5 Herbal Remedies For Alcohol Cravings

In the United States of America alone, over eighteen million people are badly addicted to alcohol. The worst thing about this addiction is that it does not go away easily. Just a strong determination does not prove to be enough.

The alcohol cravings are so strong that even if the brain says ‘NO’, you feel an intensified urge to consume alcohol so that you can feel ‘normal’ again. When you feel that your body needs it so badly, you do not listen to your brain. Luckily, there are lots of herbs that can help you to fight successfully against alcohol cravings.

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5 Herbal Remedies For Alcohol Cravings

Dandelion

The roots of the dandelion plant contain some bitter components that can be very helpful in curbing alcohol cravings. When you take this cleansing herb in proper dosage, it increases the bile production from the gallbladder, which eventually treats alcohol-related symptoms quit efficiently.

In general, taking 3-5 mg of dried dandelion roots 2-3 times a day is considered to be very safe and effective in fighting against alcohol cravings.

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Kudzu

Kudzu roots can also treat the condition of alcohol abuse quite efficiently. Traditional Chinese herbal practitioners have been using this herb since ancient times to fight against alcohol cravings. Some medical evidences are also available now indicating that kudzu can play an active role against alcoholism. Kudzu roots are generally available in the form of tinctures. Though it is available in processed supplement form also, it is considered to be more beneficial when taken in the form of tea. You can mix 25-50 drops of this tincture in four ounce of warm water and take the eventual herbal tea three to five times everyday.

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St. John’s Wort

Medically termed as Hypericum Perforatum, St. John’s Wort is most popularly used to relieve the symptoms of depression and anxiety. But, recent laboratory studies have shown that it can be very helpful in reducing the desire for alcohol also.

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IBOGA

The perennial herb of iboga is also used to treat addictions of not only alcohol but also heroin, cocaine and other drugs. The main active component in iboga is ibogaine, which is also termed as psychoactive alkaloid. Ibogaine minimizes substance cravings by working on the opioid, dopamine and serotonin receptors. However, it is important to note that high doses of ibogaine can be toxic. Therefore, it must be taken in moderation under the strict guidance of your doctor. Ibogaine analog however is considered very safe; it provides anti-addiction benefits without causing any toxic side effects. There are certain neurotransmitters in the brain that cause alcohol cravings. The analog of ibogaine works on these neurotransmitters to reduce the intensity of cravings.

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Goldenseal

The overpopulation of the candida bacteria in the intestine is one of the major factors that cause alcohol cravings. The anti-fungal and anti-viral properties of goldenseal have the ability to kill that Bactria, which eventually curbs the body’s desire for alcohol. The bitter taste of this herb is also a big plus that makes it a more powerful deterrent in the battle against alcohol cravings.

Though all these herbs are considered safe in general, you must talk to your doctor first before trying any specific herbal remedy for alcohol cravings.