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.

With that, some have also incorporated kudzu for alcoholism. It’s a natural ingredient that contains anti-drinking properties. On top of that, it may help with the effects of alcohol withdrawal.

What is Kudzu?

Kudzu is a climbing, semi-woody, perennial vine found in Asian countries, such as China and Japan. The roots, leaves, and flowers are edible and are either eaten whole, thrown into salads, or put into soups.

The roots have gluten-free starch which is great for keto recipes. However, the vines of the kudzu plant are not edible. ¹

When consumed, the kudzu plant is a great source of minerals, such as iron, sodium, and calcium. Kudzu contains isoflavones, which are like estrogen and have links to decreasing menopause symptoms. It also aids headaches, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, which are common side effects of alcohol withdrawal. ²

Can You Use Kudzu for Alcoholism?

There may be benefits of using kudzu for alcoholism. More specifically, some have claimed kudzu provides great relief from the side effects of cyclical overdrinking. Such side effects that kudzu gives relief to are the hangover effects, a common affliction in people who struggle with alcohol addiction.

Those who have tried kudzu have stated that they saw a decrease in the severity of:

• Gastrointestinal pains
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting

They have also claimed that kudzu causes a decrease in their urge to drink. There are opinions that kudzu is a safer alternative than some of the leading anti-drinking medications, most of which have concerning side effects.

What Does the Research Say?

Here is some of the most significant research when it comes to kudzu for alcoholism:

• In one study, there was a 50-60% reduction in alcohol consumption in rats that were given a dose of kudzu extract. It was discovered that the isoflavones in the kudzu root extract suppressed alcohol drinking and withdrawal symptoms. ³

• A study done at Harvard showed that a single dose of kudzu extract reduced alcohol consumption in those who self-identified as binge drinkers. The study provided a single 2-gram dose of Kudzu two and half hours before a 90-minute afternoon drinking session. Those who had been treated with the kudzu dosing reported significantly reduced consumption and urges to drink, at 32 beers during baseline conditions and only 21 following treatment. They concluded that the kudzu extract may be a safe and effective adjunctive pharmacotherapy for alcohol abuse and dependence. ⁴

• In a journal of medical research on the phytotherapy of alcoholism, it was found that kudzu “significantly delays the metabolism of alcohol.” Simultaneously, it relieves side effects like headaches, nausea, or dizziness. ⁵

How to Use Kudzu for Alcoholism

While kudzu has become popular, there’s uncertainty about the exact dosage, regularity of use, and overall safety. For this reason, we’ve placed together a little guide to help identify these areas:

Kudzu Dosage Recommendation

The research concludes that 1.5 to 3 grams of kudzu extract should be taken three times per day throughout one to four weeks for alcoholism improvement.

A single dose of 2 grams has also been taken before a drinking episode and has shown mild to moderate improvement in binge drinkers.

Kudzu Side Effects and Risks

While kudzu may help improve symptoms, it also comes with its own set of side effects. Most notably, those who use kudzu over a long-term period may develop liver injury and kidney problems.

Kudzu has also shown negative interactions with certain medications, including antidiabetics and specific chemotherapies. Its use is not advisable for those with weak immune systems and those undergoing cancer treatment. ⁶

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Kudzu for Alcoholism Reviews

It’s difficult to determine which company sells the highest quality kudzu. With so much competition comes many low-quality products. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best companies to buy kudzu from:

Nature’s Way offers Kudzu herb capsules in 613mg (per capsule). A daily dose is two capsules, taken once daily, amounting to 1226mg. Each capsule also contains other ingredients from the root of the kudzu.

As for kudzu extracts, Planetary Herbals offers the following:

• Full Spectrum Kudzu Root Extract is a kudzu root extract in high-quality tablets. Taken to help with the complications that come with drinking, the pills provide 40% isoflavones blended with pure root to optimize the beneficial effects of the plant.

• Kudzu Recovery is an anti-drinking and liver support supplement. It’s made in 750mg doses meant to be taken twice daily.

• Well Child Immunity Support Chewable is an immunity-boosting multivitamin delivered in a kid-friendly chewable form. It helps to mobilize and maintain immune defenses by blending key ingredients, including kudzu root extract.

Samsara offers kudzu extract in grounded and condensed powder which they sell in pouches. Samsara has two products that include kudzu root in them:

• One is a basic powder form of kudzu root in a 4 oz pouch. The serving suggestion is a scoop of powder that roughly equates to 2500mg. For the best results, mix the powder into water, juice, or smoothies.

• The other is also a 4 oz pouch but also incorporates other key extracts. Samsara’s Herba-V Immune is a blend of 18 different natural extracts, combined to help with immunity. It provides a boost during times of weakened immune systems while also supporting respiratory response.

For kudzu extract, Swanson Superior Herbs offers its own blend. It comes in a dosage of 500mg in 60 vegetable capsules.

Under their own label, Vitacost provides a kudzu root extract available in 1200mg capsules. The serving suggestion is two 1200mg tablets taken twice daily, once in the morning and once at night.

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References

¹ Wong KH, Li GQ, Li KM, Razmovski-Naumovski V, Chan K. Kudzu root: traditional uses and potential medicinal benefits in diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Apr 12;134(3):584-607. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.02.001. Epub 2011 Feb 18. PMID: 21315814.

² Penetar DM, Maclean RR, McNeil JF, Lukas SE. Kudzu extract treatment does not increase the intoxicating effects of acute alcohol in human volunteers. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2011 Apr;35(4):726-34. doi: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2010.01390.x. Epub 2011 Jan 18. PMID: 21244439; PMCID: PMC3074930.

³ Benlhabib E, Baker JI, Keyler DE, Singh AK. Kudzu root extract suppresses voluntary alcohol intake and alcohol withdrawal symptoms in P rats receiving free access to water and alcohol. J Med Food. 2004 Summer;7(2):168-79. doi: 10.1089/1096620041224210. PMID: 15298764.

⁴ Penetar DM, Toto LH, Lee DY, Lukas SE. A single dose of kudzu extract reduces alcohol consumption in a binge drinking paradigm. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2015 Aug 1;153:194-200. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.05.025. Epub 2015 May 27. PMID: 26048637; PMCID: PMC4510012.

⁵ Tomczyk M, Zovko-Koncić M, Chrostek L. Phytotherapy of alcoholism. Nat Prod Commun. 2012 Feb;7(2):273-80. PMID: 22474979.

⁶ Wang D, Qiu L, Wu X, Wei H, Xu F. Evaluation of kudzu root extract-induced hepatotoxicity. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Dec 24;176:321-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.11.005. Epub 2015 Nov 9. PMID: 26545459.