Chinese herbs

Pueraria

Also called: kudzu, ge gen, pueraria mirifica

Roots of kudzu or Thai pueraria.

Why people take it
Alcohol cravings, menopause, breast enlargement.
What the evidence says
Little good evidence.
How it is usually taken
Usually as root powder or 1 to 3 g of extract.
Be careful
Pueraria mirifica is strongly oestrogenic; avoid with hormone-sensitive conditions.
Medicines it can interact with
May affect hormone treatments, blood thinners and diabetes medicines.

Other chinese herbs

Dong quaiHorny goat weedSchisandraJujubeChrysanthemum teaGynostemmaEucommiaRehmanniaPolygonum multiflorumPanax notoginsengAmerican ginsengEjiaoPearl powderHawthorn berry (shanzha)Monk fruit

Common questions

What is Pueraria?

Roots of kudzu or Thai pueraria.

Why do people take Pueraria?

Alcohol cravings, menopause, breast enlargement.

Does Pueraria work?

Little good evidence.

How much Pueraria do people take?

Usually as root powder or 1 to 3 g of extract.

Is Pueraria safe?

Pueraria mirifica is strongly oestrogenic; avoid with hormone-sensitive conditions.

Does Pueraria interact with medicines?

May affect hormone treatments, blood thinners and diabetes medicines.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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