While not fatal, opiate withdrawal is a painful and agonizing process. In severe cases, it can even jeopardize your ability to remain drug-free. To date, there is no known cure for the conditions of opiate withdrawal, though herbal supplements may help alleviate individual symptoms like pain and nausea. To avoid serious side effects, always ask a physician before adding supplements to your health regimen.
Valerian Root
Anxiety and insomnia are among the many symptoms you may experience during opiate withdrawal. Valerian root, a supplement derived from the Valeriana officianalis plant, is a folk remedy for nervous conditions. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, patients taking valerian for mild-to-moderate insomnia reported better sleep when taking the supplement for one to two weeks. Valerian is thought to work by increasing levels of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that slows brain activity to help you feel more relaxed. Before taking valerian, consult your physician to determine whether the supplement is right for you.
Passionflower
Passiflora incarnata, better known as passionflower, is a plant that's valued for both its fruit and its colorful flowers. Taken as a supplement, passionflower may be a helpful adjunct to your opiate withdrawal therapy. According to the National Institutes of Health, patients taking passionflower plus clonidine experienced fewer psychological withdrawal symptoms than those taking clonidine alone. It is believed that passionflower works by increasing levels of GABA in your brain, though more information is needed about its mechanism of action. It is often combined with other relaxing herbs like lemon balm or valerian to enhance its calming effects. To avoid serious complications, don't take passionflower without first asking your doctor.
Ginger
Ginger can be a helpful ally for relieving physical pain and nausea during your withdrawal process. The National Institutes of Health states that ginger fights inflammation by inhibiting several inflammatory chemicals, including chemokines, cytokines and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors. In addition, ginger may be less likely than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to irritate your stomach or cause other side effects. This herb has long been used as a remedy for stomach troubles, and may be as effective as dimenhydrinate for treating some kinds of nausea, according to the National Institutes of Health. While it's generally safe as a culinary spice, you should talk to your doctor before taking ginger in supplemental doses.
Application
There is no known way to avoid the discomfort of opiate withdrawal. Even with herbal supplements, you will probably still experience some symptoms. Before taking an herbal supplement, tell your doctor about any medications you take to prevent dangerous interactions. Only purchase supplements from trusted vendors and read dosing instructions carefully before use.
References
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Valerian
- "Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics"; Passionflower in the Treatment of Opiates Withdrawal: a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial; S. Akhondzadeh; October 2001
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Ginger--An Herbal Medicinal Product with Broad Anti-Inflammatory Actions; R. Grzanna; Summer 2005
- "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
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