In addition to improving sleep, valerian root is effective kudzu for alcohol cravings in managing anxiety—a common challenge during recovery. Its sedative effects can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, leading to a greater sense of calmness throughout the day. This may empower individuals to approach their recovery journey with a clearer mind, aiding in overall emotional stability. Valerian root, a popular herbal remedy, has long been recognized for its sedative qualities.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with KUDZU
Additionally, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating organic kudzu powder into your regimen, as it may interact with certain medications or have side effects. One of the standout benefits of valerian root is its ability to improve sleep quality. Many individuals in recovery experience sleep disturbances and insomnia, which can hinder their healing process. Valerian root is known to promote relaxation and help individuals fall asleep faster while also extending the duration of restful sleep. Consuming it in the form of tea, tinctures, or capsules enables easy integration into nighttime routines, supporting a more restorative sleep cycle essential for recovery. Lukas recruited 14 men and women in their 20s to spend four 90-minute sessions consuming beer and watching TV.
Kudzu’s Benefits for Health
Curiously, kudzu appears to have this effect AND prevent people from becoming intoxicated with alcohol or nicotine more quickly. This aspect also requires more research into its use as a supplement, as the fact that symptoms of intoxication emerge faster offers an effective way of controlling alcohol and nicotine consumption. The information on our site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on our site.
Improvement of Cognitive Function
- In the future, more bioactive compounds in plants (especially medicinal plants, fruits and vegetables) should be separated and identified, and the mechanisms of action should be studied further.
- Several supplements can help repair liver damage caused by alcohol, including milk thistle, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA).
- Alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine and spirits are widely consumed around the world.
- The ActiWatch has a small button and digital LED faceplate and participants wore the device 24 hours a day for the entire 8-week study and were asked to record all drug and alcohol use by pressing the button to enter the proper code.
- The information on our site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
- Some research specifically on the kudzu species Pueraria mirifica suggests that doses of 50–100 mg per day appear to have a low risk of adverse side effects (18).
Of course, it is entirely possible that any of the above mechanisms may also develop with repeated administration and complement the immediate altered absorption effect that likely explains kudzu’s rapid onset of action. Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause of illness worldwide (Shield et al., 2013) and has a significant impact on the health of millions people. The impact of excessive alcohol consumption results in increased healthcare costs, loss of productivity, alcohol-related crime (including assault and sexual abuse), and motor vehicle accidents.
- When alcohol is consumed, kudzu may reduce the time it takes for it to travel to the brain.
- Valerian root is known to promote relaxation and help individuals fall asleep faster while also extending the duration of restful sleep.
- This action not only improves liver health but also aids in overall metabolic efficiency, essential during recovery from substance dependency.
- However, it’s important to note that this product may not work for everyone and may cause mild side effects in some users.
- In conclusion, Hypericum perforatum might be effective to improving alcohol drinking behaviors, although more efforts are needed to clarify the specific mechanisms.
Prior studies of its antidipsotropic effect have focused on taste-aversion, drug addiction alterations in alcohol metabolism or effects on neurotransmitters. Overstreet et al.’s (1998) study provides cursory evidence that a taste aversion mechanism is not likely. Increases in 5-HIAL have been shown to be correlated with decreased alcohol consumption in hamsters (Keung et al., 1995). Kudzu’s alteration of alcohol consumption may be through direct effects at brain benzodiazepine receptors on the GABAA complex.
The active compound puerarin, found in a dose of kudzu, influences brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin, which are closely tied to the desire for alcohol. Fifty-one percent of adults over the age of 18 and 56% of those age 18–44, are current regular drinkers (Schiller et al., 2012). Thirty percent of current drinkers report drinking excessively (Naimi et al., 2003) and 92% of U.S. adults who drink excessively report binge drinking in the past 30 days (Town et al., 2006).
Kudzu extract can reduce alcohol intake in humans
By calming this system, Kudzu can diminish the impulse to consume alcohol, making it easier for individuals to resist cravings. This balance can play a critical role in the recovery process, offering a natural alternative to manage urges without chemical interventions. Lukas was not certain why but speculated that kudzu increases blood alcohol levels and speeds up its effects. Kudzu doesn’t seem to alter the urge to drink, but rather how quickly you top yourself up.
