Being dependent on alcohol has numerous complex components. These components have very complicated and elaborate ways of interacting. When a person drinks excessively for a long time, their brian chemistry becomes altered. Breaking the addiction to alcohol can be difficult and cravings hard to overcome. However, there is some good news for those serious about beating the cravings. There are some herbal remedies to help with alcohol cravings.
Why Can’t I Stop Drinking?
A person who only drinks occasionally may consume it in moderation. They find the social drinking experience very enjoyable and relaxing. The changes that occur in their brains is only temporary. However, once a person begins to consume alcoholic beverages regularly, the brain chemistry starts to change. This makes it more difficult to manage drinking patterns. The first difference a person may notice is that they need more alcohol to achieve the effects they enjoy. Increasing the amount and frequency of drinking starts changing brain function. This ends up affecting how a person feels. It becomes more and more difficult for the brain to function as it did before it was altered by excessive consumption. The longer you try to go without having a drink, the more your brain craves it so it can feel “normal.” There are ways to beat cycles of craving and stop for good.
Can I Use Herbs to Help Resist Alcohol Cravings?
The good news is that there are some natural ways to manage cravings. Additionally, there are some herbal remedies to help with alcohol cravings. Having a solid support system is helpful for helping your recovery more manageable. When the cravings become overwhelming, friends, family, and community organizations can provide some exceptional support to get you through the tough spots. Learning how to manage stress and anxiety can be helpful for beating cravings too. Many people turned to alcohol to try to deal with stress. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, about 20% of people who suffer with social anxiety disorders also suffer from alcohol dependence or abuse.
There are some foods that can help reduce cravings, and several herbs that are extremely beneficial for fighting the urges to drink. Consuming nutrient-rich foods is necessary for recovering from addiction. Along with good nutrition and eating a well-balanced diet, getting adequate sleep and being active physically are helpful for reducing cravings. There are also plenty of ways to use herbal remedies for alcohol cravings.
Top Herbal Remedies for Alcohol Cravings
When you are trying to stop drinking alcohol, you may find several herbal remedies helpful. Herbal benefits can vary greatly between individuals, but they can be highly beneficial and a great natural remedy for helping to stop alcohol cravings. Along with helping to fight cravings, herbs can also help repair the body and restore the organs. Here are some of the top herbs to help resist alcohol cravings.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that is helpful for restoring thyroid and adrenal function. The herb helps restore chemical balances and often makes a person feel more energetic or very relaxed, depending on the imbalance. Ashwagandha contains natural compounds and antioxidants that help balance out hormone levels, which are typically very out of balance in chronic drinkers. The herb helps increase the feelings of being refreshed and relieves anxiety.
Kudzu
Kudzu is an ancient Chinese herb that has a history of helping control alcohol withdrawals and cravings. The effect comes from the roots of the plant which can be eaten, or used to make an herbal tea. How much a person needs to be effective will vary. One study suggests that just a single dose of kudzu is effective for curbing alcohol consumption.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle contains silymarin, which is beneficial for healing the liver. This can help speed up the natural detoxing process, especially after alcohol abuse.. This herb is also helpful for relieving many physical discomforts associated with alcohol withdrawals. Milk thistle is able to soothe the liver without hindering its ability to eliminate harmful agents and drugs from the body.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort has natural antidepressant qualities. This is one of the helpful herbal remedies for alcohol cravings, since many people who drink or who are trying to stop drinking battle depression. Psychology Today mentions studies that demonstrate that St. John’s Wort may help reduce the symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal, as well as reduce alcohol intake for some people.
Herbal remedies for alcohol cravings can help you with the withdrawal process without adverse side effects of some of the most common pharmaceuticals used to treat withdrawal symptoms. Herbs are helpful for managing cravings, but provide many other healthy benefits as well. If you are ready to rebalance hormones, health your body, and beat cravings naturally, give BioRebalance Restore a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Dr. Rebeca Eriksen, PhD MSc BSc (Hons) RD, is the Co-Founder at BioRebalance. She has a PhD in Nutritional Genetics from Imperial College London, and over ten years of clinical experience designing custom nutritional repair regimens for patients recovering from alcohol addiction and other disorders.