Did you know that 56% of adults age 18–44, are current regular drinkers, and thirty percent of current drinkers report drinking excessively? (Naimi et al., 2003; Schiller et al., 2012). Although drinking alcohol is very normalized in our society, alcohol can be toxic to the body especially when abused. In 2013, one study asserted that consuming excessive alcohol is actual the leading cause of illness worldwide, (Shield et al., 2013). Generally, when we think about seeking help or rehabilitation from excessive drinking we do not immediately think of herbs or supplements. However, amazingly enough, the Japanese herb kudzu has been used to treat drunkenness and alcoholism since 600 A.D. and has modern day research to back up its’ effectiveness.
So what is kudzu? Kudzu, also known as Japanese arrowroot is a plant native to Eastern and Southeast Asia characterized by coiling, climbing, perennial vines. Where it grows wild it is considered a weed because of its’ rapid growth rate and ability to cover trees and shrubs quickly. Kudzu was introduced to North America in 1876 to help with soil erosion, but it’s root, flower, and leaf can actually be used to make medicine. Kudzu can be used to treat excessive alcohol binge drinking, dependence, or alcoholism, along with helping to reduce common symptoms of a hangover like headaches, vomiting, or dizziness, (WebMD.com, 2018). In addition to assisting with alcohol related issues, kudzy can be used for heart or circulatory problems, chest pain, upper respiratory problems, along with skin issues such as rash or psoriasis, (WebMD.com, 2018).
There are several research studies that have been conducted that offer evidence that kudzu is an herbal remedy that should be considered when working to treat alcohol dependence. In a Harvard Medical School study, kudzu was found to decrease the desire to consume alcohol pretty rapidly; within 90 minutes of taking 1,000 mg kudzu extract capsules three times daily. Another study, conducted on 17 men who were diagnosed with alcohol dependence showed a 34-57% reduction in drinking with kudzu treatment, with effects observable by the second week of the study. “Kudzu also doubled the number of consecutive days of abstinence,” (Lukas, S., et al, 2013). In another study, “heavy” alcohol drinkers, both male and female, were treated with either placebo or a kudzu extract for 7 days and then given an opportunity to drink their preferred brand of beer. Those who received kudzu extract, had a significant reduction in number of beers they consumed, (Lukas, S. et al, 2005). Related to binge drinking, one study involving 20 individuals who consumed 15 drinks per week or had 2 or more binge drinking episodes per week were treated with 2g of kudzu extract 2.5 hours before drinking and their drinking almost reduced by half. “In Kudzu group the consumption reduced from 3.0 to 1.9 beers approximately,” (Penetar, D.M. et al, 2015).
Although more research from wider samples may be needed to verify the complete efficacy of kudzu, it’s clear that there are benefits to considering kudzu as part of alcohol dependence or binge drinking treatment. Some advantages that treating with kudzu may have include low incidence of any side effects, a milder more natural alternative to harsher medications, and it tends to produce results within a short timeframe which helps to keep motivation high during the recovery process, (Lukas, S. et al, 2013). When utilizing kudzu as treatment for alcohol dependence, the extract is generally used up to 1,000 mg three times daily for results. As with all interventions, it’s important to consult with a practitioner and address other aspects of health or nutrition to bring the body and cravings into balance. Within alcohol dependence, working with a support group or therapist can provide additional support to ensure a full and long term recovery. -XO Raw Girl
References:
Lukas, S. E., Penetar, D., Su, Z., Geaghan, T., Maywalt, M., Tracy, M., … Lee, D. Y.-W. (2013). A Standardized Kudzu Extract (NPI-031) Reduces Alcohol Consumption in Non Treatment-Seeking Male Heavy Drinkers. Psychopharmacology, 226(1), 65–73. http://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-012-2884-9
Lukas, S. E., Penetar, D., Berko, J., Vicens, L., Palmer, C., Mallya, G., . . . Lee, D. Y. (2005). An Extract of the Chinese Herbal Root Kudzu Reduces Alcohol Drinking by Heavy Drinkers in a Naturalistic Setting. Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, 29(5), 756-762. doi:10.1097/01.alc.0000163499.64347.92
Naimi TS, Brewer RD, Mokdad A, Denny C, Serdula MK, Marks JS. Binge drinking among US adults. J. Am. Med. Assoc. 2003;289:70–75.
Penetar, D. M., Toto, L. H., Lee, D. Y.-W., & Lukas, S. E. (2015). A Single Dose of Kudzu Extract Reduces Alcohol Consumption in a Binge Drinking Paradigm. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 153, 194–200. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.05.025
Schiller JS, Lucas JW, Ward BW, Peregoy JA. Summary health statistics for U.S. adults: National Health Interview Survey 2010. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat. 2012;10(252)
Shield KD, Rylett M, Gmel G, Kehoe-Chan TA, Rehm J. Global alcohol exposure estimates by country, territory and region for 2005–a contribution to the Comparative Risk Assessment for the 2010 Global Burden of Disease Study. Addiction. 2013;108:912–922.
Sun S-M. Beiji-Quianjin-Yaofang. circa 600 AD.
WebMD.com. (n.d.). KUDZU: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings. Retrieved March 07, 2018, from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-750-kudzu.aspx?activeingredientid=750&activeingredientname=kudzu
I’ll kudzu to that!
LOL 🙂