The Best Herbs Used for Alcohol Addictions

Chronic alcohol abuse will decrease the alcoholic's appetite and prevent their body from absorbing essential nutrients. This can cause a vitamin and mineral deficiency that may be reversed by using herbal supplements. In addition, there are a number of herbs that are used as a liver tonic, helping to detoxify the liver from the negative effects of alcohol abuse. Other herbal supplements can aid in reducing the stress related to this type of chemical dependency.

Milk Thistle

• Milk thistle is also known as St. Mary's thistle.

  Milk thistle is recommended as a liver tonic by doctors and herbalists. Studies show that an antioxidant in milk thistle silymarin has regenerating effects as it stimulates the growth of new liver cells. The extract from milk thistle prevents harmful substances from entering liver cells and helps to remove these toxins from the cells. It has been reported that this herbal supplement regenerates injured liver cells.

Kudzu

• Kudzu covers roadside vegetation in many parts of the United States.

  Kudzu was introduced to the United States by Japan at the 1876 Centennial Expo in Philadelphia. A member of the pea family, Kudzu has proved effective in reducing the amount of alcohol consumed by test subjects and has no known side effects. Some studies show that kudzu contributes to healthy liver function by improving its toxin fighting function. Traditionally, Chinese herb experts recommends three to five grams of kudzu root per day.

Passionflower

• Passionflower tea is a great choice for an evening drink.

  Passionflower, a native of southeastern North America, proves effective in treating patients suffering with anxiety disorders. Some studies show this supplement to be as effective as prescribed synthetic anxiety-reducing drugs. As passionflower has shown positive results in treating patients withdrawing from opiates, researchers believe that this herb will also aid in withdrawal from alcohol.

Dandelion

• The nutrients in dandelion aid in the alcoholics successful withdrawal.

  Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is an extremely nutritious herb containing vitamins A, C, B complex, and D. Additional nutrients include copper, iron, manganese, potassium and zinc. Widely used as a treatment for varieties of liver and gallbladder problems, dandelion induces the liver's flow of bile, making it an effective liver cleanser. Dandelion has been used for years in the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver.

Ginseng

• Ginseng root aids in healthy liver function.

  Ginseng (Panax) is a root that has historically eased withdrawal from cocaine. Studies show that this herb may aid in the health of a patient with alcohol-induced liver dysfunction. There are three types of ginseng: American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), Asian ginseng (panax ginseng) and Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), which is not a true ginseng. Studies show American and Asian ginseng to be an effective liver tonic, but not Siberian ginseng.