What are the functions and effects of Kudzu root?
Sep 13, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, as a common traditional Chinese herb, Kudzu root (Pueraria lobata) has various functions and effects, primarily including relieving muscle tension and reducing fever, promoting body fluid production to quench thirst, facilitating eruption of rashes, uplifting yang energy to stop diarrhea, and promoting blood circulation to remove meridian blockages. It should be noted that Kudzu root is relatively cooling in nature; therefore, individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold or those prone to diarrhea should use it cautiously. When used as a medicinal herb, the dosage should be controlled to avoid excessive intake. It is recommended to use it under the guidance of a professional and appropriately combine it with other herbs according to specific symptoms.
Generally speaking, as a common traditional Chinese herb, Kudzu root (Gegen) has several main functions and effects, including relieving muscle tension and reducing fever, promoting body fluid production to relieve thirst, aiding the eruption of rashes, uplifting yang energy to stop diarrhea, and promoting circulation of blood and Qi through the meridians. The specific functions are analyzed as follows:
1. Relieve Muscle Tension and Reduce Fever: Kudzu root has a sweet and acrid taste and is cool in nature. It enters the lung and stomach meridians. It helps dispel pathogenic factors on the muscular surface and alleviate fever symptoms, especially suitable for fever caused by external contraction, stiffness and pain in the neck and back, manifested as fever with chills, headache, and neck stiffness. By relaxing the muscles and dispersing exterior pathogens, it helps reduce body temperature and relieve physical stiffness.
2. Promote Body Fluid Production and Relieve Thirst: Kudzu root can stimulate saliva secretion and replenish body fluids. It is suitable for symptoms such as dry mouth and throat, irritability, and excessive thirst caused by fluid depletion from heat-related illnesses or diabetes. By promoting fluid production and moistening dryness, it alleviates dryness in the mouth and throat and improves discomfort caused by fluid deficiency.
3. Aid the Eruption of Rashes: Kudzu root has an effect of promoting and dispersing eruptions. It helps promote the eruption of measles and is suitable for cases where measles are just beginning and the rash is not fully emerging. By facilitating the outward expression of rash toxins, it supports the smooth eruption of measles and reduces complications that may arise from incomplete eruption.
4. Uplift Yang Energy and Stop Diarrhea: Kudzu root helps elevate the clear yang energy of the spleen and stomach, improving diarrhea or dysentery caused by spleen-stomach weakness or damp-heat, which may manifest as loose stools, increased bowel frequency, and poor appetite. By enhancing spleen and stomach function and improving transformation and transportation, it helps alleviate diarrhea.
5. Promote Circulation Through Meridians: Kudzu root can unblock meridians and promote the circulation of blood and Qi. It is suitable for conditions such as limb numbness, pain, and limited range of motion caused by blockage in the meridians, especially providing some relief for neck, shoulder, waist, and leg pain. By promoting smooth flow of Qi and blood in the meridians, it reduces physical discomfort.
When using Kudzu root, one should note that it is relatively cool in nature; therefore, individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency and cold or those prone to diarrhea should use it cautiously. When used medicinally, the dosage should be controlled to avoid overdose. It is recommended to use it under the guidance of a professional, with appropriate combinations based on specific symptoms, to ensure effectiveness and safety.
