The absence of standardized dosages and recommended administration methods for kudzu necessitates expert guidance. Your healthcare provider can help determine the most suitable approach based on your unique circumstances. The ability of puerarin and related isoflavones to facilitate alcohol’s entry into the brain has not been systematically studied. For this mechanism to be plausible, the more rapid penetration of alcohol into the brain would have to trigger a satiety mechanism rather quickly such that the desire for the next drink is delayed—thus interrupting a binge episode. This is precisely what was observed in the present study as kudzu’s effects were evident after a single dose within a few hours of administration.
Get Help for Alcoholism Today
Participants were instructed to always keep the beer glass on the table except when taking a sip. The scale was connected to a computer in an adjacent room that ran a customized program that sampled the scale at 5 Hz and detected any weight changes that exceeded 1 gm. Additional details and photos of the device can be found in Lukas et al. (2005).
Join Our 6-Month Flagship Program – Proven Science-Backed Method For Quitting Drinking Comfortably:
Therefore, you must take it for at least 2-4 weeks to notice most of the benefits. But again, cycling the herb and not taking it at least twice a week is necessary to prevent tolerance in the long term. There is also good evidence that drinking clear spirits reduces the severity of hangovers.
2 Behavioral and Subjective Effects
The subjects were people taking the extract and those taking a placebo. As a result, the researchers gave compounds from Kudzu root kudzu and alcohol to the special lab rats. The investigators found that the compounds reduced the rats’ alcohol intake.
Get Your Free Ebook – Drinking Sucks! Dominate Alcohol, Get Fit, Be Happy, By Chris Scott:
Next, alcoholism symptoms Dr. Lee contacted researchers at the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies. He suggested that they test Kudzu to see if it would reduce alcohol consumption among their rats. A growing number of double-blind, peer-reviewed studies have confirmed the effectiveness of using kudzu for alcoholism. Early research focused on rats with good results, which were later replicated with human subjects. Taking kudzu will not turn an alcoholic into a nondrinker overnight.
- Herbal extracts also tend to be cheaper than unextracted powders in many cases.
- In conclusion, while kudzu shows promise as a natural remedy for alcoholism, more rigorous clinical studies are needed to determine its effectiveness.
- Keep this herb or herbal supplement in a cold, dark, and dry place and it should remain just as potent for many months or even years.
- According to traditional Chinese medicine, this plant has cooling properties that balance the heat and false energy created by alcohol.
- To increase the chance of a successful recovery and life of sobriety it is important to receive guidance from a reliable source.
- My problem at the time was a denial of the severity of my drinking problem.
- However, most of the effects of this herb are cumulative, so they mostly happen in the long term rather than acutely.
- The information we provide while responding to comments is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice.
- The investigator speculated that Kudzu increases blood alcohol concentration.
- Therefore, you must take it for at least 2-4 weeks to notice most of the benefits.
- It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking kudzu, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.
My problem at the time was a denial of the severity of my drinking problem. Kudzu did what it was supposed to do – it curbed my drinking noticeably. But as soon as the capsules ran out, I concluded that it hadn’t totally “cured” my problem and that I would eventually find something better. AlcoholAwareness.org provides a platform where you can access various free resources, including articles, self-assessment tools, and information about local support groups and treatment centers.
More specifically, some have claimed kudzu provides great relief from the side effects of cyclical overdrinking. Such side effects that kudzu gives relief to are the hangover effects, a common affliction in people who struggle with alcohol addiction. When alcohol is consumed, kudzu may reduce the time it takes for it to travel to the brain.
Lukas and Lee hold a patent for kudzu extract to treat alcohol abuse and dependence. McLean Hospital has licensed the production of kudzu extract (NPI-031) to Natural Pharmacia International (NPI), Inc. that markets it as Alkontrol-Herbal™. Kudzu is also known for its flower, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fever, headache, and other ailments. The arrowroot starch derived from the Kudzu plant is also used in cooking as a thickener.
The Study: Kudzu Extract’s Impact on Alcohol Consumption
- Its centuries-old use in herbal medicine and modern scientific backing make it a game-changer in the fight against excessive alcohol use.
- He worked for many years in mental health and substance abuse facilities in Florida, as well as in home health (medical and psychiatric), and took care of people with medical and addictions problems at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.
- The responses to comments on fitrecovery.com are designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment.
- This study provides additional evidence that an extract of the kudzu root significantly reduces alcohol consumption by human participants and confirms that this botanical medication may be a safe and effective adjunct pharmacotherapy for treating alcohol use disorders.
- Taking this plant would decrease the chance that a drink would turn into an endless parade of drinks.
- This herb should not become harmful once it exceeds the expiration date, but it can lose potency over time.
These resources can be instrumental in guiding you toward effective strategies for overcoming alcoholism. 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. If you experience any adverse reactions while using kudzu, consult your healthcare provider promptly. This is because isoflavones can help dilate blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow. Kudzu may also help reduce the risk of blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with KUDZU
The information on this site should not be taken as medical advice nor are any of the staff affiliated with a medical organization. Kudzu was introduced to the United States in the late 19th century, and can now be found covering millions of acres across the United States. It is often sprayed with herbicide, so unfortunately your best bet for organic kudzu is a store or the Internet. Dry Mouth Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, can occur as a side effect of kudzu use.