What are the functions and effects of Puerariae Lobatae Radix (Kudzu root)?
May 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, Pueraria root (powdered) has effects and functions such as lowering blood pressure, relieving muscle tension and reducing fever, promoting yang energy to stop diarrhea, stimulating body fluid production to relieve thirst, clearing heat, and detoxifying. Although Pueraria root offers various benefits, it is recommended to consume it in appropriate amounts under a doctor's guidance. Particularly for individuals with excessive cold-dampness in the body, consumption may exacerbate internal cold-dampness, potentially triggering or worsening physical discomfort.
Generally speaking, Pueraria root (powdered form) offers several health benefits and functions, including lowering blood pressure, relieving muscle tension and reducing fever, uplifting yang energy to stop diarrhea, promoting saliva production to relieve thirst, and clearing heat and detoxifying. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Lowering Blood Pressure
Pueraria root contains flavonoid compounds that have the effect of dilating blood vessels and relaxing smooth muscles, which helps reduce blood pressure. Long-term moderate consumption of Pueraria root can provide certain auxiliary therapeutic benefits for patients with hypertension.
2. Relieving Muscle Tension and Reducing Fever
Pueraria root can help lower body temperature and alleviate fever symptoms by regulating the immune system. It is particularly suitable for fever caused by wind-heat type colds, effectively helping patients reduce fever and relieve discomfort.
3. Uplifting Yang Energy and Stopping Diarrhea
In traditional Chinese medicine, Pueraria root can lift the qi of the spleen and stomach, offering good therapeutic effects for diarrhea caused by weakness of the spleen and stomach. It can effectively stop diarrhea without impeding the normal digestive function of the spleen and stomach, making it suitable for diarrhea caused by spleen deficiency.
4. Promoting Saliva Production and Relieving Thirst
Pueraria root is rich in polysaccharides, which can stimulate the secretion of saliva and gastric juices, increasing bodily fluids, thereby achieving the effect of promoting saliva production and relieving thirst. During hot summer months or when experiencing dry mouth, moderate consumption of Pueraria root can effectively alleviate thirst.
5. Clearing Heat and Detoxifying
Pueraria root has a cooling nature and enters the lung meridian, offering excellent effects in clearing internal heat and detoxifying. It can effectively eliminate heat toxins in the body and significantly alleviate symptoms such as mouth ulcers and sore throat caused by excessive internal heat. Mouth and tongue ulcers
Although Pueraria root offers multiple benefits, it is recommended to consume it in moderation under the guidance of a physician. Individuals with excessive cold-dampness in the body should be cautious, as consumption may worsen internal cold-dampness and potentially trigger or exacerbate physical discomfort. Additionally, during consumption, one should avoid eating spicy and irritating foods such as chili peppers, ginger, and garlic simultaneously, to prevent interference with the absorption and utilization of Pueraria root.
