Folklore/Common Names: Ge-gen, kuzu, pueraria, mile-a-minute, the Vine that Ate the South (as well as several adjectives not fit to print in polite company!)
Historical Reference
The first records of Kudzu are in the traditional writings of Chinese medicine, in the texts of Shen Nong, written around 100 A.D. We find Kudzu listed under the name of ge-gen, and referenced as a treatment for mild headache, fever, high blood pressure, allergies, migrains, and stomach upset. Kudzu was more than just medicinal to the ancient Chinese, however...it was also used as a nutritional food source.
In 1876, at the Centennial Exposition in Philadeplia PA, Kudzu took root for the first time in the United States. A Japanese exhibit featured a traditional garden from their homeland, and the decorative flower and foliage won the heart of gardeners here.
In the early 1900's the plant was encouraged as a supplemental cattle feed, as well as a solution to erosion problems. But over the next several years, fascination with the vigorous vine has quickly waned, as it began to take over first gardens, then countrysides, farmland and forested areas alike, killing off other local vegetation at an enormous rate. In 1972 the US bestowed official weed status on the Kudzu vine. Yes, Kudzu is everywhere.
Medicinal Use
Caution: As with all medicines, Kudzu should only be used under the guidance of a qualified Herbalist or Holistic practitioner. Especially where heart problems are concerned, do not self treat. See your doctor.
Modern Chinese medicine still uses Kudzu to treat certain heart ailments such as angina, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, migraines, allergies, as a muscle relaxant, and antispasmodic. Kudzu also works as a demulcent, and as a diaphoretic.
There are also some interesting studies ongoing to determine whether Kudzu flowers are effective in treating alcoholism by decreasing the desire for alcohol, as well as in the treatment of hangovers. (This has not yet been proven in controlled clinical studies with humans.)
Possibly it's biggest benefit to wellness, however, is in its nutritional potential. According to Kudzucuisine.com , in 1999 a study was performed by the Warren Analytical Laboratory and S-W Laboratories, Inc. on samples of their Kudzu Vine Powder, made from combined dried flowers, leaves and root of the Kudzu vine. The report found the following per 100 grams (just under 4 ounces) of the powdered plant:
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