A Roscommon farmer is using Japanese Knotweed for it's medicinal benefits.
Japanese Knotweed is an invasive plant species that can seriously damage buildings and infrastructure by growing through concrete, tarmac and other hard surfaces if any cracks exist.
PJ Larkin from Roscommon runs a knotweed control and eradication company and has also created a medicine using the root of the plant.
He says that the species has been used as medicine for thousands of years in Asia and can provide benefits to both humans and animals.
"For thousands of years it's been used for medicine. We find it particularly useful for the auto-immune diseases and disorders. There's a natural chemical called Resveratrol in the Japanese Knotweed right down to the roots. It's in a very concentrated form and it's actually a stronger form than the Resveratrol in red wine. Some of our customers have reduced their veterinary bills to a third of what it was. Basically when the animals have a healthier immune system, they're able to fight off disease better. There's less wormers and drenches needed".
