Even though Kudzu grows very fast, you will still how to use kudzu for alcoholism need to allow the pasture to recover from time to time if you have cattle grazing on it. During that time, you will still have to be careful about controlling the spread of Kudzu to other areas. Never forget that Kudzu is now considered an invasive species, so even if cows can do a good job of consuming it, that does not mean you can avoid paying careful attention to where the seeds and vines go.
- It’s best to speak with your healthcare provider to determine whether kudzu root could interact with any medications you’re taking.
- These could be attributed to the vasodilatory and antioxidant effects of kudzu.
- Data from the actiwatch device was the primary source for all analyses while the daily diary served as a back up to verify daily totals and in case of equipment failure.
- I’ve been supplementing with about 5 grams/day, plus probiotics, Collagen peptides, Zinc, Magnesium, & digestive enzymes.
Plants That Attract Flocks of Birds to Your Garden
Kudzu is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat alcoholism. While it may not be as effective as some prescription medications, it can still be a helpful addition to a comprehensive treatment plan for alcoholism. Reach out to healthcare providers, counselors, and support groups to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs. Remember that every individual’s journey to recovery is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. For those seeking help with alcohol addiction, drug addiction treatment valuable resources are available online. One such resource is AlcoholAwareness.org, which offers a wealth of information, support, and guidance for individuals and their families dealing with alcoholism.
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- We recently demonstrated that kudzu extract does not potentiate the intoxicating effects of alcohol (Penetar et al., 2010) and it does not interfere with sleep wake activity (Bracken et al., 2011).
- Kudzu also increases heart rate and opens up blood vessels, so it possibly allows alcohol to course more readily around the body.
- This reduced anxiety can be another reason that it helps reduce cravings and drinking—drinking alcohol is often linked to a desire to self-medicate anxiety.
There’s also evidence to suggest that kudzu extracts may help improve hydration, and dehydration tends to be one of the big contributors to the symptoms of a hangover. The anti-inflammatory properties may alleviate some hangover symptoms as well, many of which are due to inflammation related to alcohol use. When you drink, as mentioned, it affects your neurotransmitter systems, including dopamine. Chronic use of alcohol can lead to changes in the neurotransmitter systems, creating dependence on alcohol so that neurotransmitters related to pleasure are released.
Can you be ‘fat’ and still healthy?
More than a few homesteaders find themselves in a position where they need to purchase hay and other foods for cattle, sheep, and goats. Some individuals that raise these animals have noted that baled Kudzu vines is a good bit cheaper. Kudzu is similar to grass in the sense that humans cannot digest the cellulose in these plants, but cattle, sheep, and goats can. Fortunately, Kudzu is safe for these animals to consume, and also has a lower risk of causing bloat in cattle than alfalfa.
What is Kudzu Root?
However, more research is needed to determine its long-term effectiveness in promoting alcoholism recovery. Kudzu can be taken in conjunction with other medications for alcoholism, but it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before combining treatments. Kudzu may interact with certain medications, such as benzodiazepines, and can cause adverse effects. Kudzu root may also be helpful for women experiencing menopausal symptoms. Research has found that kudzu can help reduce hot flashes and night sweats, as well as improve sleep quality.
The researchers gave participants either kudzu extract or a placebo every day for 4 weeks (2). Kudzu contains isoflavones, which is part of why it potentially reduces alcohol consumption. Studies have looked at the benefits of kudzu extracts for managing menopause symptoms like mood swings and hot flashes. Kudzu is an invasive vine that natively grows in East Asia—especially China and Japan.
- Just be sure that the plant material is thoroughly decayed before adding it to the garden.
- In recent years, it has gained attention for its potential use in treating alcoholism.
- As expected, I didn’t really feel anything after taking it until I began drinking.
- Umeboshi plum is very alkaline and helps neutralize excessive stomach acid.
- It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article.
- Of course, it’s up to the individual to ensure that he or she doesn’t use this as an excuse to fall off the wagon.
Two hours before the first visit, we gave both sub-groups a pill – neither group knew whether they were getting the supplement or the placebo. When they visited the bar, beer, spirits and white wine were freely available. The amount of alcohol consumed was calculated for each group (1 unit per drink of beer or spirits, 1.6 units per glass of wine). If you struggle with alcoholism (or another substance use disorder), you may currently be on the path to treatment. While this traditionally looks like therapies, medication, and other programs, some seek natural alternatives.