Kuzu is a starch made from wild mountain kuzu root, which you can find in most natural and specialty food stores or online. It’s got a number of great benefits—kuzu tea is one of my favorite ways to get calm. Here’s everything you need to know about kuzu and how to make your own calming kuzu tea.
What Is Kuzu?
Native throughout Asia, the kuzu plant is a climbing vine also used as an ornamental. It produces fragrant purple flowers that grow in long racemes.
But it’s the root that holds medicinal properties that have been favored by Eastern healers for thousands of years. Dried and ground into a white powder, kuzu resembles arrowroot.
Benefits Kuzu
Like a number of other botanicals, kuzu has many traditional uses. The powder can be added to sauce, soups, and desserts as a thickening agent. But it’s also known for its calming properties, particularly for upset stomachs and anxious nerves.
It’s also used to relieve constipation, treat the common cold, and regulate blood sugar. Kuzu has also been used to relieve chronic migraines, and it may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and reduce high blood pressure.
Kuzu Tea
This tea really does help you relax and brighten your vibe. I have this when I’m cranky-pants. It’s great for so many reasons. Especially PMS—helping to nourish you when you’re on your period. And it’s also beneficial to calm/soothe little people 🙂 Sip it a few times a week as a preventative remedy. Be mindful not to drink this too close to bedtime, because it might keep you up.
Makes 1 serving.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon kuzu
- 1 cup cool water
- 1-2 tablespoons brown rice syrup
In a small saucepan, add the kuzu and water. Let it sit for a moment, then stir until the kuzu is completely dissolved.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly so that the kuzu doesn’t get lumpy. Once the liquid turns clear, add the syrup and enjoy!
Photo & video: Kristin Burns
