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Benefits |
Preparation |
Medicinal Uses |
Side Effects |
Plant |
Folklore |
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| Common Names |
| Kudzu |
| Botanical Name |
| Pueraria lobata |
| Family |
| FABACEAE or LEGUMINOSAE Pea Family |
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Alcoholism/Drug Abuse *
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| Parts Used: dried root |
| Constituents:Ash, calcium, daidzein, daidzin, genistein (the same compound found in soy), riboflavin |
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Kudzu has shown some promising results in studies, although the mechanisms through which it works remain unclear. The plant shows an ability to both decreases the amount of alcohol a person drinks, and help prevent hangovers. |
Prep Methods :Powder added to teas, extracts
Remedies using Kudzu
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In traditional Chinese medicine, where it is known as gé ge-n, kudzu is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs. TCM uses kudzu in treating the symptoms of high blood pressure such as headache and dizziness (although kudzu has little or no effect on blood pressure itself). Kudzu powder is also taken internally on a regular basis to prevent recurrences of colds sores, shingles, and genital herpes.
Mountain Rose Herbs (2008-06-24) |
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| Research has shown the extracts of kudzu can curb the urge to consume alcohol and may strengthen the livers ability to fight off toxins. More research needs to be done to determine kudzu's ability to treat alcoholism, but it might be worth considering before resorting to mainstream medicines pharmaceutical alternatives, Antabuse and Revia....both drugs have violent side effects and may magnify liver problems. 423
(Duke, James A, Ph.D. ) | |
| Side Effects: |
| None Noted |
Kudzu has spread across millions of acres of the southwestern United States where it was imported from it's native Japan to protect against erosion. Kudzu is a climbing, woody or semi-woody, perennial vine, that seems to swallow everything it comes in contact with. Used mainly today as a starch thickener in prepared foods, recently it has been found to hold some very promising medicinal properties.
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