Natural Remedies To Support Alcohol Withdrawal: Herbs And Supplements

Putting an end to your addiction, once and for all, is one of the toughest decisions you can make. Even tougher still is following through.

Suddenly stopping something you have been dependent on for a long time can be hard on your mind and body. It’s natural to fall back into old habits. And controlling that inclination is never a matter of will alone.

You might find yourself relying on over-the-counter medicines or alternative drugs. Needless to say, those options are not much better (or different) than alcoholism. Let’s see what nature has to offer instead.

Ashwagandha

In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the most well-known herbs that relieves anxiety and stress. If you think you are an alcoholic and want to quit, ashwagandha can help. During withdrawal, it lowers your fatigue and restlessness. By slowing down the central nervous system, it calms your mind and helps you get through the difficult phase of alcohol withdrawal.

Blue Lotus

Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) is actually a water lily used for its psychoactive effects for ages. Years of alcohol addiction can be hard on your liver. Blue Lotus gummies have mild detoxifying properties, which are especially helpful if you are coming off alcohol. It also has calming properties, which can clear your mind and lower your anxiety during withdrawal.

Passionflower

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is naturally sedative. It calms your nervous system, which in turn takes your anxiety and restlessness down a notch. You need this during alcohol withdrawal. This flower also helps you sleep better and reduces alcohol cravings. It is a calming natural botanical that can make your journey towards an addiction-free life more pleasant.

Milk Thistle

A Mediterranean herb, Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), is renowned for its liver-protective properties. If you are living with addiction, chances are your liver is already fairly damaged. Milk thistle can protect it from further harm. This botanical’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects can also support your recovery. It might not help in the mental battle you fight during withdrawal, but it does a world of good for your body.

Kudzu

Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) is a potent anti-alcohol botanical. It contains a compound called daidzin, which interferes with the metabolism of alcohol in the body. The effects are similar to anti-alcohol drugs. With some kudzu in your system, you won’t feel the same pleasure from drinking alcohol. So your cravings will go down, and withdrawal will be easier.

Valerian Root

Supplements of Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis) are used to treat insomnia, anxiety, stress, and depression. So it can help if you are particularly agitated during withdrawal. This herb sedates your brain and nervous system, so you feel less stressed out. It can also help you get some much-needed shut-eye while reducing your need to drink.

St. John’s Wort

The European shrub, St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), helps people with depression. Except for severe cases, this botanical works as well as many prescription antidepressants. The neurobiological mechanisms of depression and alcohol abuse are similar. If you're going through withdrawal and feeling depressed, St. John’s Wort might be the remedy to help.

Delta-8

Delta-8 THC derived from hemp (Cannabis sativa) is a psychoactive cannabinoid. It relaxes you and creates a mild euphoria. If you are struggling with withdrawal-related jitters and anxiety, you can take some delta 8 gummies. It can give you the escape you need. Delta-8 also helps with nausea, low appetite, and discomfort, which are common during alcohol withdrawal.

B-Complex Vitamins

B-complex vitamins (including Thiamine/B1, B6, B12) are great for your nerves, energy, and mood—three of the hardest-hit aspects of any addiction. Although these vitamins can’t reverse the effects of alcohol, they sure can prevent further damage. Chronic alcohol use can reduce your B12 levels. So, taking some supplements can make up for the loss.

Other Nutrients

You could take other important supplements containing vitamin B, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, L-glutamine, N-acetyl cysteine, 5-HTP, chromium, and melatonin. Your body needs these nutrients during alcohol withdrawal. Each one has a different function. Vitamin C boosts your immunity while vitamin D regulates your mood; magnesium and zinc make you less irritable; similarly, the other nutrients reduce cravings, help you sleep better, and protect your liver.

Recover Naturally

As an alcoholic, you can feel the adverse effects of addiction firsthand. When your body has already been through so much, why stress it out even more with medicines and synthetic drugs that could further lead to dependencies?

Natural herbs have fewer side effects. They also support your nutritional needs better. Not to mention, they relieve the most pressing symptoms of withdrawal quite effectively. Giving it a go can’t hurt. For all you know, one of the natural supplements discussed above could change your life for the better.