sex drive). 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. -- This according to Dr. Kevin Lance Jones, L.Ac., O.M.D.

Ashitaba is very useful in treating menstrual cramps and pain, regardless of the age of the patient. It is also wonderful in making the four to six years of peri - menopause more comfortable.

"Dang Gui is one of the most popular Chinese herbal medicines known for its use in treatment of a wide variety of gynecological conditions that are generally not easily treated with conventional therapies, such as uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis and infertility. Dang Gui is especially important because it fills a therapeutic need not readily addressed in western conventional or herbal medicine" - Roy Upton AHP Exec Dir.

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. Hopefully increased use of dang gui and its appropriate formulas will help to eliminate at least a portion of the 600,000+ hysterectomies performed annually in the United States."- Roy Upton AHP Exec Dir.


Dr. Susan Mendrix of Wayne State University was quoted, saying
"We've got to find a better way to help women with their menopausal symptoms" after publishing a study that shows Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) not only increases a women's risk of breast cancer but also produces a more aggressive form. Other recent studies have shown HRT along with this increased risk of breast cancer does not help with prevention of heart disease and stroke, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease and other dementia as previously thought.

As mentioned above by Dr. Jones, 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.
grower guess how old?
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.

An added benefit of ashitaba is as a skin and hair beautificant. 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. The picture to the right is of Linda Hayano, grower and producer of Ashitaba Green. Guess how old she is. To see the answer and read her own testimonial click on her picture.
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Ashitaba use has shown to be SAFE, as there are no side effects.
However it should be noted that few individuals, may have a Herxheimer reaction when first starting the use of Ashitaba. This is actually good. This is the process of detoxification in action.

For most individuals, any Herxheimer reaction could be readily described as causing "flu-like" symptoms or it may cause a rash. It may last as long as two weeks.
Increased water intake with fresh lemon juice added to the water will usually help alleviate the symptoms faster. Another alternative is to reduce the amount of ashitaba intake and build the body's tolerance, then slowly increase to the desired level of intake.
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ashitaba product
Natural Health Organic Farm supplies organic Ashitaba Green as a multifunctional super green food product and in a line of cosmetics.

Organic Ashitaba Food products: The first (left) is in a dried loose organic whole food form containing leaves and stems. The recommendations are to use One Teaspoon, 1 or 2 times daily before a meal.
bottle of ashitaba capsules This mixture can be prepared as a tea, added to juice, or sprinkled over salads and other foods. The package weighs 60g and is approximately a month's supply.

Ashitaba Green now also comes in capsules (right). The same dried loose organic whole food form containing leaves and stems contained in vegetable capsules. Take 4 to 5 capsules before a meal, one or two times a day, with water. Each bottle contains 120 capsules.
Ashitaba Green can also be used as an ingredient in noodles, ice-cream, ice tea, or as a substitute for green tea. Ashitaba Green can also be used in hair products, skin products, and spa products.

tinctureA reminder: Ashitaba Green is an organic Green Whole Food , not medicine. So you can drink as many cups of ashitaba tea as you would any other tea. You can include ashitaba as an ingredient in your diet as you would any other herb or vegetable. The body will then take the nutrients it needs to restore or maintain a healthy balance.

Ashitaba Green also comes as a tincture which can be used both internally and externally. When you need that energy boost but don't have the time to make a cup of ashitaba tea, then think about a few drops of tincture. Helps when you have food poisoning or sinus. Also good, when diluted with warm water, to apply topically on cuts, scrapes, insect bites and even ulcers.Ashitaba Green Organic Face Tonic

Ashitaba Green Cosmetic Products: These include Ashitaba Green Organic Face Tonic, Ashitaba Green Organic Skin Care Tonic, Ashitaba Green Organic Scalp and Hair Tonic, and our wonderful Ashitaba Green Organic Massage Oil.

To learn more about these products visit the Cosmetics section
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The image above has been captured from video footage of a darkfield microscope blood examination. In the image, one sees fibrin, the cobweb-like material near the upper right, upper left, and middle left, an indication of liver stress, as well as undigested food, crystals, bacteria, a few parasites, and some weakened red blood cells. In this particular frame, no healthy white blood cells are visible.

In this frame, we see a condition called "rouleau" in which the red blood cells are clumped together and stacked like coins. Rouleau affects proper oxygenation because the red blood cells do not circulate well enough to deliver oxygen where it is needed. The condition also favors the growth of unhealthy organisms that can survive in an environment that is less oxygen rich. Fungi, bacteria, and viruses require less oxygen than healthy tissue.

This image shows "purified" blood. Notice the abundant presence of healthy white blood cells, the absence of rouleau, lack of fibrin, clean plasma, and vital appearance of the red blood cells. Source: www.cancersalves.com/
checklist/purification.html
Blood is considered to be the life force of the body, supplying the cells of the body with oxygen and the nutrients needed for healthy functioning and removing the wastes or toxins created by these normal everyday functions.

These functions include biochemical, cellular, and bodily activities and generate substances that need to be eliminated, for example, free radicals (see antioxidants ) are biochemical toxins created during metabolism. When these substances/molecules/toxins are not eliminated, they can cause irritation or inflammation of the cells and tissues, blocking normal functions on a cellular, organ, and whole-body level causing dis-ease and aging effects. The proper level of elimination of these toxins is essential to health. Clearly, a normal functioning body was created to handle certain levels of toxins; the concern is with excess intake or production of toxins (contributed to by the increase of pollutants in our air, water, soil and food) or a reduction in the processes of elimination (contributed to by a diet low in fiber and high in sugars and refined products. See Why detoxify?).

Blood purifiers, can be thought of as generalized building and cleansing agents that are helpful for all manner of troubles. By helping to stimulate the body's eliminative systems and at the same time stimulating the release of stored toxins, the metabolic acids carried by the blood are reduced. When the blood is "cleaner" the whole body feels stronger. Source: http://www.naturalhealthnotebook.com/

Ashitaba, like most blood purifiers, stimulates liver function. There are over 500 known functions of the liver, and it is almost impossible for any disease condition to develop until the liver becomes sluggish and weak. The liver plays a critically important role in detoxifying and removing fat-soluble poisons absorbed by the gut and circulating in the blood. The liver's detoxification system often works by converting a poison into a water-soluble form that the kidneys can eliminate. The diuretic property of ashitaba then enhances kidney function for the efficient removal of water-soluble poisons from the blood. Ashitaba also stimulates the bowel which reduces the re-absorption of toxins such as in bile from the liver.
When the liver, colon and kidneys eliminate these wastes properly, the skin is not used as much by the body for overflow elimination -- thus reducing the chance of skin conditions.

Purification of the blood therefore is important as it allows for better circulation of the blood and more oxygen to be transported to the tissues of the body. Without oxygen, we are devitalized, and according to some theories, the tissues go into a morbid state in which they can survive on fermentation rather than oxygenation. This is what is referred to as anaerobic and it is believed, by such persons as Nobel laureate Prof. Otto Warburg, that cancer thrives in such oxygen deficient conditions.
Chlorophyll, the pigment that makes plants green, has a very similar structure to hemoglobin (the red blood cells that transport oxygen) and now there is new research documenting green plants' effects on cellular rejuvenation and DNA repair in human cells (see antioxidants and Why Green Foods?].

Ashitaba can help to prevent Thrombus -- another reason it helps blood circulation.
According to the findings of the research conducted by Dr. Naoru Fujita of the Osaka University of Pharmacy, the chemical compound - Xanthoangelol-E in the CHALCONE of ashitaba has the effect of retarding the formation of blood coagulation flavin A2 which allows the blood platelets to adhere and agglutinate in the blood vessel so that the blood can not pass through. This condition is known as thrombus (blood clots). When such a situation appears in the brain, it causes cerebral infarction or cerebral thrombosis. When it appears in the heart, it causes cardiac infarction.
You may want to consider drinking Ashitaba Green tea on your next long haul flight to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs) - a danger studies have linked to long flights.
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"People on the standard American diet consume an average of a pound of inorganic toxins per year, this in the form of food additives, drug residues, and indigestible foods. Environmental and work hazards merely add to the toll on the liver."
       Source: - www.kitchendoctor.com/
          (see also Dr.Anderson's statement below regarding the liver and cleansing)

Toxins exist everywhere and can lead to serious health problems. They are in food and the environment, and persist because of our insufficient metabolic ability to rid the body of all that we are exposed to on a daily basis. They can drain the body of energy and make one more susceptible to disease and infection. Toxins tend to concentrate in the liver and gastrointestinal tract, both places responsible for eliminating toxins from the body.
Through detoxification, we clear and filter toxins and wastes and allow our body to work on enhancing its basic functions.

Dr. Anderson has explained in his new books, "Cleanse & Purify Thyself Book One" and "Cleanse & Purify Thyself Book Two," that: "The digestive system is the hub of the entire body. It feeds all our glands, organs and in fact, every single cell. When the digestive system becomes sluggish, over-acid, and toxic it becomes less and less efficient. After the bowel becomes unnaturally acidic, it attempts to protect itself by secreting a glycoprotein substance that lines the entire intestinal wall, 'mucoid plaque.' Indeed, this condition can occur anywhere in the digestive tract where over acidity arises, including the esophagus, the stomach, the entire small intestine and colon. Once this develops, proper digestion becomes more and more dysfunctional. Then one problem occurs after another, and the bowel becomes a toxic sewer system. Once the bowel becomes toxic, the blood becomes toxic, for all the blood coming from the bowel, carrying the necessary nutrients to feed the heart, lungs, brain, muscles, etc. goes to the liver - nowhere else.

Then the liver must deal with the toxic blood. After years of relentless toxicity from the bowel, the liver becomes more and more sluggish. After a while it no longer functions efficiently and toxic overloads begin to go to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, heart, brain, joints, skin, Lymph, etc. Disease manifests where the toxins settle. For when there is toxic settlement, there is lack of circulation, lack of oxygen and nutrients."
Our body handles toxins by neutralizing, transforming, or eliminating them. As examples, many antioxidant nutrients may neutralize free-radical molecules. The liver helps transform many toxic substances into harmless agents, while the blood carries wastes to the kidneys; the liver also dumps wastes through the bile into the intestines, where much waste is eliminated. We also clear toxins through sweating, from exercise or heat. Our sinuses and skin may also be accessory elimination organs whereby excess mucus or toxins can be released, as with sinus congestion or skin rashes, respectively.


The average American diet which tends to be high in sugars and refined products and low in fiber contributes to the build up of "mucoid plaque" along the gastrointestinal tract. This "mucoid plaque" prevents proper digestion, and as a result a large percentage of people are suffering from malnutrition no matter how much they eat, or how nutritious the food is. Fiber is very important in the process of elimination of wastes from the bowel and a lack of fiber can lead to muscles of the colon wall losing their tone which can result in IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome now affecting one in five Americans) and diverticulitis.

The FDA has shown that a diet high in fiber can reduce the risk of colon cancer by 40% and this is why it now recommends the minimum of five servings of fruit and vegetables a day.
Ashitaba Green being a whole food product is high in fiber and being a green food, it can help lower acidity.

The liver is one of the main keys to good health and vitality. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Traditions has long recognized this importance. There are over 500 known functions of the liver, many of which are essential for life, all of which are essential for good health and vitality. It is almost impossible for any disease condition to develop until the liver becomes sluggish and weak. The average American is using only 40% of the liver's capacity.

Ashitaba has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to strengthen the liver and kidneys, reduce congestion in the liver and purify the blood - enhancing the body's own ability to heal itself.
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We use oxygen from the air to oxidize our food to provide the energy we need for our cells to function. Sometimes, however, those oxidation reactions release uncontrolled reactants called free radicals. Free radicals can and will react with many different important molecules, including lipids, proteins and DNA, damaging them in the process. Some free radicals arise normally during metabolism. Sometimes the body's immune system's cells purposefully create them to neutralize viruses and bacteria. However, environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides can also spawn free radicals.

Normally, the body can handle free radicals, but if antioxidants are unavailable, or if the free-radical production becomes excessive, damage can occur. Of particular importance is that free radical damage accumulates with age.

The damage occurring as a result of these compounds has been associated with over 100 disease processes, including heart disease, cancer, and aging.

Free radical damage to DNA can overwhelm the repair mechanisms in cells, leading to impaired cellular functioning or even cell death. Free radicals also can alter some parts of DNA, provoking uncontrolled cell growth, resulting in cancer, a process that occurs with increased frequency with age. Damage to the DNA in mitochondria, the "energy plants" in cells that generate the energy-producing molecule, ATP, can cause diminished ability of some parts of the body to produce adequate energy for high demands.

Free radical damage to lipids can encourage the damaging oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), leading to artery-clogging plaques (atherosclerosis). At the same time, free radical damage to the cells lining the blood vessels (endothelial cells) reduces their ability to react quickly and efficiently to maintain proper blood flow to vital organs. The consequence of these problems is increased heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and high blood pressure (hypertension), to name a few of the more dangerous outcomes.

Free radicals also promote a harmful complexing of proteins and carbohydrates, called glycosylation. This process is greatly accelerated in diabetes, and also appears to contribute to cataract formation, damage to arteries, reduced movement of the joints, and other chronic problems.

Antioxidant nutrients play a key role in our ability to protect against this oxidative damage. The most popular nutrients in this category are vitamins E & C, along with beta-carotene. Our bodies also naturally produce antioxidant compounds such as lipoic acid, CoEnzymeQ10, and glutathione. However recent research findings have shown that human production of these naturally produced antioxidants is insufficient for optimal defense against oxidative damage.

The category of plant phenols known as flavonoids or bioflavonoid compounds, present in most plants, provide these antioxidant compounds.

The chalcones in ashitaba have been shown to be very potent anti-oxidants.

In an effort to make it easier to compare the different antioxidants found in our foods a new standard called Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) has been created to measure the antioxidant activity of foods. Specifically, ORAC measures the time it takes to prevent an oxidation reaction.

As can be seen by the chart below, ashitaba's anti-oxidants are more potent than those found in green tea. See also chalcones and flavonoids.
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antioxidant comparison chart
As can be seen by the graph above, Ashitaba Green is more effective as an antioxidant than green tea. Ashitaba Green has the added benefit of not containing the stimulants associated with green tea so it can be taken before bed and is useful as a sleep aid. Ashitaba Green can be added to salads, used as a tea and can replace green tea in most places you would think of using green tea.
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Flavonoids, also known as bioflavonoids, are plant pigments, meaning they give the plants their color. They are present in most plants, concentrating in seeds, fruit skin, bark and flowers and more than 4,000 of them have been identified in plants.

Flavonoids in Tea
Common green and black tea leaves consist of about 25-30 percent flavonoids, including quercetin and gallic esters. Like the flavonoids in grapes and other fruits and vegetables, they also protect against heart disease.

For five years, Dutch researchers MichaE Hertog, M.Sc., and Edith Feskens, Ph.D., followed the dietary and lifestyle habits of 805 men ages 65-84 in the town of Zutphen. After accounting for the men's physical activity, smoking habits, and intake of vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene, the researchers found that men eating a lot of flavonoids-in tea, onions, and apples-were far less likely to suffer heart disease or heart attacks than men eating few flavonoids.

"There is evidence that free-radical oxidation of LDL plays an important part in atherogenesis," Hertog and Feskins wrote in Lancet (Oct. 23, 1993;342:1007-11). "Flavonoids are scavengers of free radicals...It is possible that quercetin and other flavonoids reduce the rate of formation of oxidised LDL and thus inhibit the growth of atherosclerotic plaques."

The benefits of tea flavonoids were confirmed earlier this year by researchers at the Saitama Cancer Research Center, Japan. K. Imai, PhD, and K. Nakachi, PhD, studied 1,371 men enrolled in a 40-year study of eating habits and health. They reported that elderly men who drank 10 or more cups of green tea daily had lower blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides than men who drank less of the tea.

"Consumption of green tea was significantly associated with lower serum concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins," they wrote in the British Medical Journal (March 18, 1995;310:693-6). "An increase in consumption substantially decreased serum total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, and this strong association remained almost unaltered even after age, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and relative body weight were controlled for."

The heavy tea drinkers also benefited from higher blood levels of the HDL and lower levels of the "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) form of cholesterol. In addition, they had lower levels of certain liver enzymes, suggesting a reduced risk of liver disease.

"Green tea has many advantages over chemical preventive agents-tea is non-toxic and thus readily available to the general population," Imai and Nakachi wrote.

Drinking either green or black tea also protects against skin cancer by ultraviolet (UV) light and hazardous chemicals. In an experiment, Allan Conney, Ph.D., of the College of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, brewed four types of teas in concentrations comparable to what people drink: black tea, green tea, decaffeinated black tea, and decaffeinated green tea. He gave one type of each tea to four different groups of mice as their sole source of drinking fluid, then exposed them to either cancer-causing UV radiation or chemicals. For comparison's sake, he gave another group of mice plain water to drink. Conney reported in Cancer Research (July 1, 1994;54:3428-35) that the teas "markedly inhibited" the numbers and sizes of tumors.

Source:- The Color of Health
Why Nutrients Called Flavonoids Are Good For You
1994 by Jack Challem, The Nutrition Reporter
Flavonoids, like their better known chemical cousins, the carotenes, function as antioxidants and protect plants from damaging free radicals. The big difference is that flavonoids are water soluble, whereas carotenes are oil soluble.

The flavonoids were first isolated in the 1930s by Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, Ph.D., the Nobel laureate who discovered vitamin C. Szent-Gyorgyi found that flavonoids strengthened capillary walls in ways vitamin C could not and, at first, they were referred to as vitamin P. But the chemical diversity of flavonoids precludes their classification as a single vitamin.

The major dietary sources of flavonoids include fruit and fruit products, tea, and soy. Studies have found that the flavonoids in these foods protect against heart disease and cancer.

Ashitaba contains anti-oxidant flavonoids called chalcones almost unique to ashitaba and responsible for the yellow color of the juice. The chalcones that are in ashitaba are known as Xanthoangelol, Xanthoangelol-E and 4-Hydrooxyderricin and were discovered by Dr. Baba and studies, mostly performed in Japan, show its potent antioxidant activity protects against heart disease and cancer, enhances liver function and more (see chalcones) at a level exceeding that of red wine, green tea, or soy.

Antioxidant Flavonoids
(listed in order of decreasing potency)
Quercetin (a flavonol in vegetables, fruit skins, onions).
Xanthohumol (a prenylated chalcone previously found only in hops and beer)
Isoxanthohumol (a prenylated flavanone in hops and beer)
Genistein (an isoflavone in soy) Pro-oxidant flavonoids
Chalconaringenin (a non-prenylated chalcone in citrus fruits)
Naringenin (a non-prenylated flavanone in citrus fruits)
Source:-Antioxidant Activities of Flavonoids
Dr. Donald R. Buhler and Dr. Cristobal Miranda


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Phytochemicals are naturally occurring, non-nutritive chemicals found in plants and plant-derived foods. Phytochemicals are not vitamins and minerals and they help the body in a variety of ways though the mechanism is not completely clear. These chemicals appear to work alone and in combination, and perhaps in conjunction with vitamins and other nutrients in food to prevent, halt, or lessen disease. This interaction is believed to be a large part of why eating whole foods and especially raw fruits and vegetables is more helpful for the body than using supplements.

The phytochemical is often found in the coloring agent in fruits and vegetables, so eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables will allow you to get all of the possible health benefits from phytochemicals.

The phytonutrients found in ashitaba include chalcones, coumarins and flavonoids.
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Xanthoangelol, 4-hydroxyderricin, and Xanthoangelol-E are the chemical compound names of ashitaba chalcones and chalcone is a rarely found flavonoid contained in the yellow sap of ashitaba (Angelica keiskei Koidzmi). These compounds are the anti-oxidants in ashitaba.

Research has proven Xanthoangelol, 4-hydroxyderricin, and Xanthoangelol E to have anti-tumor-promoting activity and the two chalcones, xanthoangelol and 4-hydroxyderricin, isolated from the root of Angelica keiskei koidzumi showed antibacterial activity. Xanthoangelol E inhibits thrombosis, ulcers, excessive secretion of gastric juices, and general inflammatory processes.

Scientists are doing further research on these chalcones, and other elements found in ashitaba due to their preventative and curative properties with the following diseases and health issues: cancer, HIV/AIDS, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, ulcers, IBS, gastritis, Parkinson's (the plant can stimulate Nerve Growth Factor), osteoporosis, PMS, and menopausal symptoms to name just a few.
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Soluble fiber is credited with lowering cholesterol (see Why Purify?) while insoluble fiber rids the body of wastes and promotes regularity (see Why Detoxify?)
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Natural Health Organic Farm is a member of CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers)
There are a variety of health, environmental and ethical reasons why more and more consumers are turning to organic foods, which prohibit the use of genetic engineering, pesticides, irradiation, chemical fertilizers, hormones, animal drugs, and intensive confinement of farm animals.

Consumers are worried about pesticide and drug residues routinely found in Non-organic produce, meat, and dairy products. Consumer Reports found that 77 percent of non-organic produce items in the average supermarket contain pesticide residues.

A recent scientific study found high levels of organophosphate pesticide residues in the bodies of school-age children eating conventional food, whereas children consuming mainly organic food had low levels.

Studies show that organic produce contains more vitamins and important trace minerals.

On the environmental front, consumers are concerned about pollution of their drinking water and the nation's lakes and rivers by the 12 billion pounds of nitrate fertilizer and a billion pounds of toxic pesticides used by conventional, non-organic farmers every year.

A related concern is the routine use of toxic municipal sewage sludge as a fertilizer on conventional farms. Irradiation is being used on meats and an increasing number of plant foods because it kills most insects/bacteria, can increase shipping/storage life, and allows packers, processors and restaurants to avoid food poisoning lawsuits.
Irradiation harms the food because the high-energy irradiation blast breaks molecules and DNA, and creates free radicals that damage vitamins and damage or kill the living enzymes in fresh foods. Vegetarians who buy irradiated raw foods in order to eat them raw will receive a nutritionally inferior product. Also, new, untested chemicals and small amounts of carcinogens are created. There are no long-term human feeding studies, and only one small study on children which showed health effects.
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The oldest written record of the medicinal value of ashitaba appears in a Chinese book first published in the Ming Dynasty written by Dr. Lee (1518-1593). This book was then translated into Latin, English, German, Russian and became internationally famous as a publication on Oriental Medicine.

In the West, little is known about the world of Herbal Medicine. Of all the plant species in the world, only five percent (5%) have been cataloged. One quarter (1/4) of these have been found to have medicinal qualities.

Dr. Kimie Baba, MD
Osaka University of Pharmacy
It is only during these last 30 years that ashitaba has been studied and Dr. Kimie Baba discovered the chalcones so unique to ashitaba. This plant became the target of research because the people of Hachijo Island are known for their longevity. When all aspects of their life style were analyzed the determination was that the consumption of ashitaba was a major contributor to their extended lifetime. This is made more interesting by the fact that the Hachijo Island (one of the seven Izu Islands) used to be a place of exile. Criminals and social outcasts were relegated to these desolate islands as a form of punishment. The exiles were forced to withstand poor diets and hard labor. They foraged for food and despite these harsh circumstances, the exiles were healthy and lived long lives.
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Ashitaba Green is the only organically grown Whole Food ashitaba produced in the US.

Ashitaba sold in Japan is usually sold as just leaves or just stems or as an extract.

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By clicking on the Articles/Research link you will be taken to a page where we have compiled a collection of articles, books, web sites and research papers for your further reading. Please come back regularly to see what we have added. You may also wish to join our email newsletter in which we will highlight new articles and research on ashitaba, the latest testimonials and special offers. Rest assured we do not share or sell our mailing list and you will not be contacted more than once a month.

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ashitaba and anti-aging
(Published by "Takara Bio Inc" in Wedge Magazine Nov. 2002)
In Japan, people enjoy ashitaba drinks, which are available at organic juice bars called ASHITA-BAR (usually located at subway stations), at any time of the day for wellness. Ashitaba is an energizer and at the same time it aids sleep at bed time. Ashitaba has the added benefits of reducing high blood pressure with no side effects.

Ashitaba is a nutrient and fiber rich GREEN FOOD and was listed as the most popular Green Food in Japan by Nutraceutical World (May, 2003 issue). It purifies the blood to promote blood circulation to all the cells in the body. The aging process starts at the cellular level so it is important to maintain cell health by delivering oxygen and other nutrients to each cell and removing the waste and toxins from each cell.

Ashitaba is a cleansing food. Due to ashitaba's blood purifying and detoxicant (liver detoxification and colon cleansing) properties, cells stay healthy, and metabolism, the immune system and all other body functions can maintain proper balance. As a result, toxins are eliminated from the body leaving no excess free radicals to cause cell damage and so the aging process is slowed down.

It is necessary to take this cleansing food daily to stay young and healthy.
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Disclaimer: The data on this site is provided for informational purposes only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional, nor is it intended for the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. The FDA has not evaluated any statements on this site (unless specifically quoted). The information on the web site has been obtained from the manufacturers of these products or the components thereof, scientific research and sources considered reputable in the specific area of discussion.


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