An estimated 18 million Americans are addicted to alcohol. Several criteria are present when a person has an alcohol problem, including loss of control when drinking; drinking large quantities of alcohol to feel its effects; experiencing withdrawal symptoms; and experiencing alcohol cravings. Cravings occur when the alcoholic receives signals from his brain telling him that he needs to consume alcohol to rebalance his body's chemistry to feel "normal" again. Alleviating these cravings is a significant aspect of treating alcohol dependency and may be helped with herbal treatment. However, always consult a health care practitioner before consuming herbs as part of an alcoholic treatment program.
Kudzu
Kudzu root has been used to treat health conditions in traditional Chinese medicine for approximately 2000 years. Animal studies have shown that kudzu may reduce alcohol cravings in the treatment of alcohol abuse, however, further studies with humans are necessary to corroborate the purported benefits. The flowers contain the relevant constituents needed for the herb's action against alcoholism. A recommended dose of kudzu tincture is 25 to 50 drops taken in 4 oz. of warm water, 3 to 5 times per day.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is an herbal remedy known for its effectiveness for treating liver and gall bladder disorders. The herb's active components are its flavonoids called silymarin that protect the liver from toxins and may help the liver repair and regenerate itself, which is valuable in cases of alcohol abuse. In fact, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, milk thistle may also be an effective treatment for alcohol-related liver diseases hepatitis and cirrhosis. However, be aware that scientific studies show mixed results regarding milk thistle's effectiveness and the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that further studies are necessary to corroborate traditional usage of the herb as an alcohol craving treatment.
Dandelion
Dandelion is a cleansing herb that can curb alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The active components that treat alcohol-related symptoms exist in the herb's roots. These bitter compounds also increase the gallbladder's bile production, which is useful for alcohol treatment often characterized by a decreased level of bile. HolisticOnline.com recommends taking 3 to 5g of the dried root for the treatment of alcohol cravings three times per day.
