Can people with a cold take Kudzu root powder?
Apr 30, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Individuals with wind-heat type common cold may consume it in moderation to help alleviate symptoms, while those with wind-cold type common cold or a cold body constitution should avoid it. Wind-heat common cold is characterized by symptoms such as high fever, red and swollen sore throat, sticky or yellow phlegm, and thirst with a preference for drinking. The Kudzu root powder's properties of pungent-cool exterior-resolving and muscle-relaxing heat-dispersing can help relieve these discomforts. Its ingredients, including puerarin, can promote heat dissipation, improve sore throat, and alleviate thirst through its fluid-generating and thirst-quenching effects.
Generally, individuals with wind-heat type common cold may consume an appropriate amount of kudzu root powder to help alleviate symptoms, while those with wind-cold type common cold or a cold body constitution should avoid it. Detailed explanations are as follows:
Wind-heat common cold is characterized by symptoms such as high fever, red and swollen sore throat, sticky or yellow phlegm, and thirst with a desire to drink. The pungent and cooling properties of kudzu root powder, which aid in relieving exterior symptoms and reducing fever, can help alleviate these discomforts. Its ingredients, such as puerarin, can promote heat dissipation and improve sore throat, while its saliva-promoting and thirst-quenching effects can relieve thirst. The isoflavones contained in kudzu root powder have antibacterial and detoxifying effects, which can inhibit the activity of pathogenic microorganisms and, together with its heat-clearing properties, help reduce inflammatory responses. Its active components can regulate immune function, enhance the body's resistance, and promote recovery from wind-heat common cold.
Wind-cold common cold is characterized by severe chills, mild fever, clear nasal discharge, and cough with white, thin phlegm. The cooling nature of kudzu root powder may inhibit the dispersion of superficial yang qi, causing cold pathogens to become trapped within the body, thereby worsening symptoms such as chills and runny nose, and potentially interfering with recovery. Individuals with a cold body constitution may experience gastrointestinal discomforts such as abdominal pain and diarrhea after consuming kudzu root powder, further weakening the body's resistance and reducing disease immunity.
However, please note that consumption should be moderate to avoid excessive intake that may cause discomfort. After consumption, closely monitor body temperature, frequency of coughing, and changes in phlegm. If symptoms such as persistent fever, worsening cough, or darker phlegm appear, this may indicate disease progression, and medical attention should be sought promptly to adjust the treatment plan.
