Extract or the whole root is used for alcohol addiction. Herb and extract act as a long term tonic, reducing blood pressure. May help manage elevated blood sugar, migraine headaches and excessive stomach acidity. Root starch is similar to corn starch in appearance and texture when powdered, or jagged chunks when whole, and is called "Kudzu" or "Japanese Arrow Root." Like many starches, it is traditionally used to stop bleeding internally or externally.