Kudzu root: A folk remedy that clears heat and relieves hangovers

Kudzu root: A folk remedy that clears heat and relieves hangovers

Dr. Ngo Duc Phuong, Director of the Institute of Southern Herbal Medicine, noted that kudzu is a climbing plant scientifically known as Pueraria lobata, belonging to the legume family (Fabaceae), widely grown across many regions of Vietnam for both food and medicine.

Not only the tubers, but almost all parts of the kudzu vine can be used in traditional medicine. However, the most valued part is the kudzu root tuber. Tubers are usually harvested in winter - spring, when the active compound content reaches its peak. After being dug up, the tubers are washed clean of soil and sand, peeled, cut into chunks or sliced, and then sun-dried or heat-dried. In traditional Chinese medicine, this part is known as Ge Gen (cat can).

“In terms of nutritional composition and medicinal properties, kudzu root contains large amounts of easily digestible starch along with many isoflavones such as puerarin, daidzein, daidzin… Modern research shows that these compounds have antioxidant, vasodilatory and fever-reducing effects, and support the body's metabolic processes,” said Dr. Phuong.

According to traditional medicine, kudzu root has a sweet taste and cool nature, and is commonly used to clear heat, quench thirst, and relieve internal heat and dryness—symptoms often experienced during the summer or after consuming spicy, protein-rich foods. Additionally, kudzu root supports digestion, soothes the intestines, and helps alleviate bloating and discomfort.

In particular, kudzu is widely known for helping relieve hangovers. Thanks to its ability to reduce body temperature, dilate blood vessels and promote metabolism, this root helps ease fatigue, headaches and dry mouth after drinking beer or other alcoholic beverages, especially during lengthy gatherings and celebrations.

People can use kudzu in various ways, such as juicing it, chewing the fresh root directly, or combining it with other vegetables and tubers to increase its effectiveness. Among these, fresh kudzu root and lotus root juice can be prepared using equal parts of each, pressed for juice. This juice blend is suitable for people suffering from subcutaneous hemorrhage, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, bleeding gums, or hematuria and hematochezia.

Who should avoid eating or exercise caution

Kudzu root is considered gentle and safe; however, according to Dr. Phuong, there are 3 groups of people who should use it with caution:

- People with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, frequent cold stomach, or diarrhea: Kudzu root is cooling in nature and can easily cause bloating and diarrhea.

- Pregnant women, especially during the first trimester: This group should not consume kudzu root frequently or in high doses due to its biologically active isoflavones.

- People who are fatigued, catching a cold, or sensitive to cold: Using raw kudzu root can worsen symptoms for these individuals.