Pueraria lobota, Pueraria thunbergiana
Part Used: Root
Kudzu is a climbing, woody or semi-woody, perennial vine capable of reaching heights of 20–30 m in trees, but also scrambles extensively over lower vegetation. The huge root is the source of medicinal preparations used in traditional Chinese medicine and modern herbal products. Kudzu is one of the earliest medicinal plants, used in traditional Chinese medicine, with many profound pharmacological actions, including antidipsotropic (antialcohol abuse) activity. It has medicinal properties like diaphoretic, antispasmodic, muscle relaxant, antipyretic, etc. It contains a compound that can be effective in reducing alcohol intake among humans.
Researches have shown that two isoflavones in Kudzu, daidzin and daidzein, taken orally, may reduce the craving for alcohol, and be of assistance in suppressing the appetite of patients with chronic alcoholism. Kudzu influences areas of the central nervous system that control the desire for alcohol. The root is used in prescriptions for the treatment of wei, or "superficial" syndrome (a disease that manifests just under the surface mild, but with fever), thirst, headache, and stiff neck with pain due to high blood pressure. It is used in modern Chinese medicine as a treatment for angina pectoris, and is also recommended for allergies, migraine headaches, inadequate measles eruptions in children, and diarrhea. Kudzu also relieves muscular tension and spasms, especially of the neck and shoulders and vents eruptive skin diseases. It has some demulcent properties, making it useful for thirst and dryness and can also be used for many other diverse conditions, ranging from hypertension, dysentery, and colitis to sudden nerve deafness.
References:
MSNBC News Report. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7884540/
http://www.herbsarespecial.com.au/free-herb-information/kudzu.html
http://www.midwestherbs.com/herbs/kudzuroot.htm
