| The Medicinal Uses of Kudzu BY Pamela Nations-Weissman
The Kudzu plant has many medicinal properties and is
one of the earliest medicinal plants used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Kudzu contains two isofavones called daidzin and daidzein, which when taken
orally may reduce the cravings for alcohol by influencing areas of the
central nervous system that controls the desire for alcohol. Animals given
kudzu and alcohol had lower blood alcohol levels than animals given alcohol
alone and kudzu treated animals showed less interest in alcohol in general.
Another study showed that kudzu also protected the animal's liver cells from
being damaged from the alcohol. Scientists are still investigating whether
these effects apply to human beings as well as animals. Other medicinal uses
for kudzu include, influenza, cough, colds, tonsillitis, measles, fevers,
snake and insect bites, diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal ailments, enteritis,
constipation, removal of excess fluids from the body, digestive disorders,
bad breath, headaches, migraines, hangovers, sinus problems, anemia,
internal bleeding, thirst, hunger, lack of energy, sexual apathy, impotence,
infertility, asthma, diabetes (caution, can reduce blood sugar levels and
result in hypoglycemia when taken in large amounts), bronchitis, pneumonia,
muscle shrinking, dizziness, diaphoretic, strengthen the spleen, stomach and
intestines, as well as the entire immune system. In traditional Chinese
medicine kudzu has been used to relieve muscle pain. Animal studies and some
human case reports suggest that kudzu may have some anti-inflammatory
effects. Chemicals in kudzu may also lower the heart rate and regulate it's
rhythm, as well as widen the blood vessels near the heart and the brain.
This may support its uses in heart conditions and for the treatment of
migraine headaches. However, more research is still being done to prove or
disprove these potential uses. This brings me to the region of my report,
which has to do with kudzu's potential effect on migraine headaches. I
ordered some cut and sifted kudzu root through a reputable online source and
was able to put it to the test one evening when I was experiencing a
terrible migraine. My head hurt from the base of my neck and up and around
to just over my left eye. I was feeling nauseous and any kind of light or
noise made it much worse. I steeped the kudzu root in boiled water for about
ten minutes and them sipped two, six ounce cups of the brew. Although it
didn't completely get rid of my migraine, it did take the edge off and
enable me to relax and fall asleep. I'm not sure if I needed to drink more
of the tea, or if the leaves would have had a stronger effect on the
migraine. However, I am certain that the pain and the severity of the
migraine were lessened after drinking the kudzu root tea. If I ever
experience another migraine headache, I'll put Kudzu root to the test once
more, but for now I am happy to drink it simply for its system enhancing
properties.
Pamela Nations-Weissman
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Pamela Nations-Weissman
has a B.S. in Natural Health from the Clayton College of Natural Health
www.ccnh.edu and has worked with
Veterinarians in Colorado and New York City. Being part Cherokee, Pamela has
always had an affinity with nature and the healing properties of herbs. Her
interest began to blossom eleven years ago while living in Matilija Canyon
in Ojai, California when she started to pick indigenous herbs and hang them
to dry from the rafters of her house. Each year, at the onset of flu season,
she would use these herbs to boost the immune systems of family, friends and
neighbors, keeping them well through the winter. After moving from
California to New York City, Pamela';s connection to nature grew stronger.
Living in the concrete jungle made her aware of just how important the earth
was to her, so she decided to carry on the traditions of her ancestors by
dedicating her life to the study of natural health. In addition to being a
natural health practitioner, Pamela also maintains a full-time animal
wellness practice. After all, what are we without our precious four legged
friends? Her fields of expertise include: Ayurvedic medicine, Chinese
medicine, Native American herbology, Homeopathy, Nutritional Foods and
Supplements and Holistic wellness practices (such as exercise, yoga and
meditation). Pamela';s practice is located in Port Richey, Florida where she
lives with her husband, Richard, her dog Cypress and her cat Echo. Here she
enjoys a variety of wildlife and an overflowing abundance of nature.
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