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If you are interested in trying herbs to assist with your addiction recovery, consult your doctor as some herbs may interact and inhibit the effectiveness of other medications you may be taking. Speak to a GP and a professional Herbalist or TCM practitioner for more information on which herbs may best suit your needs.
But I’m copy-pasting the herbs part below:
Ease withdrawal symptoms & support the nervous system
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) and Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) are both sedating herbs that can be drunk as a tea or taken as a tincture. They both are known for their ability to relax and tone the nervous system, relieving tension and anxiety. In Chinese medicine, Skullcap is considered excellent for cooling the mind, liver and lungs. For this reason it promotes a state of meditation and calms an over-active mind. Passionflower induces restful sleep without grogginess the following day. Both of these herbs are used specifically for reducing withdrawal symptoms.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) and Lemon Balm (Melissa offinialis) are also gentle relaxants that support the nervous and digestive systems. They are also both great choices for colds and flus, as they both can help clear the head and flush out a fever. These herbs have an uplifting quality that can ease depressive moods.
Saint John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) and Oatstraw (Avena sativa) are both nerve tonics with an antidepressant action. Oat straw is very nourishing and strengthening for the nervous system. St. John’s Wort helps to restore nerve damage and ease nerve pain, is a wound healer, and is used as an antidepressant; however, avoid it when taking pharmaceutical antidepressants.
Hops (Humulus lupulus) is another sedative herb to relieve anxiety and nervous tension. It can aid sleep as well as digestion. However, it is not recommended for people with marked depression.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a powerful sedative, antispasmodic and pain reliever. It is used for insomnia, anxiety, tension and stress. It is very helpful for relieving the physical tension & body pain associated with stress (including the stress of withdrawal). It can relax and reduce the pain of muscle cramps, as well as intestinal or menstrual cramps.
Detoxing herbs for the liver & blood
Herbs are also excellent allies when it comes to detoxing. Your liver is the organ most at risk of bearing the burden of alcohol use – and this is one area where herbs excel.
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) and Dandelion Root (Taraxacum offinale) are excellent herbs to cleanse and strengthen the liver when recovering from long-term alcohol use.
Burdock Root (Arctium lappa) and Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) are blood cleansers that start the gentle process of cleansing toxins out of your blood and body. Drink plenty of water to assist your body in the detoxification process.
Apple Cider Vinegar is another natural way to stimulate your liver, digestive system and alkalise your body. Mix 1-2 tsp of unpasteurised, organic ACV in 1 cup of water, drink before meals, 3 times daily for best results. If you are doing a detox this July, this is a great drink to include in your regime.
Herbs to overcome cravings
Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestris) is an amazing herb to regulate blood sugar – many people are surprised by how much of their alcohol habit is really a secret sugar addiction!
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) has been shown to be effective for assisting withdrawal from many addiction-prone psychotropic drugs, including morphine, nicotine, alcohol, diazepam and cannabis.
Thanks for sharing the list and the articles to go with them!
