Akebia – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Wednesday, August 23, 2017 by Earl Garcia

Akebia is a semi-evergreen twining vine that may grow up to 30 feet. The herb is native to Japan, China, and Korea and is naturalized in various parts of the U.S. such as Georgia, Michigan, and Massachusetts. The fast-growing plant is commonly known as chocolate vine or five-leaf akebia.

List of known nutrients

As with most herbs, akebia boasts with a vast number of nutrients that benefit the body. Separate entries posted on the Traditional Herb and the Herbpathy websites lists the many components found in akebia, which include:

Akebine
Alpha-Amyrin
Amino Acids
Aristolochic Acid
Aristoloside
Beta-Amyrin
Calcium
Clementanoside A
Clementanoside B
Friedelin
Hederagenin
Magnoflorine
Ocimene
Oleanolic Acid
Potassium
Tannic Acid
Tannins
Triterpenes
Vitamin C

Medicinal uses for akebia

Various parts of the akebia plant are traditionally used as medicine. According to an article on the Tip Disease website, people in Japan and China dry the stems and use them as a form of crude medicine. Dried akebia stems contain analgesic, antiphlogistic, and diuretic properties. Herbal medicine practitioners in China also use the dried stems as a remedy for amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) and diseases of the breast. The medicine is also commonly taken by nursing mothers to improve lactation.

Dried akebia stems possess strong anti-inflammatory properties as well. This makes the plant an ideal treatment for rheumatism and kidney and stomach inflammation. The herb is also touted to bolster the body’s overall immunity. The dried stems can be taken internally to treat both fungal and bacterial infections. The plant is also a rich source of potassium which has potent diuretic effects. Akebia is also shown to contain stomachic, laxative, and tonic properties that help facilitate digestion.

In addition, the roots are known for their cooling properties that help alleviate fever. The fruits are also noted for their anti-tumor properties and are widely recognized as a natural treatment for various types of cancer. The seeds are valued for their healing properties as well. Akebia seeds’ non-toxic properties promote the health of liver, gallbladder, stomach and bladder meridians. The stems also contain similar properties and are closely associated with the heart, small intestine, and bladder meridians.

Moreover, pills made from akebia seeds and other essential herbs are traditionally taken with ginseng soup to address different mental disorders. A decoction made from akebia stems may help relieve pain related to hernia. Likewise, the herb is generally taken as a remedy to menstrual issues. Furthermore, the plant is commonly used as a remedy to various other diseases including diabetes, dropsy, cold, and headache as well as lumbago and general weakness.

Body systems supported by akebia

Akebia’s strong diuretic properties help maintain healthy bladder and kidneys and boost the urinary system’s overall health. The herb is also helpful in maintaining both cardiac and digestive functions. The plant also greatly improves the body’s overall immunity and mental health. Likewise, akebia is beneficial to both men’s and women’s health.

Ways to use akebia

Many parts of the akebia plant are used in various applications. The leaves are traditionally brewed as tea and can also be ground into powder and sprinkled into meals. Likewise, the young shoots are either pickled or tossed into salads. The ornate flowers are added to salads or dessert recipes. Oils extracted from the seeds can be used as a regular vegetable oil.

The fruit’s rind is also traditionally consumed as a vegetable and is commonly stuffed with ground meat and deep fried. The pulp, which possesses a sweet, slight coconut flavor, can be eaten raw or used in purees, creams or other drinks. Likewise, the pulp can be processed into wines. An article posted on the Great Escape Farms website features an interesting miso soup recipe using akebia pods.