Kudzu root is a rich source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can damage cells, leading to a range of health issues. And while it did contain the isoflavones that are thought to be the active ingredients, our volunteers had to take five pills each to achieve the desired level of 500mg. The most popular forms available appear to be powdered drink mixes, capsules, disintegrating tablets, and liquid extract drops. What’s more, the kudzu plant leaves, vine tips, and purple flower blossoms are also edible. The kudzu plant resembles poison ivy, so it’s important to know how to identify it correctly.

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• Although, seek advice from your GP before you commence any alternative therapies.
• Its name in Chinese, loosely translated, means “drunkenness dispeller.” The tea is often used to try to sober up after drinking and to relieve hangovers.
• In fact, traditional Chinese medicine has used the plant for over 2,500 years.
• Understanding and recognizing these factors will help you reduce or manage cravings more effectively.
• Researchers have proposed and tested various hypotheses to explain kudzu root’s strange ability to curb alcohol consumption.

Metabolic syndrome is a condition notorious for its cluster of health issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and/or abnormal triglyceride levels. If left unchecked, metabolic syndrome can increase your risk of developing heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. One study on 82 postmenopausal women notes that using a Pueraria mirifica (a particular species of kudzu) gel may improve symptoms of vaginal dryness. Another study shows that kudzu flower might be helpful to lessen hot flashes in menopausal women. As a specific example, a small study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence involved 140 adults and indicated that a short session of aerobic exercise reduced cravings for alcohol (10). Meditation, practiced on your own or via guided meditation, can help you learn to react less to alcohol cravings (8).

Research Studies

Participants were provided with a small card that identified unique codes to record use of alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine, and other drugs. Participants were instructed to report when they consumed each drink, which was defined as a 12 oz can of beer, 5 oz glass of wine or 1.5 oz distilled spirits. In the United States, three drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the general treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD), including cravings (2). A physician or other qualified healthcare provider can assess whether one of the following medications can help you. 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 addition, the diaries permitted the participants to enter additional data that could not be recorded on the watch.
• The use of kudzu for alcoholism originated in China around 600 A.D.
• Kudzu, an ever-expanding plant considered a pest in much of the South, appears to contain a compound that can be effective in reducing alcohol intake among humans.
• Antioxidants help neutralize these molecules, reducing the risk of oxidative stress and related health problems.
• Before starting any complementary treatment, be sure to discuss it with a doctor to make sure it’s safe for you.
• While scientific research on kudzu’s effectiveness in addressing alcoholism is limited, some studies have shown promising results.

Got a drinking problem? Try kudzu

Findings show that subjects who took kudzu drank an average of 1.8 beers per session, compared with the 3.5 beers consumed by those who took a placebo. Data from the actiwatch device was the primary source for all analyses while the daily diary served as a back up to verify daily totals and in case of equipment failure. In addition, the diaries permitted the participants to enter additional data that could not be recorded does kudzu help with alcohol cravings on the watch. It’s marketed as a treatment for alcoholism, diabetes, and inflammation. We read the research to find out what science has to say about this plant.

• The most popular forms available appear to be powdered drink mixes, capsules, disintegrating tablets, and liquid extract drops.
• Reach out to healthcare providers, counselors, and support groups to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.
• 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.
• We recently demonstrated that kudzu extract does not potentiate the intoxicating effects of alcohol (Penetar et al., 2010) and it does not interfere with sleep wake activity (Bracken et al., 2011).
• According to some studies, kudzu root may help manage some symptoms of metabolic syndrome.

Kudzu root, leaf, and flowers have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. But today you can find it in the supplement aisle of most grocery stores. Over time, meditation can help you become more comfortable with the thoughts and feelings that arise in moments when you crave alcohol, which will help lessen cravings in that moment and in the future. Yogurt contains probiotics that are beneficial for gut health, which can be damaged from prolonged heavy drinking. The protein in poultry and fish helps in the production of dopamine, which can help improve your mood as you fight alcohol cravings.