Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is known as "ge gen." Traditionally, kudzu root has been used to treat a variety of conditions such as alcoholism, fever, and cardiovascular issues, and it is sometimes included in formulas intended for calming or "clearing heat," which may indirectly relate to symptoms of anxiety or restlessness. However, there is limited direct historical evidence for its use specifically targeting anxiety as understood in modern clinical terms. The association with anxiety management is more of an extrapolation from its general use for calming or for symptoms that overlap with anxiety (such as irritability or headache).

Scientifically, the evidence supporting kudzu's effectiveness for anxiety is minimal. Some animal studies and laboratory research have examined isoflavones in kudzu for neuroprotective or calming effects, but human studies specifically evaluating kudzu for anxiety are lacking. As such, the rating for scientific evidence is low (1/5), reflecting some preliminary findings but no robust clinical data.

In summary, kudzu’s use for anxiety is grounded more in tradition and speculative extrapolation than in direct scientific validation. Anyone considering kudzu for anxiety should consult a healthcare provider, as the evidence base is very limited.