Herbal Remedies For Withdrawals

Withdrawal is the term used to describe symptoms that commonly occur when you discontinue use of certain substances, including some medications, alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs. FamilyDoctor.org states that if you go through withdrawal several times without seeking appropriate treatment, your withdrawal symptoms may worsen with each successive bout. Before using herbal remedies to help reduce your withdrawal symptoms, discuss herb-related issues with your health care provider.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms are only experienced after you have developed a physical dependence, or chemical dependency, on a particular substance, such as nicotine, opiates or alcohol. Physical dependence occurs when you have used one of these substances for a prolonged period. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that withdrawal symptoms are usually strongest in the week immediately following discontinuation of the addictive substance. Common withdrawal symptoms include insomnia, convulsions, acute anxiety, increased heart rate and increased perspiration.

Helpful Herbal Remedies

There are numerous herbal remedies that may serve as helpful adjunct therapies in the treatment of withdrawal symptoms, although herbs may vary based on the offending substance. Herbs that may help treat your nicotine withdrawal symptoms, notes Balch, include catnip, hops, valerian, ginger, skullcap and lobelia. The University of Maryland Medical Center touts several herbs that may be helpful in treating alcoholism and its effects on your body, including evening primrose, ginseng, milk thistle and St. John's wort. Many of these herbs, notes Balch, may also be helpful in treating drug addiction and withdrawal, although contemporary scientific research has yet to thoroughly examine the possible health benefits of these herbs for this purpose.

A Powerful Remedy

St. John's wort may be a powerful herbal remedy in the treatment of substance withdrawal. Balch notes that St. John's wort possesses antidepressant action and is used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of drug withdrawal symptoms. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that some research studies show this herbal remedy to be equally effective at treating depression as Prozac, Celexa and Zoloft, without many of the side effects associated with these prescription drugs.

Warning

Withdrawal symptoms are often best treated using a combination of complementary alternative and conventional therapies, including counseling or talk therapy. Because herbs often act like prescription drugs when used medicinally, it is wise to discuss the possible health implications -- including side effects and drug interactions -- of herbal remedies before ingesting herbs. Ask your doctor about the safety and efficacy of herbs before incorporating this natural treatment method into your substance withdrawal treatment plan.