If I were to tell you that there was a desert you could indulge in to help with indigestion or constipation, would you think I’m being a holistic smart ass? Would you think that I’m just trying to prank you into eating a huge bowl of Pepto Bismol with chocolate chips and coconut flakes on top? If you answered yes to both, your partially correct! I am about to dive into a delicious bowl of coconut pudding with a couple of toppings for texture and crunch, all while practicing holistic homemade remedies and you should too!
This pudding has a tasteless, odorless secret ingredient that serves flavonoids and nerve calming abilities like a stealth ninja. I used kuzu root (Pueraria lobata, or Kudzu) as my thickening agent that really outwits corn and potato starch in addition to the gluten free favorite, arrowroot powder. Kuzu root thickens liquids, forms jellies, pudding, calms your appetite, aids in indigestion and can even help with the common cold.
The starch that makes kuzu an outstanding jelling and thickening agent in cooking is partly responsible for its medicinal action. Some of kuzu’s complex starch molecules enter the intestines and relieve the discomfort caused by overacidity, bacterial infection, and – in the case of diarrhea – excess water. In many cases of abdominal aching and intestinal irritation, a bowl of kuzu gruel or pudding brings quick relief. (Source)
Kuzu has been shown in studies to be successful in relieving migraine headaches, reducing high blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and recently been used with treating alcohol abuse. “Harvard medical researcher Wing-Ming Keung traveled to China to collect clinical information. During his visit, Keung interviewed thirteen traditional and modern physicians and compiled three hundred case histories. “In all cases,” said Keung, “the medication (a tea made from kudzu root and other herbs) was considered effective in both controlling and suppressing appetite for alcohol and improving the function of alcohol-affected vital organs. No toxic side effects were reported by the Chinese physicians.”” (Source). That’s pretty amazing information! To think, that all of these benefits happen from making a pudding, jelly or tea.
It’s a holistic goody that has been used for thousands of years, yet, many people today have never even heard of it, let alone know what to do with it or where to find it. You can find it on Amazon luckily for a pretty decent price. I must cut things short and go swimming in my homemade pool of coconut-healing-bliss. I must massage my taste buds, soothe my tummy, calm my nerves, and stimulate my opioid system. My brain needs to get to work and my coconut award of sweet healing awaits…
Now If I eat over 2 cups of this stuff and get a stomach ache, the medicinal properties of the kuzu root will counteract that right? Wish me luck!
Have you used kuzu prior to this recipe?
And, how’d the pudding turn out?
Hey! I have not prior to this pudding. It’s been sitting in my pantry for months. It came out really good though. Two things: 1-it takes longer to cook; 2-mine didn’t come out as firm or stiff as the usual puddings do, but that could have just been my measurements. 🙂
I am ordering some today. This is a great article Nette!
Thank you, I’m so glad you like it! The pudding came out really good, just took me a little longer than usual to make. You can click on one of the images to order those 😉
Hi!! I’m new to your website and I’m glad to stumble upon this recipe. Thank you!
-Dominiqu3
hey there and welcome! I’m glad you stumbled upon it as well and glad to have you here 🙂