It’s best to speak with your healthcare provider to determine whether kudzu root could interact with any medications you’re taking. Kudzu root may help treat alcohol dependence, liver damage, and menopausal symptoms. Scientists need to do more human studies to determine its effectiveness in other areas, like inflammation, heart health, and headaches. While scientists need to do more research on the health effects of kudzu, some studies suggest that kudzu root may have other health benefits worth considering. Another study found that people who took puerarin, an isoflavone extract from the kudzu plant, prior to drinking took longer to consume alcoholic https://ecosoberhouse.com/ beverages (3). Some studies have been done on d-phenylalanine, finding it improves alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Combining Supplements for Better Results
People who follow a ketogenic diet have noticed that addictive thoughts and cravings are less of an Drug rehabilitation issue. Both lorazepam and Librium are benzodiazepines, which are powerful sedatives. While these drugs must not be used long-term, they are useful for short-term detox treatment.
However, these sources will not give you enough to stop cravings that come on suddenly. People who use it to stop cravings often begin with 1,000 mg and take up to 2,000 mg or more per day until the cravings stop. In the absence of it, however, the brain will settle for the temporary satisfaction of a sugar high. The problem with relying on sugar to quench cravings is that sugar prompts the release of insulin, which robs the bloodstream of sugar and leads to escalating sugar and/or cravings. After reading this article, you’ll know how stop to cravings and start the process of body repair much quicker than I did. There is a study that claims KAP and the KARE protocol have achieved an 86% success rate in preventing alcohol relapses.
- Remember, natural remedies should be used as a complementary approach alongside other strategies, such as therapy, counseling, and lifestyle changes.
- Seventeen men (21–33 years) who reported drinking 27.6 ± 6.5 drinks/week with a diagnosis of alcohol abuse/dependence took either kudzu extract (250 mg isoflavones, t.i.d.) or matched placebo on a daily basis.
- Too much of any supplement—especially without medical supervision—can strain the liver or kidneys.
- The room contained a small sink with an under-the-counter refrigerator where the beverages (beer, juice, and water) were kept.
- People with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms that go beyond cravings can benefit from learning about kratom, phenibut, or .
Potential Health Benefits of Kudzu Root
Furthermore, kudzu root has demonstrated potential benefits for heart health, diabetes management, antioxidant protection, and alleviating menopausal symptoms. However, further research is necessary to fully comprehend the effects of kudzu on the body. Studies on the effectiveness of kudzu for alcoholism have shown mixed results. While some studies have shown promising results, others have found no significant difference between kudzu and a placebo.
Does The Urge To Drink Ever Go Away?
Kudzu root, also called Japanese arrowroot, is native to China, Japan, and Korea. Today, kudzu grows in other parts of the world as well, including in the southern United States. When recovering from alcohol addiction, fixing these nutrient deficiencies for your overall health is important. Some evidence suggests chromium may also help with mild mood imbalances, which can reduce the desire to self-medicate with alcohol. 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.
Is ketamine a natural remedy for alcohol withdrawal?
Doctors who oversee the medical detox process from excessive alcohol use typically prescribe medication and vitamins. Medical treatment helps to protect the patient and make the process more comfortable. As you may be aware, people who detox from alcohol addiction risk seizures, delirium tremens in addition to alcohol craving. Josh Lee is a clinician and researcher with a focus on medication-assisted treatment of alcohol and opioid use disorders. He has conducted multiple clinical trials examining the use of naltrexone in primary care and other community settings. As a practicing physician, Josh helps manage the NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue addiction medicine clinic in adult primary care.
Are You Drinking Too Much?
The root of the kudzu plant contains several bioactive compounds, including isoflavones like puerarin, daidzin, and daidzein. These compounds are believed to have medicinal properties that might influence alcohol metabolism and cravings. Kudzu is thought to help with anxiety because of its effects on GABA and its modulation of neurotransmitters. 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. If you can reduce anxiety in other ways, you might rely less on alcohol as a coping mechanism. The number of participants who drank each available beer during the 1.5 hour drinking session following administration of placebo or kudzu.
When Should Alcohol Withdrawal Be Treated by Medical Professionals?
Commonly referred to as the “drinking deterrent” or the “vine that quells the desire for alcohol,” kudzu has been investigated for its potential role in reducing alcohol intake. Herbal supplements may help to ease withdrawal symptoms, speed liver healing, and help to relieve alcohol cravings. Before taking them, consult a healthcare provider to prevent interactions with other medications.


I did not know at the time that people also use it to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms; nor did I care, because I did not intend to quit at the time. When given equal amounts of alcohol, kudzu- and placebo-treated individuals respond similarly (Penetar et al., 2011). In conclusion, quitting drinking naturally is a challenging but rewarding journey that requires dedication, commitment, and support. Kudzu, a vine native to Asia, has been studied for its potential to reduce alcohol cravings. It is believed to work by affecting the brain’s reward system, reducing the desire for alcohol consumption.

Kudzu root extract is now widely used in the United States as a natural remedy for alcoholism. Research suggests that acupuncture may help reduce alcohol cravings, relieve withdrawal symptoms, and support overall emotional well-being. It is thought to stimulate kudzu for alcohol cravings the release of endorphins, which can help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and depression – common triggers for alcohol use. Interestingly, Kudzu has also been studied for its potential in reducing alcohol cravings and dependence. Some research suggests that Kudzu may help individuals reduce their alcohol intake, making it a subject of interest in addiction treatment programs.
In fact, it leads to a deficiency in important compounds that this amino acid helps to produce. It is required to produce both GABA and glutamate, brain chemicals required to maintain a balance between feeling calm and energized. Heavy drinking causes an imbalance in these brain chemicals as well as a deficiency in blood levels. Research concentrates on led on creature models have given a few bits of knowledge into the expected effect of kudzu on liquor utilization. It has been hypothesized that kudzu extracts may speed up the body’s removal of ethanol by increasing the activity of enzymes involved in the breakdown of alcohol. This sped up digestion might actually lessen the compensating impacts of liquor and impact drinking patterns.