The Surprising Health Benefits of the Kudzu Vine

5. Eases an upset stomach

Kudzu can help ease digestion and improve bowel movements, both of which are causes for a tummyache. With its anti-inflammatory properties, it can help with bowel irritation and promote healthy gut bacteria. Regular consumption of the kudzu root as food, versus the extract, has been shown to alleviate discomfort from irritable bowel syndrome and acute diverticulitis. The thick, viscous consistency of Kudzu coats the interior walls of the stomach and small intestine, protecting it from harsh stomach acids that cause irritation and heartburn. Stomach ulcers can also receive the protection Kudzu root provides, and the fiber in the root helps digestion flow properly, thus eliminating some of the severity of "leaky gut syndrome."