Kudzu, Pueraria lobata, P. thunbergiana

Farmers began importing Kudzu in the 1930’s and 40’s, hoping that the plant would control soil erosion and provide fodder for cattle. Kudzu grows very fast and was a major agricultural problem in the South in the 1960’s, and early 70’s. It has been fought back and is no longer as prevalent as it once was. However, many patches still exist. Luckily almost the entire plant is edible. It is a legume in the Fabaceae (Pea) Family. Identification: Kudzu is a twining and trailing perennial vine that grows quickly and covers everything in its path. Folks in the south joke that if you go on vacation, your house may be completely swallowed by the time you get back. It is a familiar sight to find kudzu covering abandoned houses, telephone poles, trees, and fields.

Leaves are grouped into formations of three leaflets at each node. Each leaflet has its own stalk or petiole. The central leaf has 3 lobes and a petiole that is about 3/4 inch (1 cm) long. The leaves on either side have shorter petioles and usually 2 lobes. Leaves may not have any lobes or may have many more. The leaves are medium-green and grow to be about 5 to 6 inches (12.5 cm to 15 cm) long and are covered in very fine hairs. The vines are long and covered in small bristles that help it climb and cling to vertical surfaces. The vines grow rapidly and become thick and woody as they mature. The vines also grow horizontally, putting down roots at each node. In August or September, purple or reddish-purple flowers appear in clusters. Each cluster is up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and emerges from the central petiole of a leaf trio. Bean-shaped seed pods of approximately 2 inches (5 cm) in length form from each flower cluster. They are greenish-bronze when mature and covered with fine hairs and turn brown when dried. Edible Use: The leaves, vine tips, flowers, and roots are all edible. The vine stems are not. The roots contain starch and can be roasted and eaten like potatoes, or dried and powdered to make a starch much like cornstarch. The flowers make a delicious jelly. Medicinal Use: Kudzu root is easily dried and powdered and is the part used for medicine. Estrogen-like Effects: Kudzu root has estrogenlike effects that are beneficial for pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women. It alleviates the symptoms of menopause including headaches, hot flashes, and irregular bleeding.

Heart Problems, Cardiovascular System:

Kudzu root decoction is useful for increasing blood flow in the body by expanding the arteries and vessels. It increases oxygen supply to the brain and body. It lowers blood pressure and reduces chances of clotting and strokes. It is also a potent weapon against myocardial ischemia. Relieves Digestive Spasms: Kudzu root soothes digestive spasms and helps treat digestive cramping, Crohn’s disease, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It works for both acute and chronic conditions. Measles: Kudzu reduces the infection rate and shortens cases of measles. It also works as a preventative for family members. People who take kudzu root get well faster than those who do not.

Kudzu leaves, Bubba73 (Jud McCranie) - Own work, CC by SA 3.0