kudzu root
葛根gé gēn · Pueraria montana
Category
release exterior (Wind-Heat)
Nature
cool
Taste
sweet, acrid
Meridians
Spleen, Stomach
Dosage
9–15 g
in broth
Functions
relaxes the muscles and the surface produces fluids, quenches thirst relieves rashes raises yang, stops diarrhea
Indications
Stiffness in the neck and shoulders due to a cold thirst, exhaustion Early-stage measles diarrhea due to spleen weakness
Contraindications
⚠️ Use with caution if you sweat profusely
Notes
It typically “relaxes the muscles” of the neck and shoulders during a cold and promotes fluid production when thirsty; it raises the spleen yang during diarrhea. Family: Legumes (Fabaceae) Part used: root Active constituents: puerarin, isoflavones
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.