Can I drink ginger water while taking Kudzu root?
Apr 29, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Kudzu root is cool in nature and has the effects of clearing heat, resolving exterior syndromes, promoting body fluid production, and relieving thirst. It is suitable for conditions involving internal heat or the need to clear heat and detoxify. Ginger is warm in nature and can induce sweating to resolve exterior conditions, warm the middle jiao, and dispel cold. It is appropriate for individuals with wind-cold common cold or deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach. When the body constitution tends toward coldness or when suffering from cold-induced common cold, consuming both kudzu root and ginger water together can help harmonize the body's internal balance between cold and heat, thereby alleviating discomfort symptoms.
It is generally acceptable to drink ginger water while consuming kudzu root; however, this is not recommended for individuals with a constitution tending towards heat or those experiencing inflammation. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional beforehand. Detailed explanation is as follows:
Kudzu root is cool in nature and possesses functions of clearing heat, relieving superficial symptoms, promoting body fluid production, and quenching thirst, making it suitable for conditions involving internal heat or the need to clear heat and toxins. Ginger is warm in nature and can induce perspiration, relieve superficial symptoms, warm the middle jiao, and dispel cold, thus being appropriate for individuals suffering from wind-cold common cold or脾胃虚寒 (deficient-cold in the spleen and stomach). When one's constitution tends towards cold or when one has caught a chillcommon cold, consuming kudzu root together with ginger water may help regulate the balance of internal cold and heat and alleviate discomfort symptoms.
However, if the constitution tends towards heat or there is inflammation present, such as oral ulcers or sore throat, drinking ginger water at this time may exacerbate internal heat and worsen the discomfort. Moreover, excessive consumption of ginger may also cause gastrointestinal discomfort or heatiness.
Nevertheless, it is not suitable for all individuals. Pregnant women, lactating women, and those with deficient-cold constitutions should use it cautiously.
