What is Kudzu Root Extract Good for?
Feb 08, 2023
What is Kudzu Root Extract?
Kudzu Root Extract Powder is utilized as a herbal supplement for antispasmodic, diaphoretic, antipyretic, and muscle relaxants. Kudzu root extract is also used for fever and stiff neck and shoulders caused by colds and flu. Kudzu root is indigenous to China, Korea, and Japan. It has been used extensively by these cultures for centuries. Today, kudzu also grows in other parts of the world, including the southern United States. Kudzu is a trailing vine that often grows above other trees and plants. People have used kudzu root in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years to treat fever, diarrhea, diabetes, and heart disease. Kudzu root in its raw form resembles other root tubers like potatoes or yams. It has tan skin, white flesh, and an oval shape. There are many species of kudzu, and both flower and root extracts are used for their medicinal effects. Isoflavones, the main constituents of kudzu root, are believed to be responsible for its possible effects.
What are the Ways to Eat Kudzu Root?
Nowadays, the most popular way to use kudzu root is as a natural supplement or root tea.
In addition, you can take kudzu root as food. People often consume diverse parts of the plant raw, sautéed, fried, or jellied. You can consume roots like you would any other root vegetables, such as potatoes or rutabagas. Kudzu root can be dried and ground into a powder, and some people use it as breading for fried foods or as a thickener for soups and sauces. More importantly, kudzu leaves, vine tips, and purple flowers are also edible.
What is Kudzu Root Extract Good for?
★ May Reduce Alcohol Dependence: Some research suggests kudzu root may help with alcohol use disorder or alcohol dependence. One small study examined the effects of kudzu root on 17 men aged 21-33 who reported drinking roughly 22-35 drinks per week. Researchers gave participants kudzu root extract or a placebo daily for 4 weeks. Participants reported their alcohol cravings and how much they drank during the study. The researchers found that kudzu root extract had no effect on alcohol cravings, but it reduced the number of drinks consumed per week by 34-57%. In addition, the men who took kudzu root consumed fewer days of heavy drinking per week and had significantly more consecutive days without alcohol. Another study found that people who took puerarin (an extract of isoflavones from the kudzu root plant) before drinking alcohol drank alcoholic beverages longer.
★ May Relieve Menopausal Symptoms: Some health companies sell kudzu root as a herbal supplement for menopausal and postmenopausal women. Kudzu root contains phytoestrogens, and scientists have discovered such plant compounds that act similarly to estrogen in the body. Kudzu root may help with some of the most common menopausal discomforts, including hot flashes and night sweats.
★ Some research indicates that kudzu root may have other miracle health benefits worth considering, as follows:
1. May Reduce Inflammation: one animal study discovered that isoorientin, a compound separated from kudzu root, increased antioxidant levels and reduced markers of inflammation in mice with swollen paws.
2. May Promote Heart Health: kudzu root has cardioprotective effects in mice with burn-induced heart injury. People also use it in traditional Chinese medicine for heart disease.
3. May relieve severe headaches. A small case report of 16 patients with frequent cluster headaches found that kudzu root reduced headache intensity, 56% frequency, and 31% duration in 69% of people.
What is the Recommended Dosage of Kudzu Root Extract?
Some research on the kudzu species of Pueraria Mirifica indicates that doses of 50-100 mg daily seem to have a low risk of adverse side effects. For alcohol dependence, studies have used a dose of 1.2 grams of kudzu root extract daily for 1 week, or a single dose of 2 grams of kudzu root extract before drinking alcohol, with no significant side effects.
If you are interested in our Kudzu Root Extract Powder, please get in touch with us at kathy@inhealthnature.com.
