Therefore, the half-life of this herb isn’t very relevant in practice. However before you hurry out to purchase kudzu extract, there’s a prickle in this specific story. Kudzu does not appear to modify the desire to consume https://ecosoberhouse.com/ alcohol. However, instead, it does seem to slightly reduce the speed at which you drink. They are proposing that after taking kudzu supplements individuals consume less alcohol, and practically without noticing at all.
While natural remedies like kudzu show promise, they are not a standalone solution. A comprehensive approach that includes medical supervision, counseling, and support is essential for addressing alcoholism effectively. Two hours before the first visit, we gave both sub-groups a pill – neither group knew whether they were getting the supplement or the placebo. When they visited the bar, beer, spirits and white wine were freely available. The amount of alcohol consumed was calculated for each group (1 unit per drink of beer or spirits, 1.6 units per glass of wine). Lukas recruited 14 men and women in their 20s to spend four 90-minute sessions consuming beer and watching TV.
Could a simple plant help us cut back?
Some medical scientists warn that chronic use of the root, especially during or shortly after drinking, may increase the risk of cancers. Findings show that subjects who took kudzu drank an average of 1.8 beers per session, compared with the 3.5 beers consumed by those who took a placebo. Today, kudzu is used to treat alcoholism and to reduce symptoms of alcohol hangover, including headache, upset stomach, dizziness, and vomiting. Because of this effect, kudzu might also be helpful for people who have quit drinking and want to make sure that a potential slip doesn’t become a full blown relapse. Taking kudzu would decrease the chance that a drink would turn into an endless parade of drinks. Of course, it’s up to the individual to ensure that he or she doesn’t use this as an excuse to fall off the wagon.
- No side effects or changes in vital signs, blood, renal or liver function were recorded.
- Another clue that can be an indication of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol is if you make “rules” around drinking.
During the baseline session, the placebo-randomized group consumed 2.7 ± 0.78 beers before treatment and increased consumption to 3.4 ± 1.1 beers after treatment. The kudzu group significantly reduced consumption from 3.0 ± 1.7 at baseline to 1.9 ± 1.3 beers after treatment. The placebo-treated group opened 33 beers during baseline conditions and 38 following treatment whereas the kudzu-treated group opened 32 beers during baseline conditions and only 21 following treatment. While kudzu root has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine, people most often use it to help treat alcohol dependence. It may also have other benefits, such as for menopausal symptoms.
My 2008 Experiment on Kudzu
After about a week I was surprised to notice I did not have the usual cravings for a drink and come to find out it was because of L-glutamine. It really does work and now I believe I have a chance to finally really heal my badly damaged insides. I’ve been supplementing with about 5 grams/day, plus probiotics, kudzu extract for alcoholism Collagen peptides, Zinc, Magnesium, & digestive enzymes. People with mild to moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms that go beyond alcohol cravings can benefit from learning about kratom, phenibut, or . This does not mean that L-glutamine is enough by itself to combat serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
It’s important to remember that side effects can vary from person to person. If you experience any adverse reactions while using kudzu, consult your healthcare provider promptly. The volunteers were all friends, and so were likely to enjoy a relaxed evening’s drinking. Sub-group B was composed of 4 work colleagues, 2 men and 2 women. “The most urgent need is helping people who cannot help themselves, who need a drug to help them stop drinking,” Keung said. Lukas’ study was inspired by Dr. Wing Ming Keung, a pathology professor at Harvard Medical School who has studied kudzu’s potential medical applications.
How much kudzu should you take?
Studies have shown that kudzu may work by increasing blood flow to the brain, reducing the desire to drink, and reducing the severity of hangovers. Scientists need to do more research on the safe and effective dosages of kudzu root for various uses. While kudzu root may offer a few specific benefits, there are also some potential downsides to consider.
- People who only drink occasionally probably won’t notice any physical or psychological symptoms.
- Another report suggests that taking kudzu root by mouth might cause liver damage.
- Our laboratory has been involved in assessing an extract of the kudzu root (Pueraria lobata) for its ability to reduce alcohol consumption in humans.
- Alcoholism is challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Therefore, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider before taking it. Some evidence suggests kudzu root may help with liver damage, while other preliminary evidence suggests it may cause liver injury in certain cases. Scientists need to do more research on the effects of kudzu root in humans to investigate these effects in the liver. Another study found that people who took puerarin, an isoflavone extract from the kudzu plant, prior to drinking took longer to consume alcoholic beverages (3). Furthermore, the men who took kudzu had fewer heavy drinking days per week and had significantly more consecutive days with no alcohol consumption (2). Whether you’re sober curious, know for sure you’re ready to quit, or fall somewhere in between, Dr. Streem shares advice for how to stop drinking.
Should I take vitamin supplements?
Next, Dr. Lee contacted researchers at the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies. He suggested that they test Kudzu to see if it would reduce alcohol consumption among their rats. I typically drink about a bottle of wine and one or two strong cocktails every evening. Once I get started, I just don’t want to stop, and most of my drinking is done secretly.
- The root contains isoflavones, a compound that has been shown to reduce alcohol consumption in rats.
- If you’re living with alcohol use disorder (also known as alcoholism), you’ll likely benefit from additional medical interventions.
- People have used it for many years in traditional Chinese medicine, and it resembles other root tubers, like yams.
- In a (double-blind) study carried out by David M Penetar and his colleagues4, the influence of kudzu on alcohol usage was tested in 20 men.