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The kuzu, also called in many countries kudzu, is a food and a natural remedy originating from traditional Chinese medicine, where it is known as gé gēn and it is one of its most fundamental plants. In fact, its use has proven to have a multitude of beneficial properties, especially in the treatment of withdrawal syndromes, such as addictions to alcohol and tobacco, anxiety and intestinal disorders, among other aspects.
If you want to learn more about what kuzu is and what it is for, join us in this Green Ecologist article in which we talk about the Kuzu properties, its benefits and how to take it.
What is kuzu
The word kuzu or kudzu is actually used both to designate the product used in the traditional oriental or chinese medicine and in the chinese and japanese cuisine, like the plant from which it is extracted, the Pueraria rode var. lobata.
The Pueraria lobata It is a plant of the Fabaceae family, whose roots, which are the part that is dried and ground to make kuzu, can reach a depth of up to 2 meters in the ground. It is a markedly invasive species, as it spreads very quickly and kills other plants by depriving them of light. In fact, it is on the list of the 100 most harmful invasive alien species in the world. However, this does not prevent it from being cultivated and used in a controlled and beneficial way.
Properties and benefits of kuzu
These are the main properties and benefits of kuzu or kudzu:
- Kuzu has a multitude of beneficial properties, but the most notable of them is its high content of isoflavones, specifically puerarin. Thanks to these, it is an excellent intestinal regulator, which helps regenerate the intestinal flora and take care of the intestines. Whether you suffer from constipation or diarrhea or other disorders of this type, the consumption of kuzu can help combat the problem.
- Also thanks to isoflavones, it has also been traditionally used to alleviate the effects of menopause and to regulate some menstrual problems, since it stimulates estrogenic activity.
- In addition, it is also proven effective against cluster headaches, migraines, dizziness and headaches, as well as to improve tinnitus.
- In the East it has been commonly used to reduce alcohol consumption and even to treat hangovers, although in the latter case it is discouraged due to the accumulation of acetaldehyde it causes, and it can also be used to treat tobacco addiction.
- It is an alkaline and very energetic food, capable of providing vigor and vitality in cases of fatigue or chronic tiredness.
- Thanks to its high content of daidzein, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, it is also helpful in cases of fever and flu states, helping to fight the disease and partially alleviating its symptoms.
- Finally, it is also very useful as an anxiolytic, with marked relaxing effects and suitable against nervous insomnia.
How to take kuzu
How do you take kuzu? When purchased in capsule form, it is usual to take one capsule three times a day, approximately every 8 hours, maximum. It is also possible to purchase it in the form of pressed or powdered tablets, most commonly used in cooking for soups and stews.
To do the kudzu mix follow these steps:
- Pick up the powder or crush a pill into powder.
- A small spoonful per half a cup of water is enough, and the ideal is to first add the powder and then slowly add the water while stirring, thus avoiding lumps from forming in the starch.
- After mixing it well, put it on the fire and put it to boil for about two minutes, over low heat, until it gains thickness, at which point it can be drunk. Taken like this, the recommended daily dose of kuzu It is between two and three times a day, being very appropriate that the first of them be fasting, especially in case of intestinal problems.
Culinarily, recipes with kuzu they are normally thick soups and broths, as well as being commonly used in tempura. In Japan it is very common to take it together with umeboshi, a type of pickled plum from Japanese cuisine. Here you can discover the Japanese plum or umeboshi, its properties, benefits, how to take it and contraindications.
Kuzu contraindications
Despite its beneficial properties, there are cases in which the consumption of this food from the root of a plant is not recommended. These are the main contraindications of kudzu or kuzu:
- As mentioned above, despite some customs, it is advisable to avoid kuzu for the treatment of hangovers, since it causes the accumulation of acetaldehyde that can be harmful.
- People who suffer from hormone-sensitive cancer, such as breast, prostate or ovarian cancer, should also avoid this product due to its activity in estrogens.
- Neither is its intake recommended for diabetics, as it can cause problems with those with difficulties to generate insulin since it can cause glycemic peaks.
- Those who are taking drugs with anticoagulant effects, such as aspirin, should also avoid the consumption of kuzu, as well as pregnant or lactating women, as occurs with many other substances.
- In the same way, women on hormonal contraceptive treatments should not consume it without first consulting their doctor, as it could intervene with it.
If you like Asian foods, we recommend you read this other post about the Properties of organic green tea.
If you want to read more articles similar to Kuzu: properties, benefits and how to take itWe recommend that you enter our Healthy Eating category.
