Kudzu

Kudzu, scientific name Pueraria montana, is a plant of the Fabacee or Leguminosae family that includes also soy, beans, fava beans, peas and lentils. Native to Asia, it is used for cooking, in fact kudzu root powder works as thickener and gelling agent, but also as a natural remedy. Kudzu, in fact, contains isoflavones, natural compounds with a structure similar to human body estrogens, which help to soothe menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis, as reported in the study published in the Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal in 2013 by a group of Polish researchers. Kudzu therefore helps against flushes, anxiety, contributes to the remineralization of the bones and the well-being of the cardiovascular system, in fact isoflavones act also as antioxidants, avoiding that bad LDL cholesterol degrades and oxidizes, becoming even more dangerous. But the properties of kudzu do not stop here, this remedy has also digestive and anti-acid properties relieving gastric reflux, sour stomach and ulcer, has a beneficial and regulating effect on the intestinal activity by acting both in case of constipation and diarrhea, it soothes colon inflammations. Kudzu reduces stress related symptoms and allows a quick convalescence in case of tiredness. Finally, Harvard University researchers performed a study that demonstrated the ability of kudzu to counteract withdrawal symptoms in case of alcohol or tobacco addiction. You can also take kudzu as a supplement, in this case 1 capsule per day of dry extract titrated at 20% for one-month cycles. Take care if you are taking hormone treatment at the same time, avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding or if you are taking antidepressants.