Kuzu: benefits and properties of this macrobiotic

Kuzu is one of the most important macrobiotic plants. In Asia it has been used as a medicine and as a food supplement since ancient times. Its worldwide popularization, 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 the kuzu, both from traditional Asian medicine and from research.

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What is the kuzu?

the kuzu It is also known as “kudzu” or “kutzu”. comes from the pueraria lobata, a 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 in other Asian countries, he is credited with many beneficial health properties.

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

Likewise, the kuzu has other different uses. Throughout history, and also today, it has been used to make baskets, clothes and paper, to make soaps and lotions and as fertilizer; It also allows to control soil erosion.

The consumption of kuzu is framed in food and macrobiotic medicine, who propose that the use of certain natural products helps to harmonize the body, both physically, psychologically and spiritually.

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Benefits and properties

Next we will describe the beneficial properties that are attributed to the 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 the kuzu stands out daidzein, a substance with antioxidant effects. If not enough antioxidants are consumed, cells wear out more quickly and it is easier for them to diseases appear, so a minimum contribution of antioxidants can prevent these effects negatives.

2. For the headache

In China, in the 1970s, a study was carried out on the usefulness of kuzu to treat 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.

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3. For intestinal transit

One of the most common uses of the kuzu is the relief of symptoms of diarrhoea, constipation and heartburn. This seems to be due to the fact that it regulates the intestinal flora and that it 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 in helping to detoxify the liver.

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

5. for tiredness

Kuzu is considered a revitalizing product due to its multiple beneficial properties. Thus, it is believed that it may be useful for combat fatigue and physical weakness, both those that occur in a timely manner and those that are related to chronic fatigue.

6. For fever and cold

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

7. for allergies

The supposed beneficial effects of kuzu for managing allergies appear 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 onset of Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. The mechanism seems 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 symptoms of menopause

Kuzu contains isoflavones, chemical compounds typical of some plants to which benefits are attributed to alleviate the symptoms of menopause, specifically 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

tinnitus, also known as “tinnitus”, are perceptions of sounds, generally whistles, which are due to ear problems such as blockage or blows. The benefits of kuzu to treat this disorder are probably related to those related to vertigo.

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