4 Benefits of Kudzu Root (for Weight Loss and Alcoholism?)

What are the benefits of Kudzu Root?

Can Kudzu root be used for weight loss?
What are the benefits of Kudzu extract for the Skin?

Can Kudzu extract be used for managing Anxiety?
Can Kudzu root extract be used for controlling Alcoholism?
What is the nutritional value of Kudzu Root?

Can Kudzu cause Liver damage?
How much Kudzu is recommended to take for Alcoholism?
Can Kudzu extract be used for managing Cluster Headaches?

Can Kudzu be used for managing a Hangover?
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What are the benefits of Kudzu Root?

Kudzu root (Pueraria lobata) is a traditional herb native to Asia and has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and other traditional medical systems. It is considered to have numerous potential health benefits, including:

Reducing inflammation: Kudzu root contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Lowering blood pressure: Some research suggests that kudzu root may help to lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.

Improving cardiovascular health: Kudzu root may help to improve blood flow and reduce plaque build-up in the arteries, which may help to protect against heart disease.
Managing diabetes: Kudzu root may help to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

It’s important to note that more research is needed to confirm the potential health benefits of kudzu root and determine its appropriate dosage and long-term safety. Suppose you are considering using kudzu root or any other herbal supplement. In that case, it’s essential to speak with a healthcare provider first to determine if it is appropriate for you and to discuss any potential risks or interactions with other medications.

In the video below, the YouTube channel “Superfood Evolution” shows the benefits of Kudzu for reducing alcohol cravings and how it works to reduce alcohol intake:

This is our recommended Kudzu Root supplement (Amazon’s Choice):

Nature’s Way Premium Herbal Kudzu Root, 1,226 mg per serving, 50 Vcaps

Can Kudzu root be used for weight loss?

Kudzu root may be used for weight loss as an animal study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that a kudzu root extract called Puerarin reduced body weight and fat mass in mice fed a high-fat diet. However, it’s important to note that this study was conducted in mice, and it is yet to be known if the findings would apply to humans.

There is also limited evidence from human studies that kudzu root may help to reduce appetite and cravings for alcohol, which may lead to weight loss as a result of reduced calorie intake.

However, more research is needed to confirm these effects and to determine the appropriate dosage and long-term safety of its use for this purpose.

What are the benefits of Kudzu extract for the Skin?

Some studies have suggested that kudzu root may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits for the skin. However, there is limited research on these potential benefits.

One study found that kudzu root extract applied topically to the skin of mice reduced inflammation and prevented skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, it’s important to note that this study was conducted in mice, and it is yet to be known if the findings would apply to humans.

There is also some limited evidence from human studies that kudzu root may have skin-protective effects. For instance, a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that kudzu root extract applied topically to the skin reduced the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in women with photodamaged skin.

More research is needed to confirm the potential benefits of kudzu root for the skin in humans and to determine the appropriate dosage and long-term safety of its use for this purpose.

Can Kudzu extract be used for managing Anxiety?

Kudzu root may be used for managing anxiety. Research found that kudzu root extract reduced anxiety-like behaviors in mice exposed to stressful conditions. However, it’s important to note that this study was conducted in mice, and it is unknown if the findings apply to humans.

There is also some limited evidence from human studies that kudzu root may have anxiety-reducing effects. For example, a study found that kudzu root extract reduced anxiety in a small group of individuals with generalized anxiety disorder.

It’s important to note that these studies provide limited evidence on the potential effects of kudzu root on anxiety. Still, more research is needed to confirm these effects and to determine the appropriate dosage and long-term safety of its use for this purpose.

Can Kudzu root extract be used for controlling Alcoholism?

There is some positive evidence that kudzu root may potentially be used for treating alcoholism and addiction. One study found that kudzu root extract reduced alcohol intake and preference in rats that were given access to alcohol. Another study found that kudzu root extract reduced alcohol intake and craving in a small group of individuals with alcohol dependence.

It’s important to note that these studies provide limited evidence on kudzu root’s potential effects on alcohol consumption and addiction. Still, more research is needed to confirm these effects and to determine the appropriate dosage and long-term safety of its use for this purpose.

What is the nutritional value of Kudzu Root?

Kudzu root has a high nutritional value, including carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and minerals. It is also a source of isoflavones, plant compounds with estrogen-like activity.

Here is a summary of the nutritional value of kudzu root, based on a serving size of 100 grams (g) (about 3.5 ounces):

Calories: 94
Total fat: 0.2 g

Saturated fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 3 mg

Total carbohydrates: 22.4 g
Dietary fiber: 6.4 g
Sugar: 1.3 g

Protein: 2.4 g

Kudzu root is a good source of the following minerals:

Potassium: 238 mg

Calcium: 50 mg
Iron: 0.9 mg
Magnesium: 35 mg

Phosphorus: 38 mg
Zinc: 0.3 mg

It’s important to note that the nutritional value of kudzu root can vary depending on factors such as the variety of kudzu and how it is prepared. The values listed above are approximate and are intended to be used as a general guide only.

Can Kudzu cause Liver damage?

There is limited evidence to suggest that kudzu root may cause liver damage. One study found that kudzu root extract increased liver enzyme levels in mice, which could be a sign of liver damage. But the opposite is also true, as another study found that kudzu root extract reduced liver damage and improved liver function in rats with induced liver injury.

It’s important to note that these studies were conducted in mice, and it is unknown if the findings apply to humans. More research is needed to confirm the potential liver-damaging effects of kudzu root and to determine the appropriate dosage and long-term safety of its use in humans.

How much Kudzu is recommended to take for Alcoholism?

Studies have suggested taking one 2 mg dose of kudzu extract for treating alcoholism. This study involved two groups, with the kudzu group significantly lowering consumption from 3.0 ± 1.7 at baseline to 1.9 ± 1.3 beers after treatment. The placebo-treated group opened 33 beers during baseline and 38 following treatment, whereas the kudzu-treated group opened 32 beers during baseline conditions and only 21 following treatment. Additionally, kudzu-treated participants drank slower. Kudzu can achieve this effect due to the various flavonoids it contains.

Can Kudzu extract be used for managing Cluster Headaches?

Research shows the presence of an anecdotal belief that kudzu extract can be used for managing cluster headaches.

There is yet no study that can confirm this conclusion. However, in a Yale University School of Medicine survey of 235 cluster headache patients, 159 responded, and 22 (14 percent) approved self-treatment with kudzu. Eleven people from this group suffered from periodical cluster headaches, while five suffered from chronic cluster headaches and agreed to further evaluation.

With kudzu treatment, 73 percent of the periodical group noted a reduction in attack frequency, and 36 percent had a reduction in attack duration. Among those with chronic cluster headaches, 60 percent noted a reduction in frequency, and 40 percent noted a drop in headache duration.

Can Kudzu be used for managing a Hangover?

Kudzu can be used used for managing a hangover as Kudzu’s root, flower, and leaf are used to assemble medicine that may help dehydration. It has been used in Chinese medicine as early as 600 AD. Today, it is used to treat alcoholism and reduce symptoms of alcohol hangover, which include:

Headache
Upset stomach

Dizziness
Vomiting

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Sources

This article makes use of information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.