Puerariae Lobatae Radix Pulveratum / Puerariae Thomsonii Radix Pulveratum
Aliases：kudzu root starch
Gegenfen (Kudzu Root Starch), a Chinese medicinal, is the starch obtained from the tuberous roots of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi and Pueraria thomsonii Benth. (family Fabaceae) through water‑grinding and sedimentation.
Efficacy & Actions
Clear heat and relieve vexation, promote fluid production to quench thirst, and counteract alcohol intoxication.
Indications
It is used for vexation and heat, thirst, alcohol intoxication, throat impediment (sore throat), and sores and boils.
Modern Pharmacology
Cardiovascular protection: Dilates coronary and cerebral arteries, increases blood flow, lowers blood pressure; inhibits platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. Hypoglycemic: Puerarin exhibits insulin-sensitizing effects and lowers blood glucose. Hypolipidemic: Reduces serum cholesterol and triglycerides, improves lipid metabolism disorders. Alcohol detoxification and liver protection: Promotes bile secretion, enhances hepatocyte regeneration, and accelerates alcohol metabolism. Antioxidant: Scavenges free radicals and inhibits lipid peroxidation. Anti-inflammatory: Suppresses the release of inflammatory mediators. Endocrine regulation: Isoflavones have phytoestrogen-like effects, may improve menopausal symptoms and regulate menstruation. Immunomodulatory (enhances immunity): Boosts immune function. Antitumor: Inhibits the growth of various tumor cells.
Ingredients
Isoflavones (core active components): Puerarin, daidzin, daidzein, genistein, etc. Starch: Over 70%, mainly amylopectin. Amino acids: More than 10 types, including essential amino acids for the human body. Trace elements: Calcium, zinc, phosphorus, iron, selenium, etc. Others: Polysaccharides, triterpenoids, saponins, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 10–30 g, mixed with boiling water, honey, or rice congee and taken orally. External use: Appropriate amount, sprinkled or mixed as a paste for topical application.
Contraindications
Contraindications: Patients with hypotension or hypoglycemia should not consume it. Patients with coagulation disorders, hemophilia, or those taking anticoagulant medications should not consume it. Individuals with stomach cold, body cold with dampness retention should use with caution or avoid. Precautions for use: Excessive consumption should be avoided, as it may cause abdominal distension and diarrhea. Do not consume together with irritating foods (such as chili peppers, ginger, leek, dog meat, mutton, alcohol, strong tea, etc.). Some individuals may experience allergic reactions (rash, itching, difficulty breathing). If such symptoms occur, stop use immediately and seek medical attention. Pregnant women may consume it in appropriate amounts.
Selected Formulas
1. Kudzu Root Congee (from Sheng Hui Fang) Indication: Chest irritability with feverish sensation, thirst, and restlessness. Ingredients: 120 g kudzu root powder, 250 g millet. Preparation: Soak the millet in water overnight. The next day, drain the millet, mix it thoroughly with kudzu root powder, and cook into congee. Consume as a meal. 2. Kudzu Root and Honey Drink (from Shiyi Xinjing) Indication: Dysentery with bloody stools. Ingredients: 90 g kudzu root powder, 30 g honey. Preparation: Take about 800 mL of freshly drawn well water or clean cold water. Mix the kudzu root powder and honey into the water until well blended. Drink the entire amount on an empty stomach.
Daily Consumption
1. Drinking (as a paste/slurry) Take 10–15 g of kudzu root starch. Mix it with a small amount of cold boiled water to form a smooth paste, then pour in boiling water while stirring continuously until it becomes a transparent gelatinous consistency. Honey or sugar may be added to taste. Effect: Promotes fluid production, quenches thirst, clears heat and relieves vexation. Suitable for dry mouth, irritability, and mild throat discomfort. 2. Cooking congee Take 20–30 g of kudzu root starch and 100 g of millet or japonica rice. Cook the rice into congee first. When the congee is nearly done, dissolve the kudzu root starch in a small amount of cold water, pour it into the congee, stir well, and cook for another 5 minutes. Effect: Helps relieve chest vexation and heat, thirst, and dizziness caused by hypertension. 3. Making pastries Mix kudzu root starch with glutinous rice flour and sugar, add water to make a batter, pour into a mold, and steam until cooked. Kudzu cakes are thus prepared. Effect: Serves as a daily snack; fortifies the spleen and nourishes yin. 4. Thickening soups and dishes Kudzu root starch can be used as a natural thickener in soups or dishes instead of cornstarch. Effect: Adds nutritional value and helps clear heat and promote fluid production. Precautions Kudzu root starch is cool in nature. People with spleen‑stomach deficiency cold or diarrhea should not consume it in large amounts. Pregnant women and patients with hypotension should use it with caution. Recommended daily dosage: 10–30 g.
Medicinal Parts
starch extracted from the tuberous root
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry container in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture.