Kudzu is an invasive vine that natively grows in East Asia—especially China and Japan. While it’s primarily known as being an invasive plant, there are also parts of it, especially the root, that have been used for various purposes in traditional Chinese medicine. In traditional herbal medicine, kudzu root extract has been suggested to have potential health benefits for alcoholism, hangovers, and also menopause. Kudzu is a plant that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

Uses & Effectiveness

It is important to consult with healthcare professionals before making any marijuana addiction decisions about using kudzu supplements. Acamprosate is prescribed to people after they’ve quit drinking alcohol to help them maintain abstinence. The drug helps ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is common in those who struggle with alcohol. For this reason, people who drink heavily may benefit from magnesium supplements. In addition, magnesium may help treat depression, fatigue and stomach upset, which are common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

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• Any product carrying a THR mark can be relied upon to contain the amounts of herb/active ingredient as stated on the bottle.
• Kudzu root may help treat alcohol dependence, liver damage, and menopausal symptoms.
• This inhibition leads to an accumulation of acetaldehyde, which can cause unpleasant effects, potentially deterring further drinking.
• It is, therefore, thought not to make alcohol more dangerous – merely slow down our rate of drinking.

A total of 42 out of 532 data points in the kudzu extract group and 26 out of 357 data points in the placebo group were handled this way, corresponding to 7.9% and 7.3% of the data, respectively. The ActiWatch® Score device contains an accelerometer that was used to record sleep/wake activity. We have previously reported on the sleep/wake patterns of the participants in this study (Bracken et al., 2011). 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. Your brain may signal alcohol cravings as a way to seek the rewarding effects it can have.

Medication To Help With Alcohol Cravings

This anti-alcohol supplement contains a powerful blend of Milk Thistle kudzu for alcohol cravings Seed, St. Johns Wort, Passion Flower, Dandelion root, Chanca Piedra, and Hawthorn Berry. These ingredients work together to create a nutrient-rich profile that supports liver health and detoxification. Overall, we recommend VITINITY Anti Alcohol Drink Support Supplement to anyone looking for a supplement to support their alcohol-free goals. However, as with any supplement, it may not work for everyone, and it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements.

• In its raw form, kudzu root resembles other root tubers, such as potatoes or yams.
• Oar Health offers medication FDA-approved for the treatment of alcohol problems.
• This abundance of antioxidants makes it a promising natural remedy for those with liver issues or those looking to support their liver function.

Kudzu to Stop Drinking Urges—How Does It Work?

Participants were instructed to report when they consumed each drink, which was defined as a 12 oz can of beer, 5 oz glass of wine or 1.5 oz distilled spirits. When it comes to how to take kudzu root for alcohol use and cravings, the optimal dose hasn’t been established. In current research, doses of kudzu extract for issues related to alcohol have ranged from 300 mg to 2000 mg a day. It’s important to note that the standardized content of the important active compounds, primarily puerarin, varies among different products. Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter, and kudzu extract treatment is thought to influence the glutamatergic system, reducing the excitatory effects of alcohol withdrawal or cravings. Over time, if you regularly drink, you’re likely to develop a tolerance and need more alcohol to achieve the desired effects.

Since consuming alcohol while taking kudzu extract is not aversive, another explanation is necessary to account for the extremely fast onset of action observed in the present study. This was demonstrated in our previous study (Penetar et al., 2011) where pharmacokinetic parameters such as peak concentration and elimination time were not affected by kudzu. This interpretation of kudzu’s possible mechanism of action was also suggested by Wong et al. (2011) who postulated that kudzu alters peripheral and cerebral blood flow. Puerarin, one of the most abundant isoflavones in kudzu root extracts, is a known vasodilator and is approved for such use in China following coronary infarction and stroke (Wu et al., 2014). Research suggests that the isoflavones in kudzu may influence the brain’s reward system, making it less likely for individuals to consume excessive amounts of alcohol. However, individual responses may vary, and it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional when seeking help with alcohol dependence.

For targeting alcohol dependence, studies have used dosages of 1.2 grams of kudzu root extract per day over 1 week, or a single dose of 2 grams before drinking alcohol, without noted side effects (3, 19). In some instances, even a single dose of kudzu extract reduced alcohol consumption and prevented binge drinking (4, 5). One small study looked at the effects of kudzu in 17 men ages 21–33 who reported drinking approximately 22–35 drinks per week. The researchers gave participants either kudzu extract or a placebo every day for 4 weeks (2). While there is no cure for alcoholism, there are some natural remedies that can help mitigate the effects of alcohol on the body.

One Chinese herbal medicine, XJL (NPI-028), has long been used to reduce the inebriation that results from alcohol consumption. NPI-028 contains the extracts of several plants including Puerariae lobata (kudzu) and Citrus reticulata, which have long been used to lower intoxication (Sun, 600). Rooke et al., (2000) has suggested that puerarin may block biogenic amine metabolic pathways, resulting in an alteration in central reward pathways. In our most recent study (Penetar et al., 2011) we provided evidence that kudzu extract may alter blood ethanol levels after an acute drinking episode. In fact, we reported that kudzu extract did just that and interrupted binge drinking (Lukas et al., 2005). This profile differs somewhat from that of kudzu extract and may represent a novel herbal compound that may be a therapeutic candidate.

Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. By promoting more consistent sleep, melatonin can indirectly help curb late-night urges to drink. Kudzu’s antioxidants help reduce inflammation, which can benefit joint health and overall wellness. Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) is a climbing vine native to East Asia and has been a staple in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Historically, it was used to treat various ailments such as fever, muscle pain, and alcohol-related issues.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, this plant has cooling properties that balance the heat and false energy created by alcohol. However, if you want to cut down on drinking or detoxify your body during alcohol withdrawal, this plant may be able to help. According to a study conducted by Overstreet 6, kudzu extract has a mild anxiolytic that helps to reduce anxiety linked to the withdrawal from alcohol or tobacco. In addition to improving sleep, valerian root is effective in managing anxiety—a common challenge during recovery.