Kuzu is one of the most important macrobiotic plants . In Asia it has been used as medicine and as a food supplement since ancient times. Its worldwide popularization, which has occurred in recent decades, has led to the beginning of scientific research into the possible benefits of this plant.

In this article we will describe the properties and benefits that have been attributed to kuzu , both from traditional Asian medicine and from research.

What is kuzu?

Kuzu is also known as “kudzu” or “kutzu” . It comes from the Pueraria lobata , a plant of the legume family, to which also belong the chickpea, bean, soybean, clover, alfalfa, carob and acacia.

In traditional Chinese medicine, where it is called “gé gÄ“n”, kuzu is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs. In this and other Asian countries, it is attributed with numerous beneficial properties for health .

Its root is usually consumed in powder form, usually dissolved in liquids. Thus it is used as a condiment in foods such as soups or sauces, or mixed with tea; in Japan such a drink is called “kuzuyu”.

Kuzu also has other uses. Throughout history, and also today, it has been used to make baskets, clothes and paper, to make soaps and lotions and as a fertilizer; it also controls soil erosion.

The consumption of kuzu is framed in the food and in the macrobiotic medicine , that propose that the use of certain natural products helps to harmonize the organism, so much to physical level as psychological and spiritual.

Benefits and properties

Below we will describe the beneficial properties attributed to kuzu. Scientific research has given some support to some of them, while in others their use is more questionable.

1. To prevent disease

Among the components of kuzu, daidzein, a substance with antioxidant effects, stands out . If not enough antioxidants are consumed, the cells wear out more quickly and it is easier for diseases to appear, so a minimum intake of antioxidants can prevent these negative effects.

2. For headache

In China, in the 1970s, a study was carried out on the usefulness of kuzu for treating headaches. The results of this research suggest that this plant may be effective for reducing migraine, especially in clusters , one of the most painful types of headache.

3. For intestinal transit

One of the most common uses of kuzu is the relief of symptoms of diarrhea, constipation and heartburn . This seems to be due to the fact that it regulates the intestinal flora and causes anti-inflammatory effects at the intestinal level.

4. For alcoholism

Historically, kuzu has been used to treat alcoholism. In particular, it is believed to be effective in preventing excessive alcohol consumption and in helping detoxify the liver .

Kuzu is also often recommended as a hangover remedy, but recent studies suggest that it may be counterproductive in this regard because it increases the accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body.

5. For fatigue

Kuzu is considered a revitalizing product because of its many beneficial properties. Thus, it is believed that it can be useful to fight fatigue and physical weakness , both those that occur occasionally and those related to chronic fatigue.

6. For fever and cold

Kuzu has been attributed with beneficial properties for the treatment of symptoms of fever, cold and flu . It can also be useful to relieve cough, even in cases of bronchitis.

7. For allergies

The supposed beneficial effects of kuzu for allergy management seem to be related to its antioxidant effects, and probably also to its benefits for the respiratory system.

8. To prevent dementia

Studies with rats suggest that the consumption of kuzu could prevent the appearance of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. The mechanism appears to be related to the suppression of apoptosis (or programmed cell death) in the hippocampus, the main memory region of the brain.

9. For menopausal symptoms

Kuzu contains isoflavones , chemical compounds found in some plants that are believed to be beneficial in relieving the symptoms of menopause, particularly hot flashes. However, more research is needed to confirm these properties and the absence of side effects of isoflavones.

10. For vertigo

Vertigo consists of feelings of dizziness and lack of balance, not necessarily related to heights. In many cases this symptom is due to problems in the inner ear.

11. For tinnitus

Tinnitus, also known as “tinnitus” , are perceptions of sounds, usually ringing, that are due to problems in the ear such as blockage or banging. The benefits of kuzu in treating this disorder are probably related to those related to vertigo.