Scientists need to do more human studies to determine its effectiveness in other areas, like inflammation, heart health, and headaches. While the blood flow theory of kudzu for alcoholism may be true, there is likely more going on here. It contains several active isoflavones, which are natural plant chemicals with antioxidant effects.

• It has been demonstrated however, that bitter receptors exist throughout the entire gastro-intestinal tract [17,18].
• Tangerine Peel has some bitter qualities as well, and is an excellent complement to the actions of Gentian.
• Making the decision to quit drinking can help alleviate these symptoms by improving mood and lessening the physical side effects.
• Drinking data were collected using a small wristwatch-like device (ActiWatch® Score, MiniMitter Co., OR) and daily diaries.

The Promise of Kudzu in Alcoholism Treatment

Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) outside the range of 18–25 kg/m2 were also excluded. Drinking was recorded using a custom built end table that contained a digital scale beneath a ceramic tile insert in the tabletop (Ohaus model #B10P with I5S controller). Participants were instructed to always keep the beer glass on the table except when taking a sip. The scale was connected to a computer in an adjacent room that ran a customized program that sampled the scale at 5 Hz and detected any weight changes that exceeded 1 gm.

• Two hours before the first visit, we gave both sub-groups a pill – neither group knew whether they were getting the supplement or the placebo.
• Comprised of 100% food grade material, these spheres, upon releasing their payload of nutrients, are broken down and utilized by the system to improve overall well-being.
• Meditation, practiced on your own or via guided meditation, can help you learn to react less to alcohol cravings (8).
• Kudzu’s alteration of alcohol consumption may be through direct effects at brain benzodiazepine receptors on the GABAA complex.
• Lukas was not certain why but speculated that kudzu increases blood alcohol levels and speeds up its effects.

What Over-the-Counter Alcohol Withdrawal Medications Can Help Stop Drinking?

None of the study participants reported any insomnia, sedation, dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, or altered libido. The ActiWatch® Score device contains an accelerometer https://ecosoberhouse.com/ that was used to record sleep/wake activity. We have previously reported on the sleep/wake patterns of the participants in this study (Bracken et al., 2011).

Are There Any OTC Alcohol Withdrawal Medications?

Participants were randomized on a blind basis to receive either 4 capsules of the extract (for a total of 520 mg isoflavones) or placebo (sugar beet filler) 2.5 hours before the start of an afternoon drinking session. This pretreatment time was selected based on our pharmacokinetic study of puerarin absorption and elimination (Penetar et al., 2006). Also a researcher made a small clinical study of 14 men and women who were heavy drinkers.

However, it is essential to remember that kudzu alone is not a panacea for alcoholism. Dizziness A feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness may occur in some cases. It’s important to remember that side effects can vary from person to person. If you experience any adverse reactions while using kudzu, consult your healthcare provider promptly.

4 Safety, Side Effects and Adverse Event Reporting

Bananas are rich in vitamin B6, which the body needs to produce and use serotonin. This neurotransmitter is key to reducing depression and anxiety—common reasons people use alcohol and also common issues that arise when quitting alcohol (4). Internal triggers are thoughts, feelings, sensations, and beliefs kudzu extract for alcoholism inside you that feed your cravings for alcohol. External triggers are things in your environment that make you want to drink alcohol. These triggers can be people, places, or things that make you crave alcohol. This is because isoflavones can help dilate blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow.

A Standardized Kudzu Extract (NPI- Reduces Alcohol Consumption in Non Treatment-Seeking Male Heavy Drinkers

Thirty percent of current drinkers report drinking excessively (Naimi et al., 2003) and 92% of U.S. adults who drink excessively report binge drinking in the past 30 days (Town et al., 2006). Current use was defined as at least one drink in the past 30 days while binge use includes drinking five or more drinks per day. Kudzu may help by reducing the urge to consume alcohol, making it easier to control cravings.