Adding ashwagandha to a supplement regimen can help blunt emotional triggers and provide a smoother transition Alcohol Use Disorder toward sobriety or moderation. While not a cure-all, kudzu has shown promise in clinical studies for reducing binge drinking and delaying the first drink. It may be especially helpful for those who experience impulsive drinking or social triggers. It’s often used in capsule or tincture form and may take a few weeks to show noticeable results. Changes in the activity of the D2 receptor pathways can impact the reinforcing effects of addictive substances.
Herbal Equilibrium
These herbal remedies have a long history of use for the treatment of alcoholism in Asian countries such as China and Korea. In addition to Kudzu and Hovenia, Salvia miltiorrhiza is another single herbal remedy for reducing cravings. Even for medical scientists who specialized in herbal medicines, it is difficult or impossible to correctly distinguish which component is responsible for any given effect and if the medicine works. The plant Hovenia has been used in traditional herbal medicine as a treatment for alcohol hangovers for hundreds of years.
- Following these precautions will help preserve the potency and effectiveness of Kudzu supplements.
- Kudzu root, derived from the kudzu vine (Pueraria lobata), is a cherished remedy in traditional Chinese medicine.
- The “natural approach” to menopause symptom relief works in a completely different way than many conventional medical solutions like synthetic hormone replacement and synthetic drugs.
- Alcohol and drugs can severely impact liver function, leading to complications that hinder recovery.
Herbs like chamomile kudzu for anxiety and lavender can aid in relaxation and anxiety relief, and Echinacea is often used to support the immune system during cold season. Additionally, turmeric contains curcumin, linked to anti-inflammatory benefits, and cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels. Incorporating a diverse range of herbs into one’s diet can contribute to overall health and well-being.
How to Use Kudzu for Alcoholism
This action not only improves liver health but also aids in overall metabolic efficiency, essential during recovery from substance dependency. Regular intake of milk thistle can lead to significant improvements in liver function, helping the body to manage and eliminate harmful substances more effectively. Rhodiola Rosea is well-regarded for its adaptogenic properties, enabling the body to resist stressors effectively. This herb helps to modulate the release of stress hormones like cortisol, allowing individuals undergoing the recovery process to achieve greater emotional balance. Its ability to enhance resilience against mental and physical fatigue makes it a popular choice among those seeking holistic support during times of stress.
Menopause Weight Loss Combo
The isoflavones in kudzu, particularly puerarin, act as phytoestrogens that can mimic estrogen effects. This may help relieve hot flashes, night sweats, and irritability during menopause. A small study in postmenopausal women found kudzu reduced the frequency of hot flashes (6).
- It encourages individuals to embrace change, appreciate the natural world, and recognize the profound interplay between humans and their environment.
- It’s touted for its potential ability to quell digestive disturbances and calm the nerves.
- Therefore, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider before taking it.
There are opinions that kudzu is a safer alternative than some of the leading anti-drinking medications, most of which have concerning side effects. 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. Isoflavones like daidzein and genistein appear to interact with GABA receptors involved in anxiety (15). And kudzu saponins increased serotonin levels in mouse studies, suggesting antidepressant-like effects that could help anxiety (16).
Top Supplements for Alcohol Cravings
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. Alcohol consumption is like other food culture; once an individual falls in love with alcohol, its consumption can be difficult to stop. In addition to the involvement of nervous system regulation, the changes in cognition caused by chronic alcohol consumption cannot be ignored. In mammals, alcohol acts on the CNS over time to enhance the excitatory NMDA signaling and discourage GABA signaling, inducing adaptation of GABAAR-mediated inhibition and a hyperexcitable nervous system. This hyperactive nervous system is dependent on the presence of alcohol; otherwise, the hyperactive state can lead to over-excitatory consequences such as seizures29.
Health Benefits of Kudzu Root
Kudzu root may help treat some of the https://brikanda.com/alcohol-and-diabetes-risks-and-effects/ most common menopausal complaints, including hot flashes and night sweats. Furthermore, the men who took kudzu had fewer heavy drinking days per week and had significantly more consecutive days with no alcohol consumption (2). Today, the most popular ways to use kudzu root are as an herbal supplement or a root tea.
Supporting Studies and Articles
- Some patients, however, will respond to self-administered disulfiram, especially if they are highly motivated to abstain.
- Considerable evidence indicates that GABAARs are the major target of EtOH in the CNS28,29,30,31,32.
- Modern research highlights kudzu’s possible roles in improving both physical and mental wellness.
- Isoflavones are known for their phytoestrogenic properties, and puerarin, in particular, is believed to support thyroid health.
- Rhodiola Rosea stands out among these powerful herbs for its unique ability to support mental well-being, particularly in the context of recovery.
- Originating in East Asia, kudzu root is now gaining popularity around the world.
In this article, we review the role of GABAA receptors in the treatment of AUD and currently available and potentially novel pharmacological agents. Kudzu root extract comes from the kudzu plant, a vine native to Asia that is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Recently, kudzu has gained popularity in the West for its potential health benefits.
Uses & Effectiveness
In addition to using it to reduce alcohol cravings, some people believe kudzu helps with hangovers. One reason that people feel it helps with hangovers is because it may influence the metabolism of alcohol. 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. When it comes to how to take kudzu for alcohol cravings or alcohol abuse, we’ve briefly touched on its mechanism of action.
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