Thai Kudzu for Libido & Hormonal Wellness

Our society associates women’s sexuality with youth. But with our knowledge and confidence, shouldn't we be having the best sex of our lives? Plant medicine can help.

Yes, shifting hormones during perimenopause can potentially lead to low sex drive in women. Yes, vaginal dryness is a nuisance (btw it only affects about half of us). But that’s not the end of the conversation. 

We developed our Wile Libido tincture with Thai Kudzu root (latin lovers: pueraria mirifica) to increase sexual pleasure from the source: with naturally balanced hormones. Practically every uncomfortable perimenopause “symptom” is really an indication that our hormones are a little off. The good news is that by balancing our hormones with ingredients like Thai kudzu, women can naturally increase our libidos, address vaginal dryness and more. 

We’re done pretending that sexual well-being doesn’t impact our day-to-day lives. It’s time to reinvest in our sexual selves and center our own pleasure.

Why We Love Thai Kudzu for Libido 

• It’s a well-rounded hormonal ally for women, especially women over 40 or over 50
• It’s rich in antioxidants. This means that it can help protect against lots of illnesses tied to the buildup of free radicals in our bodies. Yes, please!
• Earth-friendly bonus: It’s an invasive species that requires little agriculture inputs. So the more we can harvest and use it positively, the better. 

Key Benefits: 

Natural Hormone Balance - Plants in the kudzu family contain phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds that mimic estrogen to help with hormone balance during perimenopause. The hormonal effects have been tied to fewer hot flashes, improved menstrual cycle regularity and decreased vaginal dryness. 

Reduces Vaginal Dryness - Vaginal lubrication (or the lack thereof) isn’t the only factor in a satisfying sex life or in reducing painful sex. But it sure can help. Thai kudzu is reported to combat vaginal dryness, soreness and irritation, which makes it a key component in our Libido tincture. And the data supports this — clinical trials have found that Thai kudzu can effectively reduce vaginal dryness. 

Promotes Heart Health - Did you know that heart disease is the #1 killer of women? One unexpected effect of hormonal shifts during perimenopause is that heart health can suffer. As if there weren’t enough to keep track of, right? Thankfully, Thai kudzu promotes heart health by increasing HDL, or “good” cholesterol, and decreasing LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. Bonus: sex and orgasm also have heart-healthy effects.

Traditional Uses:

In Traditional Thai Medicine, Thai Kudzu root has been used as a rejuvenating tonic and has been said to promote youthfulness and healthy aging. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine uses this ingredient to decrease alcohol dependency. Clinical studies are now backing this up!

About the Plant: 

In the US, all pueraria species are referred to as Kudzu. Thai Kudzu aka pueraria mirifica is also known as kwao krua in its native Thailand. Nature to Southeast Asia, it has wide, flat leaves, spikes of purple flowers and bulbous, potato-like roots. The roots, which are medicinal, are typically dried and powdered before use. 

Kudzu is part of our Hot Flash and Perimenopause Support supplements. 

Found In (Wile Products):

• Libido

Things to Know About Thai Kudzu:

Thai kudzu is very safe, but taking too much can lead to gastrointestinal pain, dizziness, tiredness, itchiness, muscle aches, or spotting between menstrual cycles. That’s why we recommend that you take it in a blend formulated by an experienced naturopathic physician, like our Wile Libido tincture.

We also recommend that you talk to a doctor before taking Thai kudzu if:

• You have an estrogen-sensitive condition
• You have a liver condition
• You take blood thinners
• You take cholesterol medication
• You’re on hormone therapy

Thai kudzu is not confirmed safe for pregnant or breastfeeding people. 

Clinical Research

• Jaroenporn, Sukanya, Nontakorn Urasopon, Gen Watanabe, and Suchinda Malaivijitnond. “Improvements of Vaginal Atrophy without Systemic Side Effects after Topical Application of <I>Pueraria Mirifica</I>, a Phytoestrogen-Rich Herb, in Postmenopausal Cynomolgus Macaques.” Journal of Reproduction and Development 60, no. 3 (January 1, 2014): 238–45. https://doi.org/10.1262/jrd.2013-144.
• Kittivanichkul, Donlaporn, Narattaphol Charoenphandhu, Phisit Khemawoot, and Suchinda Malaivijitnond. “Pueraria Mirifica Alleviates Cortical Bone Loss in Naturally Menopausal Monkeys.” Journal of Endocrinology 231, no. 2 (November 1, 2016): 121–33. https://doi.org/10.1530/joe-16-0277.
• Lamlertkittikul, Surachai, and Verapol Chandeying. “Efficacy and Safety of Pueraria Mirifica (Kwao Kruea Khao) for the Treatment of Vasomotor Symptoms in Perimenopausal Women: Phase II Study.” Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 87, no. 1 (January 1, 2004): 33–40.
• Malaivijitnond, Suchinda. “Medical Applications of Phytoestrogens from the Thai Herb Pueraria Mirifica.” Frontiers of Medicine 6, no. 1 (March 5, 2012): 8–21. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11684-012-0184-8.
• Manonai, Jittima, Apichart Chittacharoen, Umaporn Udomsubpayakul, Hathai Theppisai, and Urusa Theppisai. “Effects and Safety of Pueraria Mirifica on Lipid Profiles and Biochemical Markers of Bone Turnover Rates in Healthy Postmenopausal Women.” Menopause 15, no. 3 (May 1, 2008): 530–35. https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0b013e31815c5fd8.
• Suthon, Sarocha, Sukanya Jaroenporn, Narattaphol Charoenphandhu, Panan Suntornsaratoon, and Suchinda Malaivijitnond. “Anti-Osteoporotic Effects of Pueraria Candollei Var. Mirifica on Bone Mineral Density and Histomorphometry in Estrogen-Deficient Rats.” Journal of Natural Medicines 70, no. 2 (January 27, 2016): 225–33. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418-016-0965-5.
• Suwanvesh, Narathorn, Jittima Manonai, Areepan Sophonsritsuk, and Wichai Cherdshewasart. “Comparison of Pueraria Mirifica Gel and Conjugated Equine Estrogen Cream Effects on Vaginal Health in Postmenopausal Women.” Menopause 24, no. 2 (February 1, 2017): 210–15. https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0000000000000742.
• Virojchaiwong, Phongthorn, Visut Suvithayasiri, and Arunporn Itharat. “Comparison of Pueraria Mirifica 25 and 50 Mg for Menopausal Symptoms.” Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, August 1, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-010-1689-5.
• Wang, Sheng-Guang, Shiming Zhang, Shaoping Wang, Yujie Feng, and Long Dai. “A Comprehensive Review on Pueraria: Insights on Its Chemistry and Medicinal Value.” Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy 131 (November 1, 2020): 110734. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110734.
• Wattanapitayakul, Suvara K., Linda Chularojmontri, and Supatra Srichirat. “Effects of Pueraria Mirifica on Vascular Function of Ovariectomized Rabbits.” Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand Chotmaihet Thangphaet, June 1, 2005.

Sources

• Hill, Ansley. “7 Emerging Benefits of Pueraria Mirifica.” Healthline, February 6, 2019. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pueraria-mirifica.
• Phan, Ross. “What Is Pueraria Mirifica?” Verywell Health, January 25, 2023. https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-pueraria-mirifica-88654.
• WebMD Editorial Contributors. “What to Know About Pueraria Mirifica.” WebMD, April 7, 2021. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/what-to-know-pueraria-mirifica#:~:text=Like%20any%20herbal%20supplement%2C%20pueraria,risks%20with%20your%20doctor%20first.