Kudzu can help curb binge drinking in heavy drinkers.

  Kudzu, commonly referred to as the "vine that ate the south," is a plant that grows wild in parts of the southeastern United States. It got its nickname because it is so aggressive and grows all over almost everything. Kudzu has been used for centuries in China for treating alcoholism and other ailments.

  Some experts suggest the isoflavones in kudzu may prolong or enhance the effects of the first drink...so people are less likely to keep drinking. Another theory is that the kudzu constituent puerarin might lessen feelings of anxiety associated with alcohol withdrawal.

  Kudzu seems promising in cutting down binge drinking...but only in animal studies. Evidence for humans is less solid.