The Kudzu plant has many medicinal properties and is one of the earliest medicinal plants used in traditional Chinese medicine. Kudzu contains two isofavones called daidzin and daidzein, which when taken orally may reduce the cravings for alcohol by influencing areas of the central nervous system that controls the desire for alcohol. Animals given kudzu and alcohol had lower blood alcohol levels than animals given alcohol alone and kudzu treated animals showed less interest in alcohol in general. Another study showed that kudzu also protected the animal’s liver cells from being damaged from the alcohol. Scientists are still investigating whether these effects apply to human beings as well as animals.
Other medicinal uses for kudzu include, influenza, cough, colds, tonsillitis, measles, fevers, snake and insect bites, diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal ailments, enteritis, constipation, removal of excess fluids from the body, digestive disorders, bad breath, headaches, migraines, hangovers, sinus problems, anemia, internal bleeding, thirst, hunger, lack of energy, sexual apathy, impotence, infertility, asthma, diabetes (caution, can reduce blood sugar levels and result in hypoglycemia when taken in large amounts), bronchitis, pneumonia, muscle shrinking, dizziness, diaphoretic, strengthen the spleen, stomach and intestines, as well as the entire immune system.
In traditional Chinese medicine kudzu has been used to relieve muscle pain. Animal studies and some human case reports suggest that kudzu may have some anti-inflammatory effects. Chemicals in kudzu may also lower the heart rate and regulate it’s rhythm, as well as widen the blood vessels near the heart and the brain. This may support its uses in heart conditions and for the treatment of migraine headaches. However, more research is still being done to prove or disprove these potential uses.
This brings me to the region of my report, which has to do with kudzu’s potential effect on migraine headaches. I ordered some cut and sifted kudzu root through a reputable online source and was able to put it to the test one evening when I was experiencing a terrible migraine. My head hurt from the base of my neck and up and around to just over my left eye. I was feeling nauseous and any kind of light or noise made it much worse. I steeped the kudzu root in boiled water for about ten minutes and them sipped two, six ounce cups of the brew. Although it didn’t completely get rid of my migraine, it did take the edge off and enable me to relax and fall asleep.
I’m not sure if I needed to drink more of the tea, or if the leaves would have had a stronger effect on the migraine. However, I am certain that the pain and the severity of the migraine were lessened after drinking the kudzu root tea. If I ever experience another migraine headache, I’ll put Kudzu root to the test once more, but for now I am happy to drink it simply for its system enhancing properties.
Pamela Nations-Weissman has a B.S. in Natural Health from the Clayton College of Natural Health (www.ccnh.edu) and has over twenty years experience in the health care industry as an herbalist, nutritionist and homeopath, along with over nineteen years experience in the field of alternative veterinary medicine. She maintains a full-time practice in Port Richey, Florida and through her website: www.alternativetao.com. Her fields of expertise include: Ayurvedic medicine, Chinese medicine, Native American herbology (Ms. Nations-Weissman is part Cherokee), Homeopathy, Nutritional Foods and Supplements and Holistic wellness practices (such as exercise, yoga and meditation).