Kudzu Ginger Tea

Kudzu is a staple in my kitchen and one of my first recommendations for aches, pains, stiff neck and flu type symptoms. It’s turning out to be very helpful for those who may end up with a little ‘ugh’ post vax.

Kudzu, kuzu, pueraria or ge gen – it’s all the same thing. This amazing vine is taking over the south, leaving areas looking like something out of a Miyazaki film. Ge gen, the primary herb in Ge Gen Wan and Kudzu Releasing, has been used for centuries in Asian medicine for releasing Wind and freeing up the neck. Today it also being researched in treatment for alcoholism and hypertension. It is also used to keep estrogen from triggering breast cysts. The addition of ginger makes this a very warming tea, so use with caution if you have heat rising in the upper body.

Servings: 1 Prep Time: 5 min

Ingredients

• 2 tsp kudzu

• 1 1/2 cup hot water

• 1/4 tsp ume plum vinegar - don’t have ume plum? Use a little lemon. We need a kiss of sour.

• fresh grated ginger

• honey if desired

Instructions

Crush or grind kudzu if it is in large chunks. Dissolve kudzu in hot water add in ginger and ume vinegar to taste. Add in a bit of honey, if necessary. Enjoy - you will soon be very warm and have a more relaxed neck.

Recipe Notes

Health benefits and energetics:  Ginger warms and stimulates digestion, and also releases exterior Wind. Kudzu, detoxifies and releases the muscles of the neck and shoulders and moves out Wind as well.

Primary season: Spring