Home Remedies for Alcohol Detox

Addiction is a complex mix of physical and psychological causes, but for many people, alcohol is a form of self-medication, related to low levels of brain chemicals, such as serotonin, dopamine and noradrenalin. Alcohol is the oldest intoxicant and addictive, in use for over 10,000 years. Alcohol directly damages the liver, esophagus, stomach, intestines and colon, and greatly increases the risk of various cancers. It is a special risk to pregnant woman, who should avoid it completely, since irreversible fetal alcohol syndrome can occur at low doses. Alcohol is also involved with an estimated 60% of all violent crimes. Despite these negatives, only 20% of alcoholics can stop successfully.

Herbal medicines offer a valuable resource for the effects of, and addiction to, alcohol. Initially, there are herbs to detoxify and lessen cravings, while reducing the symptoms of withdrawal. Acorn tincture (Quercus glandis) or angelica can be used in all cases to create a powerful aversion to alcohol. Other plant medicines help repair the damage done, including liver herbs like milk thistle. Adaptogenic and tonic herbs can correct biochemical and neurological imbalances that contribute to drinking, by doing such things such as increasing the manufacture of neurotransmitters like serotonin.