Herbal Way to Help Stop Drinking Alcohol

Alcoholism is not easily treated. Heavy drinkers can spend a lifetime combating the disease and there is no one-stop cure or treatment. However, along with other classic remedies such as meetings, support groups, and will power, there are herbal remedies that can lighten the difficult transition. A doctor should still be consulted about allergies and side-effects, especially if you are taking medications, before beginning any herbal regimen.

Create an Aversion

• Two options, wild thyme water-based extract or a combination of lovage root and laurel leaves, can help create disdain for drinking. Wild thyme extract causes nausea and vomiting when taken with alcohol; taking one teaspoon 3-4 times a day can act as a deterrent and fail-safe for an alcoholic. Lovage root is meant as a one-time use, mixed with vodka, two laurel leaves and fermented for 14 days. Because of continued use, and possibility of deterrence, the best option is wild thyme.

Curb the Addiction

• Kudzu root, used in ancient Chinese "antidrunkenness" remedies since as early as 600 A.D., is often recommended. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center cited the failure of evidence that kudzu affects cravings in alcoholics, but did note evidence of dandelion helping to reduce cravings. Dandelion should be taken by mixing 2-8 grams of the root with milk thistle. Some sites claim ginger oil is also effective, but sparse evidence is documented.

Repair the Damage

• Getting healthy and staying healthy is one of the most important steps in curbing alcohol use. Some studies on milk thistle have shown significant effects on improved liver function, though permanent damage from drinking is often irreparable. Additionally, one teaspoon of marsal root tincture, mixed with water before meals can help improve circulation, muscle mass growth and concentration. Neither should be taken as a permanent dietary supplement, but rather in 3-week segments.