The Efficacy and Benefits of Kudzu Root, and the Benefits of Drinking it Steeped in Water

Drinking Pueraria root (Gegen) steeped in water can still exert its original therapeutic effects. Generally, Pueraria root and drinking Pueraria root water offer the following benefits: relieving muscle tension and reducing fever, clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting body fluid production to relieve thirst, uplifting yang energy to stop diarrhea, and promoting circulation through the meridians.

1. Relieve Muscle Tension and Reduce Fever

Pueraria root has a pungent and cool nature, acting to relieve superficial symptoms. It can relax muscles, induce perspiration, and reduce fever. Drinking Pueraria root water can disperse pathogenic factors on the body surface through its effect of relieving muscle tension and reducing fever, commonly used together with other exterior-releasing herbs to enhance the effect of resolving exterior syndromes and reducing fever.

2. Clear Heat and Detoxify

Pueraria root has a certain effect of clearing heat and detoxifying. Drinking Pueraria root water can be used to treat discomfort symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, and fullness caused by alcohol toxicity. In addition, it can also reduce damage to the liver from alcohol and other toxins, promoting repair and regeneration of liver cells.

3. Promote Body Fluid Production and Relieve Thirst

Pueraria root is sweet and cool, with the effect of promoting body fluid production to relieve thirst. For symptoms such as fluid damage from febrile diseases, irritability, thirst, or excessive thirst caused by diabetes, drinking Pueraria root water can promote the generation and distribution of body fluids, alleviating symptoms like thirst and dry throat. It is often used together with other herbs that promote body fluid production, such as Trichosanthes root (Tianhuafen) and Ophiopogon root (Maidong), to enhance the effect of promoting body fluid production and relieving thirst.

4. Uplift Yang Energy and Stop Diarrhea

Pueraria root can uplift the clear yang energy of the spleen and stomach, thereby exerting an effect of uplifting yang to stop diarrhea. It can be used to treat diarrhea caused by spleen deficiency and sinking of clear energy. Drinking Pueraria root water can uplift the clear yang energy, stimulate the yang energy of the spleen and stomach, and restore the transporting and transforming functions of the spleen and stomach, thus achieving the effect of stopping diarrhea. It is often combined with spleen-strengthening and qi-tonifying herbs such as Codonopsis root (Dangshen), Atractylodes rhizome (Baizhu), and Poria (Fuling) to treat diarrhea caused by spleen deficiency.

5. Promote Circulation Through Meridians

Pueraria root can promote circulation through the meridians. Drinking Pueraria root water can be used to treat conditions such as limb numbness and joint pain caused by meridian blockage and poor qi and blood circulation. Its effect of promoting meridian circulation and blood flow can improve the movement of qi and blood in the meridians, promote circulation, and alleviate symptoms such as limb numbness and joint pain.

It is recommended to use Pueraria root water under the guidance of a physician. Excessive intake should be avoided. In daily diet, it is recommended to maintain a balanced dietary structure, which helps maintain health.