Kudzu
Kudzu (pronunciation: /ˈkʊdzuː/; etymology: from Japanese kuzu (クズ or 葛)) is a group of plants in the genus Pueraria, in the pea family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. They are climbing, coiling, and trailing perennial vines native to much of East Asia, Southeast Asia, and some Pacific islands.
Description
Kudzu vines develop from a fibrous root system and may grow up to 20 m (66 ft) in length and 25 cm (10 in) in diameter. The leaves are alternate and compound, with a petiole (leaf stem) and three broad leaflets up to 20 cm (8 in) across. The flowers are purple, highly fragrant, and occur in long racemes.
Uses
Kudzu has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and in the cuisine of East Asia for centuries. It has also been used in the United States for erosion control, and its potential as a source of biofuel is being researched.
Medical Uses
In traditional Chinese medicine, kudzu is used in prescriptions for the treatment of wei syndrome (superficial heat close to the surface), thirst, headache, and stiff neck with pain due to high blood pressure. It may also be used for allergies, migraine headaches, inadequate measles eruptions in children, and diarrhea. Kudzu is also used in modern Chinese medicine as a treatment for angina pectoris.
Related Terms
- Pueraria: The genus to which kudzu belongs.
- Fabaceae: The pea family, which includes kudzu.
- Wei syndrome: A condition treated with kudzu in traditional Chinese medicine.
- Angina pectoris: A condition treated with kudzu in modern Chinese medicine.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Kudzu
- Wikipedia's article - Kudzu
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