Kudzu Root: What It Is, Benefits, Side Effects and More

Another study found that people who took puerarin, an isoflavone extract from the kudzu plant, prior to drinking took longer to consume alcoholic beverages (3). Kudzu can be taken in conjunction with other medications for alcoholism, but it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before combining treatments. Kudzu may interact with certain medications, such as benzodiazepines, and can cause adverse effects. In conclusion, while kudzu shows promise as a natural remedy for alcoholism, more rigorous clinical studies are needed to determine its effectiveness. It is crucial for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction to seek professional help and consider evidence-based treatments.

• Ultimately, a comprehensive approach to health and well-being, including evidence-based treatments, remains paramount.
• Kudzu root, also known as kuzu, is mostly used as an herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
• In China, it has been used to treat alcoholism since 600AD, and Western medicine is starting to take notice of this herbal remedy.
• Kudzu root may increase the risk of liver injury or interact with certain medications, like birth control.
• TerraVita Kudzu Vine Root capsules provide 450 mg of pure kudzu root per capsule, with no fillers.

Kudzu B60 Alcohol-Free Herbal Extract

• Furthermore, kudzu root has demonstrated potential benefits for heart health, diabetes management, antioxidant protection, and alleviating menopausal symptoms.
• Kudzu, scientifically known as Pueraria lobata, is renowned in traditional Chinese medicine for its diverse applications, including the treatment of alcohol dependence.
• This ancient Chinese herb is available as a super concentrated extract in convenient quick-release capsules.
• It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking kudzu, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.
• The arrowroot starch derived from the Kudzu plant is also used in cooking as a thickener.

To preserve the double-blind, kudzu and placebo capsules were repacked into #00 opaque capsules (Apothecary Products, Minneapolis, MN). Capsule sets were individually packaged in small envelopes and marked on the outside with date and time of day to be consumed. Medication adherence was measured using ultraviolet (UV) light to detect riboflavin in centrifuged urine samples (Del Boca et al., 1996) that were collected twice a week. Endogenous levels of riboflavin are too low to fluoresce and participants were instructed to avoid multivitamin complexes while participating in the study.

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• However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of kudzu on the body.
• Kudzu root may help treat some of the most common menopausal complaints, including hot flashes and night sweats.
• As with any herbal supplement, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating kudzu into one’s regimen, especially if taking medications or dealing with specific health conditions.

The most popular forms available appear to be powdered drink mixes, capsules, disintegrating tablets, and liquid extract drops. Kudzu root may help treat some of the most common menopausal complaints, including hot flashes and night sweats. What’s more, the kudzu plant leaves, vine tips, and purple flower blossoms are also edible. Kudzu root is the edible part of a trailing vine native to several Asian countries. People have used it for many years in traditional Chinese medicine, and it resembles other root tubers, like yams. In its raw form, kudzu root resembles other root tubers, such as potatoes or yams.

May alleviate menopausal symptoms

The plant contains phytoestrogens, which are compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. After one day of taking a menopausal med that contained kudzu my gums and tongue started swelling. By the third day of treatment my whole mouth and lips were sore and swollen with ulcers, so I discontinued the meds. Moreover, kudzu might assist with the prevention of relapses by supporting the stabilization of neurotransmitter levels in the brain.

• Kudzu is one of the earliest medicinal plants used in traditional Chinese medicine.
• Your healthcare provider can help determine the most suitable approach based on your unique circumstances.
• A prior study of kudzu to treat alcohol use in an outpatient setting reported that kudzu had no effect on maintaining sobriety or altering alcohol craving (Shebek and Rindone, 2000).
• The finding that alcohol intake was reduced without affecting desire to use alcohol at first seemed counter-intuitive.
• He worked for many years in mental health and substance abuse facilities in Florida, as well as in home health (medical and psychiatric), and took care of people with medical and addictions problems at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

1 Participant Flow Through Study

Kudzu root may also be helpful for women experiencing menopausal symptoms. Research has found that kudzu can help reduce hot flashes and night sweats, as well as improve sleep quality. This may be due to the isoflavones in kudzu, which can help regulate hormone levels. Studies on the effectiveness of kudzu for alcoholism have shown mixed results. While some studies have shown promising results, others have found no significant difference between kudzu and a placebo.

Does Kudzu Root Really Work? Here’s What We Know

Anecdotal sources say it may also be harmful to take with medications for diabetes or blood clotting. For instance, it may reduce the effectiveness of birth control due to its estrogenic effects (8, 17). While kudzu root may offer a few specific benefits, there are also some potential downsides to consider. Kudzu is also known for its flower, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fever, headache, and other ailments. The arrowroot starch derived best kudzu for alcoholism from the Kudzu plant is also used in cooking as a thickener.

Kudzu is an invasive weed that has also been used to treat alcoholism for well over one thousand years. These efforts did not last with just over a million acres of kudzu by 1945. Once federal payments ceased, the kudzu was quickly grazed and plowed under, with farmers having little success figuring out how to make money from it. Forest Service reports that kudzu occupies somewhere around  227,000 acres of forestland. As far the the root goes, you can cook kudzu roots like potatoes, or dry them and grind them into powder, which makes a great breading for fried foods or a thickener for sauces.

Kudzu is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat alcoholism. While it may not be as effective as some prescription medications, it can still be a helpful addition to a comprehensive treatment plan for alcoholism. It’s effective in reducing the urge to drink, and if you can make it past the first couple of days, it’s smooth sailing, but you must keep using it. You are going to feel different, at first, and many will contribute this to the Kudzu itself, but in reality you’ve just removed an energy source — alcohol; not a good energy source, as your body uses alcohol… Your doctor can evaluate your medical history, current health, and the severity of your alcoholism to provide personalized recommendations.