Kuzu – The Healing Root for Your Inner Center

How this ancient Asian remedy supports digestion, spleen function, and emotional balance

When it comes to traditional healing plants, there's one quiet star that gently supports digestion, calms the nervous system, and nourishes your inner strength: Kuzu, also known as Kudzu or Radix Puerariae. Originating from China and Japan, this powerful root has been used for centuries in both culinary and medicinal contexts. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Kuzu is valued for its ability to strengthen the Spleen, harmonize the digestive system – especially the Small Intestine – and help release internal dampness and heat.

What is Kuzu?

Kuzu is the root of the climbing plant Pueraria lobata. In Japan, it is processed into a fine, white starch that's used in cooking and healing. Whether as a natural thickener, a warming tea, or a gentle detox aid – Kuzu impresses with its subtle but deep-reaching effects.

Kuzu’s Effects in TCM

1. Strengthens the Center & Spleen Qi

In TCM, the Spleen governs our ability to transform food and experiences – both physically and emotionally. Kuzu strengthens the Spleen by transforming dampness, regulating digestion, and supporting the Qi (life energy) of the center.

2. Supports the Small Intestine

In TCM, the Small Intestine separates the pure from the impure. When it's weakened, symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal cramps, or bloating can appear. Kuzu helps balance these imbalances, particularly when they’re related to internal dampness or heat.

3. Calms tension and emotional restlessness

Kuzu also has a grounding effect on the nervous system. It relieves muscular tension (especially in the neck and shoulders), relaxes the Liver Qi, and helps restore inner calm – ideal for people with stress, PMS, or irritability.

4. Gently releases dampness and clears heat

While Kuzu is not a strong diuretic, it does help regulate excess dampness in the digestive tract. It's especially helpful for conditions like loose stools, bloating, or inflammation due to damp-heat.

How to Use Kuzu in Your Daily Life

• Kuzu tea for digestive upsets or colds
  Dissolve 1 tsp of kuzu starch in cold water, then gently heat and stir until translucent. Add ginger or umeboshi paste for extra effect.
• Kuzu in cooking
  Use as a gluten-free, gut-friendly thickener in soups, sauces, or desserts. Soothing, stabilizing, and healing.
• For fatigue and internal coldness
  Kuzu gently warms from within – perfect for those who often feel tired, cold, or energetically “off center.”

Return to Your Center with Kuzu

Kuzu is more than a plant remedy – it’s an invitation to return to your center, nourish your digestion, and reconnect with your body’s wisdom.Whether used for digestive complaints, postpartum care, nervous tension, or as a gentle detoxifier, Kuzu deserves a place in every holistic toolkit.

Tip from my practice:

I often recommend Kuzu to clients dealing with weakened digestion, emotional imbalance, or a sense of being ungrounded. Want to learn how to integrate Kuzu into your self-care routine? Sign up for my Kenko Post newsletter or book a 1:1 session with me.

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