Kudzu: The Vine That Can Save The South

Kudzu (Pueraria lobata, Radix puerariae), is a broad name for different species of vines that can interbreed with each other and is said to have come from Asia, although Japan and Southern China get credit for it. It grows well in many places, including parts of Korea and does well in Philippines.

Kudzu, 'Kuzu' or Baai, is considered an invasive species in the USA. It does very well in Southern latitudes that are not too dry. It will grow as much as 29 cm in 24 hours when the weather is hot and humid.

It has a bad reputation for covering native trees and plants and causing them to die by blocking sunlight needed for photosynthesis. This huge plant easily covers utility poles and forms a canopy that drapes over trees in the summer. Kudzu will die back in cold weather but comes alive again in full glory in the springtime.

This plant was introduced into the USA in the 19th century. At some point it was promoted as a way to stop soil erosion. It did nothing to stop soil erosion. It covered the dirt with crawling vines so that you could not see the bare soil underneath.

That is about the extent of the bad things, of which we hear plenty. Let's talk about some of the positive things which you don't hear about.

Kudzu is useful for many things. It is a good way to provide some good nutrients for livestock, including cows and goats. In Mindoro, the farmers feed it to their rabbits. It has a high protein content and is very good at adding nitrogen to the soil.

The leaves of the kudzu vine are edible, but how sarap is in the mouth of the beholder. The seeds and their pods are said to be poisonous. Some like to eat the leaves and it is better to know what you are doing if you ever try it. The Kudzu tends to grow in open places and along roads, so there is a chance these places might have more chemicals sprayed on account of the weeds. Also to consider is the danger posed by exhaust from motor vehicles being absorbed by a plant or residues resting on the plant. As with all things wild, one should not take chances with an unknown plant. What looks good may well be poisonous. For your safety, if in doubt, leave it out. Your safety is your own responsibility. Do not eat what you do not know. Kudzu roots and leaves are available through reputable dealers and channels. You may safely investigate through better shops and sellers.

Kudzu has thick and long vines that are used to weave some beautiful and strong basketry. If a good weave is achieved with Kudzu vines, it will be strong enough to withstand a man jumping on it with no damage to the basket.

The flowers are sometimes used to make what some describe as a grape-flavoured jelly or fruit spreads.

Kudzu Root is a big part of the plant more substantial than the drape you see covering buildings, vehicles, hillsides and trees. The root can be used as an outstanding thickener and is used in several ways for food. The root is rich in starch and can be very heavy and long. In fact, the best way to view Kudzu Root is in the shops. I remember once going out to dig for the root in some red clay. I gave up. The soil was packed and as we dug down under the night sky, we were unable to get to the fat part of the root. The only thing we could dig up was the bit that looked like a dirty vine. It is easier to leave the harvesting to others.

Kudzu is famously used to help people with alcoholic cravings. A number of alcoholics who faithfully use it report good results with it. There is always the possibility that it will not work for you, but it is certainly worth a try if one would like to conquer a family and life destroying disease. At worst, if it does not work, one can still get some beneficial nutrients. At best, one may be able to get off the sauce and not destroy a career, family and friendships.

Like anything else, Kudzu only works if we use it. Sometimes the alcoholic is happy or content being a chemical dependent and would not take anything for it even if you give it to them.

The Chinese claim to have been using this herb for over 2000 years for clearing heat and meridians, kidney problems, cleansing the liver and alcoholism, among many other things.

Kudzu has a lot of promise. It's been good enough for the Chinese and Japanese for thousands of years. Not surprisingly, there is now talk about Kudzu contributing to the dreaded ozone levels. No one thought or cared about any of that before it was reported. Volcanoes contribute to pollution as do hogs living in hog farms, heavy rains washing dirt into the water, two-legged varmints who drive and their own waste products flushed down the sewer. I guess we are supposed to be afraid and eradicate a wild plant rather than worry about our stupid neighbor with an SUV or the pollution we produce with our demands for electricity, plastic trinkets and needless driving using those cheap petroleum reserves. After all, a plant that can be used to make a fair amount of ethanol (not to be confused with bio-diesel fuel), paper, baskets, a food source for man and beast and maybe help alcoholism would be a threat to the $status$ quo.

If an herb works too well, it will be discredited by the shills and talking heads in the media and online and maybe even outlawed. If Kudzu ever becomes trendy or popular to help alleviate one of the many social ills like alcoholism, expect it to be referenced, ridiculed and discredited in the media and on the popular comedy shows. Meanwhile, people will point out that no independent studies support the use of X or Y for this or that condition or disease. There will not be any studies of any such things. These studies cost money and nobody is going to pay to help validate an idea that any herb that grows freely in the ground where you may live is going to help prevent or control a medical condition. There is no money in you going out to pick a weed or root. There is money to be made in drug development and mainstream thought prohibits using herbs when you can get a taxpayer-funded subsidy on their medicines.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. We are not responsible for the acts of others. No claims are made for this herb that has been used for thousands of years. This article details what people have been using the plant for over the centuries. Your health is your responsibility.