Gé Huā (葛花) — Kudzu flower
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Gé Huā (葛花) — Pueraria lobata — is known in English as Kudzu flower. It belongs to the category of herbs that resolve alcohol toxicity in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and within tailored prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
I prescribe Gé Huā as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Gé Huā |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 葛花 |
| Latin name | Pueraria lobata |
| English name | Kudzu flower |
| Nature | Cool |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels entered | Spleen, Stomach |
| Category | Clear heat |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Relieves the effects of alcohol and resolves alcohol toxicity
- Awakens the Spleen and harmonises the Stomach
Indications
- Hangover with headache, thirst and nausea
- Poor appetite and fullness after excessive drinking
- Vomiting and irritability following alcohol
4. Key formulas containing Gé Huā
Gé Huā is an ingredient in a number of classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 332 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Kudzu flower contains isoflavones including kakkalide. Preclinical research has examined effects on alcohol metabolism and liver protection. Evidence in humans is limited, and it does not make alcohol consumption safe.
6. Incompatibilities
The classical Ming-dynasty texts Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) and Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions) record herb pairs that should not be combined. Modern practitioners treat these as strong cautions rather than absolute contraindications.
No classical incompatibilities are recorded for Gé Huā in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
It is a supportive herb, not a treatment for alcohol dependence, which requires proper medical and psychological support. Use with caution in Spleen deficiency-Cold.
Pattern contraindications
Not a substitute for reducing alcohol intake; it does not protect against the harms of sustained heavy drinking.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Gé Huā at normal prescribed doses. As with all Chinese herbs, tell your herbalist about every prescribed medication so the formula can be reviewed for interactions and adjusted where necessary.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
8. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Gé Huā within tailored formulas where alcohol has injured the Spleen and Stomach, alongside advice on reducing intake.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
