Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines: Pueraria, Kudzu and Schisandra

 

Yes, the “Vine that ate the South,” Kudzu has a fascinating history in my region. It is, perhaps, the most hated of all weeds. Yet, it is strongly medicinal, edible and the flowers make a nice wine… fibers from the vines can even be used as a substitute for silk, making fine clothing and fishing lines.

Plants for A Future states:

Medicinal use of Kudzu Vine: The kudzu vine, known as Ge Gen in China, is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs. Recent research has shown that compounds called "daidzin" and "daidzein", which are contained in the roots and the flowers, are a safe and effective method for treating alcohol abuse. They work by suppressing the appetite for alcohol, whereas existing treatments interfere with the way the alcohol is metabolised and can cause a build-up of toxins. The plant is often used in combination with Chrysanthemum x morifolium in treating alcohol abuse. The flowers and the roots are antidote, antiemetic, antipyretic, antispasmodic, demulcent, diaphoretic, digestive, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic and hypotensive. A concoction of the flowers and tubers is used to treat alcoholism, fever, colds, diarrhoea, dysentery, acute intestinal obstruction etc. It is useful in the treatment of angina pectoris and migraine. The root is frequently used as a remedy for measles, often in combination with Cimicifuga foetida. The root contains puerarin. This increases the blood flow to the coronary artery and protects against acute myocardial ischaemia caused by the injection of pituitrin. The root can be harvested from the autumn to the spring and is used fresh or dried. The flowers are harvested just before they are fully open and are dried for later use. The stems are galactogogue and are also applied as a poultice to incipient boils, swellings, sore mouths etc. The seed is used in the treatment of hangover and dysentery. The leaves are styptic.

Peterson Field Guides Eastern and Central Medicinal Plants states:

In China, root tea used for headaches, diarrhea, dysentery, acute intestinal obstruction, gastroenteritis, deafness; to promote measel eruptions, induce sweating. Experimentally lowers blood sugar and blood pressure. Flower tea used for stomach acidity, “Awakens the spleen,” expels drunkenness,” Seeds used for dysentery and to expel drunkenness, Stem poulticed for sores, swellings, mastitis; tea gargle for sore throats. Root starch (used to stimulate production of bodily fluids) eaten as food.

Schisandra

One variety of Schisandra is native to my region, Schisandra glabra (Star-Vine). This plant has no documented use in Herbal medicine to my knowledge. However, Schisandra is a very important herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Our native variety should certainly be researched to find out if it has medicinal properties - as of 2022 I have been unable to find any documentation of such studies.

This article is an excerpt from 

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide

Read about Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

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Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.