Drug addiction is a condition in which your body adapts to the presence of drugs to the point where it cannot function properly without the drug, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." When you stop taking a drug, you can experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, depression, sleep disturbances, irritability and light sensitivity, as well as an intense craving for the drug. The Balches and other herbal medicine advocates believe that certain herbs may ease the physical and mental effects of drug withdrawal.
Check with your doctor before treating drug withdrawal with any herb.
Angelica
Angelica is native to temperate areas of Europe. Herbalists in the 16th century recommended this herb as a remedy for anxiety and headaches. This herb may also be useful during withdrawal from alcohol and drugs. The chemical compounds in angelica may help your liver regenerate healthy cells, allowing this organ to remove drug-related toxins from your bloodstream, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs." Check with your physician before treating drug withdrawal symptoms with angelica. This herb may cause photosensitivity, or skin rashes that occur when you are exposed to sunlight.
Ginseng
Ginseng was widely used in ancient Chinese medicine as a remedy for arthritis and age-related dementia. Today, this herb is most commonly used in the United States as an energy enhancer. However, it may also offer benefits for people going through drug withdrawal. Ginseng may improve liver function that has become impaired by alcohol or drug use. It may also help reduce cravings for cocaine during withdrawal, according to the Balches. Talk to your doctor if you plan to use ginseng during withdrawal. Although side effects are rare, ginseng may raise your blood pressure and worsen asthma symptoms.
Valerian
German physicians recommended valerian as a sleep aid and tranquilizer as early as the 1100s, according to Castleman. Native American tribes in the eastern United States also used this herb to calm anxiety, as well as to treat wounds. Valerian may help ease jitters, nervous system disorders and anxiety associated with drug and alcohol withdrawal. It may also help reduce withdrawal-related sleep problems. Consult your physician if you plan to use valerian for drug withdrawal symptoms. Valerian may cause drowsiness, headaches and nausea.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
- "The Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 1991
