Jokingly referred to as “the vine that ate the South,” this fast-growing plant, which is indigenous to Japan, was introduced to the United States during the 19th century. Many garden aficionados fell in love with its ornamental beauty, not realizing it was capable of growing as much as a foot a day during summer months in the southeastern United States. In some areas, it spread like wildfire, beautifully dotting the landscape with colorful purple flowers.

Kudzu’s astonishing growth aside, its root extract is believed by some herbalists to contain antioxidant properties as well as nutritive isoflavones to help visibly firm skin and fight the appearance of wrinkles. You’ll find kudzu, as Pueraria lobata root extract, in DHC Revitalizing Moisture Strips: Eyes—a concentrated under-eye treatment to promote a brighter, more youthful look in one of your skin’s most delicate areas.