Pueraria (Kudzu, Kwao Krua)
Pueraria candollei
About Pueraria (Kudzu, Kwao Krua)
Pueraria (Kudzu, Kwao Krua) (Pueraria candollei) is a herb used in the Thai Traditional Medicine tradition to help with Menopause, Hormonal Imbalance, Skin Health, and Bone Health. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, used both internally and topically.
Parts used
Conditions addressed
Tea / Infusion
- Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Pueraria (Kudzu, Kwao Krua) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
- Cover while steeping.
- Strain and drink.
Tincture
- Pack dried Pueraria (Kudzu, Kwao Krua) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
- Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
Powder / Capsule
- Grind dried Pueraria (Kudzu, Kwao Krua) into a fine powder.
- Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
Topical / Poultice
- Mash fresh Pueraria (Kudzu, Kwao Krua) or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
- Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
Infused Oil
- Fill a jar with dried Pueraria (Kudzu, Kwao Krua).
- Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
- Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
- Use topically or as a salve base.
Herbal Bath
- Brew 4–6 tbsp of Pueraria (Kudzu, Kwao Krua) in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
- Soak for 20–30 minutes.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Pueraria (Kudzu, Kwao Krua) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Pueraria (Kudzu, Kwao Krua) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
AvoidThis herb is associated with hormone-modulating activity. Because pregnancy is a uniquely hormone-sensitive state, herbs in this category are generally avoided unless specifically guided by a midwife or doctor — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionHormone-modulating herbs can potentially affect milk supply or pass hormone-active compounds to the infant — generally used cautiously and under guidance.
Children
AvoidHormone-modulating herbs are generally avoided in children given the sensitivity of ongoing hormonal development.
Contraindications
- Hormone-sensitive conditions (breast/ovarian cancer, endometriosis) — phytoestrogenic activity possible
Warnings
⚠️ Allergic Reactions
Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
⚠️ Not Medical Advice
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Drug & herb interactions
May affect hormone levels
Watch for: Hormone therapies, oral contraceptives, and tamoxifen or similar medications
Some herbs have mild phytoestrogenic or hormone-modulating activity that can interact with hormonal medications.
Where to find in nature
Native region
Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia
Climate
Tropical monsoon
Habitat
Tropical forests, temple gardens, and village herb plots of Southeast Asia
🌿 To see Pueraria (Kudzu, Kwao Krua) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.
Where to buy
In store
- Thai and Southeast Asian grocery stores
- Asian supermarkets with herbal and fresh produce sections
- Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
- Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
- Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
Online
iHerb
Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing
Mountain Rose Herbs
Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced
Starwest Botanicals
Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders
Herb Pharm
High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards
Amazon
Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing
Etsy
Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs
Quality tips
When buying Pueraria (Kudzu, Kwao Krua), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.