As a dietary supplement, take 1200 mg (heavy 1/3 tsp) once or twice daily, or as directed by a physician. Gastritis is a condition that occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed. Stress, medications, heavy alcohol use and bacterial or viral infections can cause it. While doctors usually prescribe antibiotics and over-the counter medications to treat gastritis, anti-inflammatory supplements can also help relieve stomach inflammation. When broken down, kudzu root has a thick and sticky consistency resembling a type of mucus that naturally coats the lining of the stomach. Because of its similarity to stomach mucus, kudzu can help counteract acid buildup in the stomach.

They took smaller sips and spent more time finishing their beer, and noted prolonged delays between finishing a beer and opening a new one . 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.

Pharmacological Treatment Options for Alcohol Use Disorder

This was demonstrated in our previous study (Penetar et al., 2011) where pharmacokinetic parameters such as peak concentration and elimination time were not affected by kudzu. This interpretation of kudzu’s possible mechanism of action was also suggested by Wong et al. who postulated that kudzu alters peripheral and cerebral blood flow. Puerarin, one of the most abundant isoflavones in kudzu root extracts, is a known vasodilator and is approved for such use in China following coronary infarction and stroke (Wu et al., 2014). Regardless of the mechanism of action, the present finding that a modest, single dose of kudzu extract reduces binge drinking has profound implications as it offers a unique opportunity for early intervention for problem drinkers. As an herbal plant extract, kudzu can be made available without a prescription.

A slightly increased concentration of alcohol in the brain results in a quicker reward, which in turn reduces a person’s desire to drink more alcohol. Benlhabib E, Baker JI, Keyler DE, Singh AK. Effects of purified puerarin on voluntary alcohol intake and alcohol withdrawal reduce alcohol cravings naturally symptoms in P rats receiving free access to water and alcohol. NPI-028 and one of its pure components, NPI-031G, selectively reduced alcohol intake in alcohol-preferring rats and significantly reduced ethanol intake in FH rats without affecting food or water intake.

1 Alcohol Consumption

It’s important to always consult with a physician or healthcare professional before taking any supplements, natural or not. The people who received a dose of kudzu extract drank significantly less beer than they usually did. They also drank less than people who had taken the placebo. Ivan Diamond is an alcoholism researcher at the University of California, San Francisco. Drive through the countryside anywhere in the southern United States and you’re likely to see vines of kudzu smothering trees, shrubs, telephone poles, old cars, and anything else in their path. Americans consider it an invasive weed, but in Asia, where it originated, parts of the plant have been used for centuries to treat alcohol dependence. While scientists need to do more research on the health effects of kudzu, some studies suggest that kudzu root may have other health benefits worth considering.

• The roots are also resistant to herbicides and it can take 3–10 years of repeated treatments with herbicides before the nutrient reserves of the roots are exhausted.
• The body’s own process in this regard creates micelles, single layer or unilamellar spheres in the size range of approximately 100 nanometers that typically can transport single nutrients.
• This may have important anti-alcohol relapse benefits based on dopaminergic genetics and its relationship to executive function and good decision making necessary for appropriate relapse prevention .
• Another study suggests that kudzu extract can reduce intake during binge drinking.

Some people also use it to treat the anxiety and depression that go along with alcohol addiction and withdrawal. This article describes some natural treatments to support AUD treatment. It also explains why it’s important to find effective treatments. Whatever treatments you choose, make sure to discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare https://ecosoberhouse.com/ team. The kudzu root may interact with certain medications or pose other health risks for certain people. Therefore, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider before taking it. Furthermore, it’s likely that the suggested doses for kudzu root will vary depending on the manufacturer and the type of supplement you may be considering.

Jie Du Huo Xue Tang (Detoxifying, Blood Invigorating Decoction)

We are proposing that a novel approach to nutritional supplementation may be required to target the RDS role in alcoholism and glucose homeostasis . Alcohol quickly affects blood sugar, especially in the brain .