In alternative medicine, kudzu is typically used for the following conditions: 1. alcoholism 2. menopausal symptoms 3. diabetes 4. common cold 5. fever Not all of these uses are supported by clinical evidence. The Secret Medicine From Your Kitchen Cabinet, How To Face The Destructive Power Of Water, Why Bay Laurel Is A Must For Your Prepping Arsenal, https://www.homesteadingtoday.com/threads/pigs-for-kudzu-control.492078/, How To Store Water For More Than 25 Years Without Rotation, How To Store Flour, Sugar And Rice For Survival, 4 Prepping Mistakes You Must Never (Ever!) This includes over the counter drugs that are manufactured in China or other countries, or have effects/side effects greater than initially suspected. https://www.homesteadingtoday.com/threads/pigs-for-kudzu-control.492078/. You will need to spread a thin layer on screen, and then let it dry in order to form the paper. Boil the coil of Kudzu vine for 60 – 90 minutes. These antioxidant compounds give kudzu root a wide range of medicinal uses. Depending on the color of the paper, you may also need to bleach the mixture in order to make it white, or wait until the paper is formed and simply set it in the sun until it fades. If you decide to use green Kudzu, try drying it out more slowly and increase or decrease moisture in different parts of the basket in order to reduce warpage. To make rope from Kudzu[16], you will need to use a drop spindle. Just make sure that you can identify the plant and tell it apart from other plants that may look similar. Both sheep[21] and cattle[22] had close to normal weight gain and health profiles vs animals that did not receive pre-treated foods. We’d love your help. In addition, another study also showed that Puerarin also increased blood flow to the brain in dogs that had brain injuries. Second, Kudzu will not stop all drinking. If you are using honey for medicinal purposes, there is no research available on how purple honey differs from regular honey. While not a food related topic, you can also use Kudzu flowers to make fragrance for soap. You can use Kudzu vines to make baskets when the vine is still green, or wait until it is dry in the fall. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. Flavonoid-like substances in kudzu contribute to an increase in blood circulation and flow in the arteries of the heart and reduce the heart’s need for oxygen. I AM SURE THERE ARE OTHER USEFUL PLANTS IN NATURE AND I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO LEARNING ABOUT THEM AND THEIR USES. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Even if just one or two seeds slip through, or a viable vine, the plant can quickly regenerate itself and take over your growing area. It is thought that the increase in pathways to deliver oxygen and blood may also help restore normal heart function. fresh young Kudzu leaves 2Tbl. Historically, Kudzu root has been used in Japan and China as a source of starch. Without a question, if you are considering setting up a homestead on acreage in the southern United States and have been told to avoid land where Kudzu is growing, this may just change your mind. You can imagine how fast this starts to become a twisted mess of vines and roots. We use cookies, just to track visits to our website, we don't store personal details. As with any other paper, store in a cool, dry place where it will not be damaged by insects, vermin, mold, or other harmful organisms. The simplest and least efficient way to use Kudzu is to simply let it dry out and then burn it. Next, the lignin must be removed. At one time the government was actually paying folks to plant kudzu. Fortunately, Kudzu is safe for these animals to consume, and also has a lower risk of causing bloat in cattle than alfalfa. A number of modern researchers have also shown that Kudzu extract can be used to curb alcohol consumption in mice, monkeys, and hamsters. As such, many people candy them, as well as make them into wines, jelly, and jam. According to some sources, it can be used to produce an alcohol that is similar in proof to moonshine[2]. Kudzu contains isoflavones, estrogen-like compounds thought to offer various health benefits. The soils were getting washed away by rain. Improve Recovery after a Heart Attack[8] – Researchers are finding that after a heart attack, the blood vessels within the heart develop alternative pathways in order to deliver oxygen and blood to this vital organ. So far, scientific support for the benefits of kudzu is limited. In the case of Kudzu, careful management of this “invasive plant” can give you access to a delicious and nutritious food for yourself and livestock as well as a valuable medication, fuel, and fiber for making clothing. Kudzu Facts. Be sure to work with someone licensed to practice TCM so that you can learn how to harvest the necessary parts of the plant and prepare them properly for your needs. Paper, animal feed, fibers for weaving, food for humans – the possibilities are amazing. On any given day, her husband and six cats give thanks that she has not yet blown up the house. 2 years ago Very interesting article on kudzu. Kudzu puts out 5 runners from each crown so if you start with one you will have five vines. But there are uses for it, along with many other unwanted plants that are not native to your area. This process has been used in Japan and China for centuries. Kudzu leaves are edible, and taste similarly to pea shoots. 101+ USES FOR KUDZU … Fighting Cancer – Puerarin and other molecules found in Kudzu have an ability to trigger programmed cell death in certain types of malignant cells as well as slow down or prevent their ability to reproduce. At least one text dedicated to Chinese medicine indicates that Kudzu, along with one other herb could be used to help prevent drunkenness as well as reduce alcohol intake. You will need to find a way to dispose of the Kudzu plants that will not release the lead back into the environment. If you favor candied sweet potatoes or yams, then you might also want to give these recipes a try. For trees, the material used is the wood. For centuries, people in China, Japan and India have used kudzu for homeopathic remedies for symptoms of heart disease and high blood pressure [source: Drugsite Trust ]. Nevertheless, many states consider it a noxious weed and are seeking to eradicate it as quickly as possible. They call it Kudzunol, and they claim it can become the country’s next great fuel source. Kudzu starch is a thickener made from the root of the kuzu plant. Some studies indicate that the main ingredient in Kudzu that decreases alcohol consumption needs to be in a higher concentration than you would get from simply consuming the plant. Therefore, if you are already considering setting up a natural gas incubator for your home or homestead, then Kudzu might be an ideal plant to grow. In fact, modern medicine has verified that people treated with kudzu extract do drink less than those who have not … If follow-up treatments are not exercised, kudzu's quick growth may allow it to reclaim the area within a short time. A number of studies showed that both humans and animals either took smaller sips of alcohol, or did not consume as many cans of beer even though they were readily available. Since those predators are not present in the United States, Kudzu grows faster and more easily than native plants. 101+ Uses for Kudzu book. Kudzu root has also shown to help regulate glucose, AKA sugar, in … You cut it lower than you would for alfalfa or other crops, leave it to dry out and then you can make bales out of it. Make sure the coils and leaves stay moist so that the coil ferments. It has been used in Chinese medicine since at least 200 BC. It's even been used as an alternative remedy to relieve muscular aches and to treat measles. SURVIVOPEDIA helps people regain their peace of mind – by becoming more self-reliant and self sufficient in all aspects of life: from putting food on the table, to keeping your loved one safe, and staying in good health. Therefore, if you have a field that has high levels of lead in it, this may be a good plant to grow for a few years. Kudzu has fast-spreading green foliage with beguiling purple blossoms. The Kuzu Root Starch is extracted from the roots of the kuzu or kudzu plant. Kudzu roots can be baked, boiled, or fried much as you would prepare potatoes. With just a minimal amount of research, however, you will soon learn that many of these plants have important value for food, medicine, and other needs. Other uses included livestock feed, fertilizer, erosion control, honey, and as a potential source for biofuel. Unlike more popular herbal supplements such as garlic, turmeric, and calendula, there are very few, if any current studies available on the effects of Kudzu (and it’s main components) on human medical conditions. You can use the stems and roots of the Kudzu plant for making paper as they contain the most cellulose. Oddly enough, this very same molecule behaves a bit like estrogen and can accelerate breast cancer growth in people that are in the advanced stages of the disease. Now, Agro Gas Industries, a small company in East Tennessee, wants to use kudzu as a stock for biofuel. Simply take some Kudzu vine, fold it in half, and then use the spindle to twist the vines together. I think they said cut low bale high. May slow blood clotting. There is considerable controversy over whether or not Kudzu would actually work as a good source of food for bees and other pollinators. The cellulose is bound together by a molecule called lignin. Plants near military bases or other large scale facilities that may release large numbers of chemicals into the ground, water, and air. As you may be aware, the increasing levels of lead in the soil used to grow crops is increasing at an alarming rate. Just remember these plants will not be safe to use for compost, let alone consumed by humans or animals. It’s related to five species in the genus Pueraria (P. montana, P. lobata, P. edulis, P. phaseoloides and P. thomsoni). Managing Type II diabetes – Kudzu extract increases cell sensitivity to insulin and can also improve glucose tolerance, as shown in mice[4]. Aside from being used to treat alcoholism, there are many other uses for Kudzu. Kudzu is often used as a remedy for heart and circulatory problems and high blood pressure. Since Kudzu grows wild in many parts of the southern United States, it can provide a good source of protein and other nutrients in a time of need, or if you are camping. BECAUSE I HAVE DEVELOPED A NEGATIVE ATTITUDE ABOUT THE PLANT, I WILL NEED TO OVERCOME THOSE THOUGHTS AND BEING TO VIEW THE PLAN MORE REALISTICALLY.. At the very least, you can pasture dairy goats wherever there’s kudzu. This trend is likely to get worse as the use of coal and other lead producing materials are used more extensively. Using Kudzu to Make Land More Fertile. Cutting it with traditional farm implements is problematic. There are no discussion topics on this book yet. As early as 600 AD, it was used to treat alcoholism. This particular formula has gone through some peer review testing and has been shown to cut alcohol cravings[3]. Kuzu Root Starch Origin. Reduce Brain Inflammation[9] – From strokes to other forms of brain damage, researchers have found that swelling plays a key role in creating more damage to the brain. While they may admit that Kudzu was deliberately sown by the US Soil Conservation Service to reduce soil erosion, they just as quickly say that it is a noxious, invasive plant that should be avoided at all cost. On the other hand, if you have some available during a drought, it may just work in this capacity. the Kudzu into a cash crop. If you are in an area where Kudzu is growing unchecked, then you can simply harvest the vines and burn them within a few days to a week of cutting it from the roots. The basic steps for making paper from natural materials such as wood, cotton, hemp, or even Kudzu are as follows[15]: Kudzu can be used to make both stiff and flexible textiles. Kudzu leaves can be consumed raw as salad greens. This book is not yet featured on Listopia. You can also boil, bake, and fry Kudzu leaves, much as you would boil dandelion leaves or coat and fry squash flowers. In this case, the highly prolific Kudzu has a number of diverse uses that may be of interest to you. That is a reason to have it. Today, kudzu is used to treat alcoholism and to reduce symptoms of alcohol hangover, … Back in the 1800’s Kudzu was marketed in this country as an ornamental to shade porches, and utilized as a high protein fodder for cattle as well as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion. Kudzu is native to Asia, particularly China, Japan and Korea, and has been used in Eastern medicine for centuries. . Kudzu overwhelming unknown structures on a hillside. Usually, the first step involves breaking the raw material down into chunks and mixing with water. Carmela Tyrrell is committed to off gridding for survival and every day life. There are several methods that can be used to achieve this including treating the pulp with hydrogen peroxide or other alkali solutions. Use a block of wood or some other object that is the same size as the inner frame of the screen to push down on the paper. In its native land, Kudzu has a number of predators that help keep it under control. Tyrrell is also exploring ways to integrate magnetic and solar power generation methods. You can also boil, bake, and fry Kudzu leaves, much as you would boil dandelion leaves or coat … salt 1 cup cottage cheese ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese 6Tbl. Reduce cholesterol levels[5] – Even though some studies conducted on rats indicate that Kudzu can help reduce cholesterol levels, other studies do not show a decrease. Overall, Kudzu may not be the best plant for attracting pollinators to your garden or homestead. By Katrina Blair. The kuzu (Pueraia lobata) plant is a prolific, tough, fibrous vine with heart-shaped leaves that has been used as a food in China for more than 2,000 years. On the other hand, beekeepers claim something very different. Kudzu leaves, flowers, and roots are edible to humans, however the vines are not. Since Kudzu makes vines that climb up trees and others grow at the ground level[17], you will have many sizes and thicknesses to choose from. IN THE SOUTH, IT COVERS THE TREES , SHRUBS, AND SEEMINGLY EVERYTHING. This will remove excess water and also help make a smoother finish. Among the most common uses of the herb are to treat inflammation and high blood pressure, alcoholism, cold and flu symptoms and menopause symptoms. By the early 1900s, use of kudzu was already widespread—the Soil Conservation Service even hired hundreds of men to plant kudzu for erosion control in the 1930s. The most cost-effective treatment for kudzu on open level ground is either Tordon 101 or Tordon K applied using perpendicular spray passes. Open Library is an initiative of the Internet Archive, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, building a digital library of Internet sites and other cultural artifacts in digital form.Other projects include the Wayback Machine, archive.org and archive-it.org From homesteaders to preppers, however, it is important to use everything that is available for meeting survival needs. Read, borrow, and discover more than 3M books for free. A researcher, George C. Fahey Jr. discovered that cellulose in plants such as wheat or grass is digested by the animals better if the plant material is treated with an alkaline solution such as hydrogen peroxide first. Just pour hot water over the flowers and let it steep for about 5 minutes. Rather, you will be more concerned with keeping it from taking over and smothering out other plants. If you know how to dry clay before firing, you can use similar methods applied to the basket. Paper is made from cellulose, which is more common in some plants than others. Don’t think it can grow in my desert b ut good info to know. It was originally exported from Japan in 1876 and was considered an ornamental plant. I knew the leaves could be eaten, but have never tried them myself. Much of the controversy around how much bees actually rely on Kudzu as a pollen source revolves around where purple honey[24] comes from. They do this at intervals on the vine of roughly 1-2 feet. They also suspect that the bees rely more on Kudzu during drought years because this is one of the few flowering plants that can withstand a drought. If you are going to use Kudzu as a fertilizer, I recommend growing it in a particular area, and then mix that soil with poorer soil that needs a bit more nitrogen. Uses For Exotic Invasive Plants When it comes to how something works, modern scientific biomedicine is very keen to understand medicinal mechanisms. Lower blood pressure – Studies on rats also showed a slight decrease in blood pressure when compared to rats that were not fed Kudzu. Interestingly enough, many plants that are considered invasive, unsightly, or socially unacceptable are also some of the most valuable when it comes to providing food, medicine, and even clothing. During that time, you will still have to be careful about controlling the spread of Kudzu to other areas. or the tubers are too deep. Simply grind up the roots and you will have an excellent gluten free flour to use for baking and other purposes. Over the years, we have all heard stories about dangerous plants that the government and media tell us must be destroyed. To begin, some researchers[23] have noted that bees and butterflies visit Kudzu flowers as much as they do other types of flowers growing in the area. Kudzu is a fast-growing vine native to the subtropical regions of China and Japan, as well as some other Pacific islands.1, 2 The plant consists of leaves (containing 3 broad oval leaflets), purple flowers, and curling tendril spikes.3, 4 Because the stem grows up to 20 m in length and due to its extensive root system, kudzu has been used to control soil erosion. It was also used by the railroad companies to help stabilize the land around the tracks[1]. . Rats that received Kudzu after a simulated heart attack had more compensatory blood vessels than those who did not receive Kudzu. There are many herbs that will provide therapeutic benefits with relatively little preparation. Kudzu's root, flower, and leaf are used to make medicine. That’s Malala Yousafzai, Pakistani human rights... To see what your friends thought of this book, Readers' Most Anticipated Books of December. This is very different from prescription drugs on the market that may create an aversion to alcohol which would seem to reduce interest in consuming it. She is currently working on combining vertical container gardening with hydroponics. Some individuals that raise these animals have noted that baled Kudzu vines is a good bit cheaper. Just be sure that the plant material is thoroughly decayed before adding it to the garden. No matter whether you are interested in making toilet paper, paper to write on, or making paper plates, Kudzu may be a key to your plans. To make the fabric, you will need to weave the Kudzu fibers using a loom. Depending on the age of the vine, you can use either the inner or outer part of the vine. Nevertheless, these are some things you should consider and find out more about if you plan to use Kudzu. Third, if you are going to use Kudzu to curb alcohol consumption, it will only work while you are using this herb. THEY VIEW THE PLANT AS A USELESS WEED. Each vine also has rooting nodes with also set down roots and then send out 5 twisting vines each. Kudzu flowers are known to have a sweet taste that is similar to grapes. Even though Kudzu is plentiful during more non-drought seasons as well, proponents of this hypothesis claim that the bees only use Kudzu flowers when they have to. If you have even done a minimal amount of gardening, then you already know that corn tends to take up far more nutrients that beans and other legumes that fix nitrogen into the soil. Refresh and try again. Today, more people are becoming interested in having small scale bee hives in their yards and on their homesteads. Read reviews from world’s largest community for readers. Noodles can be made from the starch, such as the ones called “kudzu kiri.” Cooking Tips. Let the fibers dry, and then separate them into strands approximately 1 mm thick. (it was usually prescribed as a medicine to combat alcoholism), only recently has it started gaining popularity in alternative herbal health.. IPM is a combination of removal methods — mechanical, chemical, and biological (through the use of goats or beneficial insects) and should be implemented for several years. And one of the few traditional uses in the South is using the vine flowers to make jelly. Heavy cream or evaporated milk ¼ tsp. While you can find kudzu vine almost anywhere in the South by taking a drive on a country road, kudzu root is probably most popular by way of a supplement or as kudzu root tea that can be foun… To use the starch, mix the flakes with water until they dissolve, then add the liquid to the ingredients to be thickened. Best used for Hangover and Alcoholic Craving. Kudzu is one of the few plants that can take uptake lead and store it in the roots and shoots[20]. May Cause or Accelerate Breast Cancer[11] – Studies on this one are controversial at best. Even though Kudzu grows very fast, you will still need to allow the pasture to recover from time to time if you have cattle grazing on it. Puerarin causes a reduction in inflammation in both the brain and spinal cord in dogs, rats, and rabbits. They are a potent allergen which blooms at about the same time as ragweed. Once the paper is dry, gently lift it from the screen and let it finish drying. The plant root is dried and flaked. I’ve been using arrowroot starch for years, but never knew it came from kudzu! Here are some results that you may be interested in: According to Webmd[10], there are some troubling side effects that can occur when using Kudzu extract for an extended period of time. Jellies made with Kudzu Starch hold their shape and sheen for up to 3 days. Kudzu is a source of therapeutic isoflavones – a phytonutrient with anti-cancer, hormone regulations, and cardio-protective properties Kudzu is used in traditional Asian medicine to heal the digestive tract (and discourage alcohol consumption) Kudzu root comes in small blocks that dissolve easily in a water. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Remember, Kudzu proliferates via a number of mechanisms. During the dust bowl era of the 1930’s and 1940’s, Kudzu was heavily planted in order to help stop soil erosion. Rather, it will curb your interest in alcohol. Start off by gathering new kudzu vine growth at the end of summer. Even if it is made from pollen gathered from Kudzu flowers, there is no telling if useful molecules pass along to the honey as they do in the case of Manuka Honey. It is still best to ask your doctor and a pharmacist with access to a drug/herbal interaction database, especially if you are using blood thinners or have a clotting disorder. It will... Keep It Alive. Kudzu is … From dandelions to kudzu, it is always best to do some research on your own before concluding that any naturally growing plant is something that must be gotten rid of at all cost. May Cause Liver Damage or Make Hepatitis Worse[13] – According to studies done in 2015 or before, Kudzu has a number of anti-oxidant molecules in it which actually help protect the liver from damage, especially from drugs that are known to cause injury to this vital organ. If you do choose to work with Kudzu or Declinol, do not forget to check with your doctor first and a pharmacist to make sure it will not interact with any drug or herbal supplement you are currently taking. The plant root is dried and flaked. Ohwi, a semi-woody, perennial and leguminous vine native to South East Asia. Therefore, it is best to avoid consuming plants that appear to be growing in contaminated areas. Let the Kudzu vine cool, and then place it in silver leaf or some other material that contains the Bacillus Subtilis bacteria. I NEVER KNEW KUDZU HAD SO MANY USES. There is also a way to use Kudzu to make ethanol. One of them is a farmer who used it to raise cattle etc. Diane Hoots is the author of Kudzu (5.00 avg rating, 2 ratings, 2 reviews, published 1996) and 101+ Uses for Kudzu (0.0 avg rating, 0 ratings, 0 reviews) Make, 5 Ways To Preserve Milk For Survival And Homesteading, Why Spirulina Is An Extraordinary Food Source During Famines, Top 6 Survival Rifles And Why You Need One.