Like other legumes, it recharges depleted soil by adding vegetable matter and nitrogen, providing excellent fodder for cattle or goats. In Japan, where it is called "Kuzu," it is highly appreciated for both nutritional and medicinal value. The wisteria-like flowers smell amazingly similar to intense grape jelly. (An excellent resource is The Book of Kudzu by Shurtleff and Aoyagi, Avery Publishing, 1985.) You might also enjoy visiting an extensive website devoted to this fascinating plant, which has much to teach us about weeds.

EarthFriends' Kudzu flower essence, which I've worked with for over 10 years, offers specific healing around heart and relationships. It works at several levels, depending on the depth and nature of the imbalance. Most directly, Kudzu encourages tenacity and persistence in the face of emotional setbacks, especially when these involve rejection, abandonment, or self-denial.

Because it fosters an end to self-criticism and a renewal of self-acceptance and support, it is a useful tonic for people who have denied or compromised their own hearts, dreams, or creative impulses. It is also a powerful ally for individuals who, for fear of repeating past hurts, have kept themselves isolated or disconnected from others.

Kudzu helps us maintain a sense of personal identity and integrity in relationship. It is most frequently indicated when someone feels smothered or trapped by the demands and expectations of others -- whether they be spouse, lover, family member, or employer. Not surprisingly, it is quite the favorite around the holidays.

Rebecca is an intelligent, well-balanced single woman of 38. She's earned several graduate degrees and has a satisfying career teaching nutrition and psychology, yet lived in dread of visiting her family. "The whole marriage thing was just too much. Even though my life is really good, the way they all acted like not being married was such a tragedy, I always ended up feeling like a total failure."

This year for her holiday visit, Rebecca used Kudzu flower essence. "I felt really different, stronger in myself. I told my mother I was happy and not to bring the marriage business up again. I felt really liberated." She's continuing to use Kudzu along with other remedies, and has noticed that her relationships are easier. "I'm enjoying myself more without the constant pressure to figure out if this one is the big one."

At the deepest levels, Kudzu helps us establish a strong, self-affirming relationship with self, with soul, and with the Earth. It helps us feel deeply connected and loved at our core and acts as a strong antidote to the primal fears of abandonment or exile which act as "hooks" that let others pull us off our own soul's path through life.

The World Wide Essence Society does not mean to imply any recommendation of nor give certification to any individuals or companies above. This article is provided purely for informational purposes. We ask consumers to make their own determination as to quality of the services and products offered above. This article is not meant to be advice, and the information is not meant to replace medical or psychological treatment.