Addiction to any type of substance can be a real burden not only to those addicted, but to their
loved ones as well.
Relying on alcohol or drugs to get through the day is a dangerous health hazard that can put lives
and relationships in jeopardy, and getting help can be expensive.
The good news is that there are plenty of natural remedies out there that may be able to help.
While seeking professional help is always a good step in the right direction, there are natural
remedies that you or a loved one can try in order to overcome addictions to things like cigarettes
and alcohol and even help diminish the effects of withdrawal symptoms.
If you or someone you love has a drug or alcohol problem, look into some of these natural remedies
for help.
As with all natural remedies, you should consult a doctor before beginning treatment.
“There are natural remedies that one
can try in order to overcome addictions
to things like cigarettes and alcohol and
even help diminish the effects of
withdrawal symptoms.”
Ibogaine
Ibogaine is derived from bark of the Tabamanthe iboga, a shrub that is native to West Africa.
It has been used for centuries as a tool for spiritual development.
In the 1960s, however, research showed that it can help stop the symptoms of opiate withdrawal.
Since then, further research suggests that it can be used as a suitable treatment to interrupt addictions
to many substances, such as cocaine, alcohol, heroin and even nicotine.
Ibogaine works by replacing the addictive substance in the brain’s chemical receptors that are linked
to that substance, which effectively tricks the brain into thinking that it’s receiving the desired chemical.
This helps to defeat cravings for the additive chemical and, as treatment continues, lead to less and less
need of Ibogaine until the addiction is cured.
Unlike other chemical blockers, such as methadone, ibogaine is not addictive and can help those who
are addicted quit cold turkey.
For more information, you can visit the Experience Ibogaine Clinic.
Kudzu
Kudzu is a climbing vine in the same family as peas.
It was introduced in the United States in the late 1800s as an ornamental plant, but has been used
in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years.
In fact, it is one of the 50 fundamental herbs in Chinese medicine and can be used for a number
of remedies.
Some research has shown that kudzu is effective at decreasing the need for alcohol.
Most often taken as an extract or a powder that is added to tea, kudzu increases the circulation
throughout the body and can help alleviate the nervousness and stress caused by alcohol withdrawal.
Kudzu may also be able to help with hangovers as well, as the increased circulation helps the body
get rid of the toxins left after a night of drinking.
If used regularly, kudzu may even be able to decrease the desire to drink as well.
Lobelia
This herb is also known as “Indian Tobacco” and is one of the most widely used herbs to aid smokers
who want to quit.
It is also one of the main ingredients in many over-the-counter stop-smoking aids, so there is a decent
amount of research to back up the claims that it can help fight the urge for nicotine.
Much like ibogaine, lobelia mimics the substance — in this case, nicotine — that the brain craves, tricking
it into believing that it has received what it wants.
The herb can be taken in pill form or, for those who don’t like pills, as a powder or even a patch that
distributes lobelia directly through the skin.
Also, since some people are additionally addicted to the act of smoking, you can even smoke lobelia in
order to wean yourself off of tobacco.
Valerian Root
While valerian root doesn’t necessarily fight addiction, it can help with many of the unpleasant
symptoms that come along with quitting that make doing so such a hard task for most people.
Valerian root is by far the most widely used sedative herb in the world.
Valerian root works a lot like prescription sedatives, the herb is totally non addictive and can
be used as a muscle relaxer and sleep aid to help you or your loved one get through the tough
withdrawal symptoms.
You can take it in pill form, extract form or as a tea.
If you have access to the roots themselves, you can even chew small amounts of it.
Quitting an addiction is tough going for anybody, so if you or a loved one are ready to try,
these natural remedies may be able to help.
About the Author
David Bowman writes about natural remedies, sharing his knowledge as a herbalist and homeopath. His articles appear on health blogs, as well as natural living blogs.
Have you or a loved one used natural remedies that you or a loved one can try in order
to overcome addictions to things like cigarettes and alcohol?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
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