The hangover-curing properties of kudzu root were recorded long ago in the *Compendium of Materia Medica*: "Kudzu root: primarily treats excessive thirst, high fever, vomiting, all forms of stiffness, replenishes yin qi, and detoxifies the body."
Modern pharmacological research has also shown that the isoflavones in kudzu root can lower the concentration of ethanol in the blood.
There's also a little story behind its name.
Legend has it that during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the physician Ge Hong was leading his disciples in refining elixirs on Baopu Peak of Mount Mao. Two of his disciples fell ill from elixir poisoning, showing symptoms such as restlessness, feverish thirst, bad breath, and toothaches.
Ge Hong tried treating them with many medicinal herbs, but none were very effective.
