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 popularization worldwide, which has occurred in recent decades, has led to 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.
The kuzu It is also known as “kudzu” or “kutzu” It comes from the Pueraria lobataa plant of the legume family, to which chickpeas, broad beans, beans, soybeans, clover, alfalfa, carob and acacia also belong.
In traditional Chinese medicine, where it is called “gé gēn”, kuzu is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs. Both in this and other Asian countries, it is attributed numerous beneficial health properties
Its root is usually consumed in powder form, usually dissolved in liquids. In this way 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”.
Likewise, kuzu has other different uses. Throughout history, and also today, it has been used to make baskets, clothing and paper, to make soaps and lotions and as fertilizer; It also allows controlling soil erosion.
The consumption of kuzu is framed in macrobiotic food and medicine which propose that the use of certain natural products helps harmonize the body, both on a physical, psychological and spiritual level.
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 diseases
Among the components of kuzu, it stands out daidzein, a substance with antioxidant effects If enough antioxidants are not consumed, 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 conducted on the usefulness of kuzu in treating headaches. The results of this research suggest that this plant may be effective for reduce 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 to relieve pain. 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. Specifically, it is believed that it may be effective in preventing excessive alcohol consumption and helping detoxify the liver
Kuzu is also often recommended as a hangover remedy, but recent studies suggest that it could be counterproductive in this regard because it increases the accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body.
5. For tiredness
Kuzu is considered a revitalizing product due to its multiple beneficial properties. Thus, it is believed that it can be useful for combat fatigue and physical weakness both those that occur punctually and those that are related to chronic fatigue.
6. For fever and cold
Beneficial properties have been attributed to kuzu for the treatment of symptoms of fever, cold and flu It can also be useful for relieving 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 kuzu consumption could prevent the onset 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 region of the brain related to memory.
9. For menopause symptoms
Kuzu contains isoflavones, chemical compounds found in some plants to which benefits are attributed to relieving the symptoms of menopause, specifically hot flashes and hot flashes. However, more research is required to confirm these properties and the absence of side effects of isoflavones.
10. For vertigo
Vertigo consists of sensations 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
The tinnitus, Also known as “tinnitus”, are perceptions of sounds, generally ringing, that are due to ear problems such as blockage or impacts. The benefits of kuzu to treat this disorder are probably related to those related to vertigo.
