Can people with stomach problems drink kudzu root powder?
May 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, people with poor stomach health are not advised to consume kudzu root powder. Kudzu root powder has a cooling property, and individuals with weak gastrointestinal function may experience exacerbated symptoms of spleen and stomach cold deficiency after consumption, leading to issues such as stomach pain, bloating, indigestion, and diarrhea. Particularly for individuals with gastric diseases such as gastric ulcers or duodenal ulcers, the cold stimulation may affect the healing of the ulcerated areas.
Generally speaking, people with poor stomach health are not advised to consume kudzu root powder. The detailed reasons are as follows:
Kudzu root powder has a cooling nature. People with weak stomach and spleen functions may experience worsened symptoms of cold deficiency in the spleen and stomach after consumption, leading to issues such as stomach pain, bloating, indigestion, and diarrhea. Particularly for individuals suffering from gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, or other stomach-related conditions, the cold nature of kudzu root powder might hinder the healing of ulcers or even exacerbate the condition.
Certain components in kudzu root powder may affect gastric acid secretion. In individuals with pre-existing gastric issues, gastric acid production is often already imbalanced. Consuming kudzu root powder might further disrupt normal gastric acid secretion, potentially causing excessive acid production, resulting in symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux, or insufficient acid secretion, which can impair digestion and nutrient absorption.
Of course, individual variation exists regarding whether people with poor stomach health can consume kudzu root powder. If the stomach discomfort is mild and there is no allergy to kudzu root powder, a small amount may be cautiously tried under a doctor's guidance while observing the body's response. However, if there are clear signs of gastric disease or significant symptoms, it is advisable to avoid consuming kudzu root powder to protect stomach health.
