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KUDZU
Pueraria lobata
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Substance abuse (alcohol, nicotine), migraine, hypertension (high blood pressure) stiffness of neck and shoiulder, allergies, angina, various stress symptoms ...
Description
Composition :
100% Pueraria lobata radix - 450 mg
Part used :
Root
Kudzu (Pueraria lobata), aka Japanese Arrowroot, is a plant in the pea family (Fabaceae), native to East Asia, southeast Asia and some Pacific Islands. It is considered a invasive plant, as it climbs over trees and shrubs and grows so quickly that it often kills them by heavy shading. The name stems from the japanese word for ‘vine’ (kuzu). The roots can grow 2 meters (6ft) long and 10 – 20 cm (4-8in) thick, sometimes weighing in at 150 kilos (300 lbs). The roots grow some 30 stolons, or runners (sprouts) with pretty and aromatic, blue and purple flowers and in turn form new rhizomes (roots). The plant spreads by way of seeds which are contained in pod clusters at the stems. The alternating, trifoliate leaves are hairy on the bottom, growing on long stems which can grow 30 cm (12in) daily, adding 20 meters (60ft) in length in one single season. Once single stems begin to braid, they may lift up and climb to heights of 30 meters (90ft).
In most asian cultures, Kudzu has been used in food preparation for well over 1300 years. The fleshy roots are dried and powdered and used as a starchy binding agent in a variety of foods. The frsh leaves are used in salads.
Kudzu contains a number of beneficial isoflavanoids, including daidzeine (a substance which has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties and may prevent cancer growth) and genisteine (a phytohormone which used in prevention of Leukemia). Both substances may be helpful in treating (reducing) addictive behaviour (e.g. abuse of alcohol, nicotine) by activating (prodcution of) enzymes which decompose toxic substances like alcohol and nicotine. As a side effect, they also reduce craving for cigarettes (nicotine).
The unique and quick-acting medicinal benefits of Kudzu were confirmed in studies conducted at US universities (e.g. North Carolina, Harvard/Dr. Wing Ming Keung) which showed not only a complete remission of the cravings, but also a significant improvement of affected organs. None of the over 300 patients in one study complained about withdrawal symptoms or side effects. This is a amazing observation considering that, in the case of sudden nicotine withdrawal (where so called nicotine receptors remain vacant), patients usually suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms like aggression, nervousness and increased cravings. Isoflavanoids contained in Kudzu root appear to occupy these receptors and act as a quasi-replacement for nicotine. Kudzu is therefore a valuable alternative to nicotine patches, chewing gums and sprays; in addition, Kudzu root reduces blood pressure, improves blood flow (in the extremities and in the brain) and, as a source of puerarin, promotes production of serotonin (which inhibits dopamin and noradrenalin in certain areas of the brain).
Kudzu has also been shown to help in treatment of PMS and migraine (documented success rate of 75%). In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Kudzu is considered one of 50 basic medicinal herbs and typically used for treatment of tinnitus, nausea and alcohol abuse.
History: At the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Kudzu was introduced as a decorative shading plant (by Japan) and until the 1930 recommended as a forage plant and as feed for lifestock. Today, Kudzu covers an estimated 7 million acres across the southern United States and is considered to be the most wide-spread invasive species, costing hundreds of millions of dollars in eradication, control, and financial loss to crops and forests. Yet, even so, it has become inextricably identified with the southern landscape.
Note: Do not use during pregnancy and lactation. Not recommended for patients with Yin deficiency and excess heat (associated with low blood pressure and rapid heart beat).
Counterindications: In general, Kudzu is safe with long-term treatments and does not produce any side effects. However, it is counterindicated with use of Methotrexate and Psilocybin (drugs for treatment of cancer and auto-immune disorders).
Dosage
Take 1-2 capsules 2-3 times daily.