Withdrawal occurs when opiate drugs like morphine or heroin are discontinued after prolonged use. Symptoms can be debilitating and may include muscle pain, nausea, diarrhea, anxiety and flu-like malaise. While not fatal in itself, opiate withdrawal can greatly hinder a person's ability to stop taking drugs. When used as part of an overall detoxification regimen, herbal supplements may help relieve individual opiate withdrawal symptoms.
Passionflower
Passionflower is an herbal supplement used traditionally to treat anxiety and other nervous disorders. According to EMedTV.com, passionflower may help decrease symptoms of opiate withdrawal when combined with the prescription drug clonidine. Anxiety, agitation, insomnia and irritability are among the symptoms that may respond to treatment with passionflower. It is not a replacement for other therapies and has no effect on physical symptoms like nausea or pain. While more research is needed, passionflower may be a beneficial addition to a traditional opiate withdrawal regimen.
Ginger Root
Nausea and vomiting are hallmark symptoms of opiate withdrawal. Zingiber officianale, better known as ginger, is a multipurpose supplement with powerful anti-nausea effects. According to MedlinePlus, ginger is as effective as dimenhydrinate for treating certain types of nausea and may cause fewer side effects. Joint and muscle aches---another common withdrawal malady---may also respond positively to ginger. MedlinePlus adds that ginger suppresses several inflammation-causing chemicals in the body. Unlike many nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ginger is not likely to cause gastrointestinal irritation or bleeding.
St. John's Wort
Low mood, fatigue and other depression symptoms can reduce your ability to quit opiates and may persist beyond acute withdrawal. St. John's wort, or Hypericum perforatum, may be as effective as tricyclic antidepressant drugs for treating mild-to-moderate depression, according to MayoClinic.com. While more studies are needed, St. John's wort appears to be a relatively safe and effective short-term depression treatment when used as directed.
Safety Considerations
Herbal supplements can cause dangerous interactions with other supplements and medications. To prevent serious complications, ask your doctor before starting an herbal supplement if you suffer from a chronic health condition or take prescription medication. To help ensure purity, choose herbs with the U.S. Pharmacopeia safety seal on the label. Stop taking supplements and tell your doctor if you experience severe or persistent side effects.
References
- EMedTV: Does Passionflower Work?
- "Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand"; A Randomized Comparison of Ginger and Dimenhydrinate in the Treatment of Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy; D. Pongrojpaw; September 2007
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Ginger--An Herbal Medicinal Product With Broad Anti-Inflammatory Actions; R. Grzanna; Summer 2005
- MayoClinic.com: St. John's Wort (Hypericum Perforatum L.)
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