Kudzu is a natural herb called Pueraria lobata is indigenous to Japan. It is part of the pea family. You will find its vines and beautiful purple flowers growing against buildings and climbing trellises. It grows wild and can take over large areas so is known as an invasive weed. Also known as Japanese arrowroot, this exciting herb grows naturally in Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.

It was brought to America in the mid-1800s and now grows naturally in the Southeastern United States.

Understanding How Kudzu Is Used Medicinally

In Western Herbal medicine and  Traditional Chinese and Asian medicines three portions of the herb Kudzu are commonly used – the root, leaf and the flower – for different purposes as they differ in chemical properties.

The root of Kudzu was traditionally used in Chinese medicine to prevent too much consumption of alcohol (alcoholism) and in cases when this was unsuccessful the flower of the plant was used to treat the symptoms associated with too much alcohol consumption. It was commonly known amongst Traditional Chinese medical practitioners that only the flower of the plant was appropriate for the treatment of hangovers as it was later confirmed in scientific studies the root has chemical properties that inhibit aldehyde dehydrogenase thereby increasing acetaldehyde in the body.

There are chemical properties in Kudzu that can help with symptoms of menopause called Isoflavones similarly found in Soy. They act like a weak estrogen thereby alleviating symptoms such as heart palpitations, hot sweats, and mood changes.

For cardiovascular conditions such as blood clots, stroke, arrhythmias and high blood pressure Kudzu`s Isoflavones content and other constituents such as puerarin also help with these conditions.

Top Health Benefits of Kudzu

Kudzu has been used by Chinese and Asian cultures for thousands of years for immune and liver conditions resulting in symptoms of "excess heat", tinnitus and vertigo. It has also historically been used to treat migraines and headaches and for the treatment of diarrhea. Other conditions indicated to use Kudzu are: cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, angina and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat); common upper respiratory infections such as the common cold, flu, swine flu and sinus infections; to lower blood sugar in Diabetes; and to reduce menopausal symptoms.

In China, one of the active ingredients in Kudzu called puerarin is used in intravenous form to treat and prevent the formation of blood clots and to treat stroke victims.

One of the most interesting aspects of this special herb is that it is exceptionally useful for treating symptoms associated with too much alcohol consumption. Symptoms such as headaches, nausea, bowel disruption, vomiting, and light and sound sensitivity associated with hangovers are miraculously ameliorated with this wonderful herb. It is also used to treat alcoholism.

Kudzu Supplement Varieties

Kudzu can be found in powder form, capsule or liquid. Duration of use and dosage is dependent on the condition you are treating and the weight of the person.

Tips For Using These Supplements

  1. The root in powder form mixed with warm water in a tea is used to treat digestive upset and diarrhea.
  2. The root is used for treating alcoholism.
  3. The flowers are used to treat the symptoms of excess use of alcohol.
  4. A combination of aerial parts of the herb and the root is used for menopause, tinnitus, headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, cardiovascular conditions, blood sugar conditions, and respiratory infections.