Opioids, such as morphine and heroin, are addictive drugs that bind to brain receptors and give you a feeling of euphoria. Methadone is a synthetic opioid that acts on the same brain receptors and helps addicts break their drug dependency. Unfortunately, methadone may also cause dependency and withdrawal symptoms, such as pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia and nausea. Herbs may help relieve some of the symptoms of methadone withdrawal. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for methadone withdrawal act in several ways. Nervine and sedative herbs may help relieve the anxiety, insomnia and impotency. Antidepressant herbs may help control depression and pain. Carminatives can help with nausea and vomiting. Check with a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbs for methadone withdrawal.
Chamomile
Chamomile, or Matricaria recutita, is an ancient herb with a range of medicinal uses. As a nervine and carminative, chamomile is useful for stressful conditions that also affect your digestive system. It will help relieve nausea, vomiting and anxiety. In their 2001 book, "Herbal Remedies," naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli state that chamomile will help you control fits of rage associated with withdrawal, and will also help with sleep problems and nightmares. Do not use this herb if you have allergies to plants in the aster family. Check with your doctor before using chamomile to ensure safe and proper usage.
Oats
Oats, or Avena sativa, is a Mediterranean native with potent therapeutic effects. It's useful for treating symptoms of withdrawal from many types of opioids, including methadone, morphine, heroin and opium. Hershoff and Rotelli recommend it to relieve insomnia, impotency, poor concentration and mental exhaustion. Oats also have antidepressant action and will strengthen your nervous system.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort, or Hypericum perforatum, has a long history of treating wounds due to its anti-inflammatory action. Contemporary herbalists also use the aerial parts to treat pain and mild depression, both of which are associated with methadone withdrawal. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann recommends St. John's wort for its sedative and pain-relieving actions. It can regulate mood swings and works well on nerve and muscle pain. Do not combine it with other antidepressants. Check with your doctor before taking St. John's wort to address methadone withdrawal.
References
- "Herbal Remedies"; Asa Hershoff, N.D., and Andrea Rotelli, N.D.; 2001
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
