Puerarin supports oxygen and nutrient delivery to brain cells, potentially boosting memory and focus. Additionally, kudzu’s antioxidant properties protect blood vessels from oxidative stress, which can lead to long-term damage and worsen hypertension. Sustainable recovery is possible and the best version of youself awaits at our Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia addiction recovery center. We’ll give you skills to discover your self-worth and show you the tools for a life of hope and promise.

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They can enhance emotional well-being and assist in managing the often challenging withdrawal phase by promoting relaxation and cognitive clarity. While these herbs provide valuable support, they should be used alongside professional treatment plans to ensure thorough recovery. Among modern applications, Rhodiola is incorporated into various wellness supplements aimed at improving mental health. Its potential benefits extend to alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, making it a valuable ally for those dealing with substance withdrawal and emotional instability. Kudzu root, a staple in traditional Chinese medicine, is gaining recognition for its potential in combating alcohol cravings. Research indicates that it can significantly aid those struggling with alcohol addiction by reducing cravings and the quantity consumed.

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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. The participants reported their desire for and consumption of alcohol for the duration of the study. Researchers found that the kudzu extract had no effect on alcohol cravings, but it reduced the number of weekly alcoholic drinks by 34–57% (2). One small study looked at the effects of kudzu in 17 men ages 21–33 who reported drinking approximately 22–35 what is Oxford House drinks per week.

• Once I get started, I just don’t want to stop, and most of my drinking is done secretly.
• While kudzu can help you cut back on your drinking, if you believe that you’re alcohol-dependent or you’re struggling with addiction, you should talk to a professional.
• Consuming it in the form of tea, tinctures, or capsules enables easy integration into nighttime routines, supporting a more restorative sleep cycle essential for recovery.
• Kudzu is also known for its flower, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fever, headache, and other ailments.
• Its use in addiction treatment has roots in ancient herbal practices, where it was seen as a remedy for overconsumption of alcohol.
• It’s been used for health purposes in Traditional Chinese Medicine for a really long time.

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This herb targets the psychological aspects of addiction, which are often as challenging as physiologic dependencies. If a person wants to reduce their alcohol or tobacco intake, kudzu root is recommended because its active principles (daidzin, daidzein and puerarin) are effective in helping to combat desire to consume alcohol or nicotine. The antioxidants in kudzu, such as puerarin, help protect the liver from oxidative damage and enhance its ability to detoxify the body.

• Furthermore, kudzu root has demonstrated potential benefits for heart health, diabetes management, antioxidant protection, and alleviating menopausal symptoms.
• This herb targets the psychological aspects of addiction, which are often as challenging as physiologic dependencies.
• However, if you want to cut down on drinking or detoxify your body during alcohol withdrawal, this plant may be able to help.
• Still, I’m terrified and ashamed that I’m doomed to live out the rest of my life as a drunk, and worried about how this might affect my health and family.
• Increases in 5-HIAL have been shown to be correlated with decreased alcohol consumption in hamsters (Keung et al., 1995).
• The root in particular is valued for its medicinal properties, and the beneficial effects are thought be down to a group of compounds found in high concentrations within the plant, called isoflavones.

Preliminary research indicates that Kudzu might play a role in balancing cholesterol levels, potentially reducing the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) while maintaining or increasing the levels of good cholesterol (HDL). Heart health is at the epicenter of global health concerns, and any natural remedy that offers support in this realm is worth its weight in gold. Some studies had small sample sizes, which makes it challenging to generalize findings to larger populations.

They were required to come to the lab twice a week to provide urine, breath and blood samples to monitor drug use, alcohol drinking and liver function, respectively. Only one breath sample was positive for alcohol during all three phases of the study. The degree of reduction is often as high as 50% and the effects appeared within one to two days of treatment. Regardless of the actual mechanism of action, it is widely accepted that the isoflavones in kudzu are effective in reducing alcohol intake in a number of mammalian species. We previously demonstrated that short-term treatment with a standardized kudzu extract (NPI-031) reduced alcohol drinking by men and women in a natural setting.

• Something has to create a massive increase in sense of well-being to fit into this category.
• First, this method allowed us to assess sleep continuously for the entire 9-day treatment periods.
• Overstreet et al.’s (1998) study provides cursory evidence that a taste aversion mechanism is not likely.
• Let’s delve into the properties, benefits, and traditional uses of these herbs in supporting recovery processes.
• For targeting alcohol dependence, studies have used dosages of 1.2 grams of kudzu root extract per day over 1 week, or a single dose of 2 grams before drinking alcohol, without noted side effects (3, 19).

Alcohol can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, and kudzu can also have potential effects on the digestive system. A combination of alcohol while taking kudzu could increase your risk of side effects or GI discomfort. Kudzu extracts like kudzu root for alcohol cravings puerarin have been looked at for their potential to modulate the release of dopamine in certain brain regions. Some studies have found that the puerarin in kudzu does, in fact, influence dopamine release in some areas of the brain.

1 Alcohol Consumption

This population includes people with certain types of breast cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids. If you have such situations, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using kudzu. St. John’s Wort, renowned for its natural healing properties, plays a significant role in regulating neurotransmitter balance.

Kudzu, the medicinal plant for combating withdrawal symptoms.

For instance, it may reduce the effectiveness of birth control due to its estrogenic effects (8, 17). While kudzu root may offer a few specific benefits, there are also some potential downsides to consider. Some health companies sell the kudzu root species Pueraria mirifica as a supplement for menopausal and postmenopausal women. Dizziness A feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness may occur in some cases. It’s important to remember that side effects can vary from person to person.