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| ducing the contraction of smooth muscle tissue. Chinese researchers have treated sudden deafness, which can be caused by impaired blood circulation, and circulatory problems with kudzu flavonoids. |
| To reduce cravings for alcohol and to reduce alcohol consumption, look for pueraria in health food stores or herb tea catalogs, where it is likely to be labeled by its Latin name, or look for imported kakkon (kudzu root tea), which may contain ginger, licorice and cinnamon as well. A few natural food stores and Chinese pharmacies carry kudzu root tablets and tinctures under the names ge-gen or ko-ken. Some kudzu products have English names like "Before and After," as in before and after partying, in which case follow package directions. If you're using dried pueraria or kudzu root, brew a decoction by simmering 1 tsp. dried herb per 1 cup of water for 10 to 15 minutes in a covered pan; let stand a few minutes, strain and serve. One cup of tea before cocktails should help reduce cravings; a cup after drinking may help reduce hangover symptoms. |
| If you live in the Southeast and have access to kudzu vines that grow far from busy highways and other sources of pollution, you can dig your own roots, scrub them off, chop them into small pieces and let them dry in a warm dry shady place with ample air circulation until they're completely dry. Store in tightly sealed glass jars or plastic bags away from heat and light. |
| Milk Thistle Seed (Sylybum marianum) |
| Environmental toxins, alcohol and a variety of other substances put daily stress on your liver, immune system, nervous system and emotions. Detoxification, regeneration and protection are the bywords of herbalists and nutritionally oriented physicians, who use plants to repair the damage. One of their favorite herbs is milk thistle seed, |
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