Learn About the Health Benefits of Kudzu: Is it Possible to Treat Alcoholism Naturally?

Kudzu

Kudzu (Pueraria lobata), also called ge gen, is a high climbing vine with huge roots. The plant, a member of the Fabaceae (pea) family, is native to parts of China and Japan. The roots have been used for medicinal purposes for over 2,000 years. In the late 1800s, kudzu was brought to the United States from Japan (as packing material). Today you can find it growing out of control in the southeastern parts of the U.S. It is damaging to other plants by smothering them and costs about $500 million a year in control costs and lost cropland.

Health Benefits of Kudzu

Alcoholism

Research performed in the U.S. suggests kudzu can be helpful in treating alcoholism by suppressing the desire for alcohol. It may also be helpful in the treatment of excessive alcohol intoxication and signs and symptoms of hangovers.

Deafness

In one clinical trial, kudzu was used to treat sudden nerve deafness. More research is needed.

High Blood Pressure

Kudzu has no or little effect on blood pressure itself, but it is said to help treat symptoms of high blood pressure, including headache, dizziness, and skin numbness.

Aches and Pains

Kudzu is particularly helpful in easing aches and pains in the neck muscles occurring right before a cold or caused by nervous tension.

Menopause

Kudzu may benefit menopausal symptoms.

Other

Kudzu may also cure diarrhea, be helpful in the treatment of glaucoma, and help in the prevention of type II diabetes, heart disease, and recurrences of shingles, genital herpes, and cold sores.

Side Effects and Precautions

There are no reported side effects from kudzu when taken as recommended by mouth.

Children, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and individuals who have a known allergy to Pueraria lobata or the Fabaceae/Leguminosae family should avoid taking kudzu.

Preparing Kudzu Tea

To get the health benefits of kudzu, prepare a cup of kudzu root tea:

• Brew a pot of black tea and add a handful of roots (washed and diced). Steep for about ten minutes and strain. Serve with a sprig of mint and honey if desired.

Kudzu leaves are high in vitamin A and vitamin C and can also be made into a tea. Add one cup of leaves (finely chopped) in one quart of water and simmer for thirty minutes.

Sources Used

The New York Times: Cogon Grass Becoming Scourge of the South - https://www.treepower.org/cogongrass/nyt-cogongrass.html

Healthline: Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) - https://www.healthline.com/natstandardcontent/kudzu

Herbs 2000: Kudzu - https://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_kudzu.htm

Food: Kudzu Tea - https://www.food.com/recipe/Kudzu-Tea-94290

Photo Credit

Image courtesy of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kudzu_on_trees_in_Atlanta,_Georgia.jpg (in the public domain)

Disclaimer

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