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Kudzu is a wild vine whose tubers contain a chemical compound called daidzin, which is used in modern herbal medicine to suppress alcoholic cravings and diminish the effects of alcohol withdrawal. Kudzu root extract has been studied for the potential to reduce symptoms related to alcohol use and to reduce oral alcohol consumption. Some studies suggest kudzu can help decrease alcohol cravings and limit intake. From improving heart health and regulating blood sugar levels to reducing inflammation and menopausal symptoms, kudzu may be a useful addition to a healthy lifestyle.
Alcohol cravings are influenced by a combination of factors, which are often physiological, psychological and environmental. Understanding the underlying mechanisms is also essential in the discussion of using kudzu for alcohol cravings. The isoflavones like puerarin in kudzu have been investigated for cardiovascular benefits. These could be attributed to the vasodilatory and antioxidant effects of kudzu. As with any herbal supplement, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating kudzu into one’s regimen, especially if taking medications or dealing with specific health conditions. Kudzu may also interact with certain medications, such as disulfiram (Antabuse) and methotrexate.
- Kudzu root extract is packed with isoflavones, including puerarin, daidzin, and daidzein, which have been the subject of modern research due to their potential to reduce alcohol consumption naturally.
- Additionally, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating organic kudzu powder into your regimen, as it may interact with certain medications or have side effects.
- It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking kudzu, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.
1 Participants
- “Rewards can be an improved lifestyle and improved physical health,” she says.
- The present study provides further evidence that extracts of the kudzu root are effective in reducing alcohol consumption but unlike any other medication (other than disulfiram) it does so after a single dose was taken shortly before a binge drinking opportunity.
- We had not expected that any beneficial effects would remain after kudzu extract had cleared the body based on our pharmacokinetic results (Penetar et al., 2006).
- The present study was conducted in non treatment-seeking heavy drinkers to assess the safety and efficacy of four weeks of kudzu extract in an outpatient setting.
Missing data points within the treatment weeks in non dropout participants were Missing Completely at Random and so were imputed using multiple regression. A total of 42 out of 532 data points in the kudzu extract group and 26 out of 357 data points in the placebo group were handled this way, corresponding to 7.9% and 7.3% of the data, respectively. Participants filled out Sober living house a daily diary every morning as soon as possible upon awakening.
Blood Sugar Control
Kudzu is an invasive vine that natively grows in East Asia—especially China and Japan. While it’s primarily known as being an invasive plant, there are also parts of it, especially the root, that have been used for various purposes in traditional Chinese medicine. In traditional herbal medicine, kudzu root extract has been suggested to have potential health benefits for alcoholism, hangovers, and also menopause. Kudzu isn’t a standalone treatment for alcoholism or reducing voluntary alcohol intake, but if your goal is to reduce alcohol cravings or cut back, it may be a helpful natural supplement. If you’re going to try a doze of kudzu extract for alcohol cravings, our guide explores everything you should know first. Many people struggle with excessive alcohol use, even if they want to stop, so they’re turning to solutions like kudzu for alcohol cravings.
7 Desire for Alcohol
There are emotional and psychological contributors to cravings, including stress, depression and anxiety, which can lead to using alcohol as a way to self-medicate. Over time, chronic alcoholism leads to structural and functional changes in the brain. These changes affect parts of the brain related to emotional regulation, memory, and decision-making. Kudzu root is a rich source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from free radicals.
Common Side Effects
It is crucial for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction to seek professional help and consider evidence-based treatments. In 2012, I ordered some high-quality organic kudzu capsules after reading about the potential for it to curb alcohol consumption. I took several capsules per day before drinking, and went through all of it in about one month.
The Study: Kudzu Extract’s Impact on Alcohol Consumption
Given that a week of preplanning is unlikely before a binge drinking episode or opportunity, we built on our previous findings to explore in the present experiment if a single dose of kudzu extract taken shortly before a drinking session would reduce alcohol consumption. It is important to place the magnitude of the effects of kudzu extract on alcohol drinking in context. Alcohol drinking was not completely eliminated by kudzu extract in the present study, but was reduced from baseline drinking by an average of 45% over the four weeks of treatment. From a harm reduction perspective, kudzu extract results in a desirable outcome for a population of heavy drinkers, especially when one considers the other important finding of the present study—kudzu extract was without any adverse events and minimal side effects. 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).
How to Use Kudzu for Alcoholism
While taking a kudzu supplement for alcohol cravings can be beneficial and has research-backed evidence to support it, there’s something critical to note. It’s never a good idea to combine alcohol with any substance, including herbal supplements. If you drink while taking kudzu, it could lead to increased sedation because both have sedative effects on the central nervous system.
Kudzu to Stop Drinking: How Does It Work
Here are 6 warning signs experts say to watch out for when using nutrition and fitness apps. “When kudzu is taken orally, it can improve vasomotor symptom scores (i.e. hot flashes and night sweats) in perimenopausal women,” Beckerman says. The aforementioned isoflavones are what help regulate hormones and in turn help combat the pesky symptoms that come along with PMS, perimenopause, and menopause. Goldenseal’s effectiveness to fight alcohol sugar cravings lies in its ability to kill the bacteria, candida, that overpopulate in the intestine and may be the cause of alcohol sugar cravings. Goldenseal’s antiviral and antifungal properties are enhanced by the bitter taste, which can be a powerful deterrent in the fight against alcoholic cravings. Goldenseal has an extremely bitter taste and is therefore most easily taken in capsule form.
