Herbs to Help Stop Drinking Alcohol

An overgrowth of a bacteria naturally found in the intestine, candida, are fed and intensified by alcohol consumption, according to the University of Kentucky's Stephen C. Byrnes, N.D 2. This bacteria can overpopulate and cause a host of problematic symptoms, including alcohol cravings. This condition, which may contribute to alcoholism, is generally called candidiasis. Herbs can treat this disorder and diminish alcohol cravings, making it easier to stop drinking alcohol.

Kudzu

According to the University of Michigan Health System, the practice of traditional Chinese medicine has enlisted kudzu's starchy root tubers to treat headaches, hangovers and alcohol dependency for at least 1,300 years. Kudzu is a wild vine whose tubers contain a chemical compound called daidzin, which is used in modern herbal medicine to suppress alcoholic cravings and diminish the effects of alcohol withdrawal.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal's effectiveness to fight alcohol sugar cravings lies in its ability to kill the bacteria, candida, that overpopulate in the intestine and may be the cause of alcohol sugar cravings. Goldenseal's antiviral and antifungal properties are enhanced by the bitter taste, which can be a powerful deterrent in the fight against alcoholic cravings. Goldenseal has an extremely bitter taste and is therefore most easily taken in capsule form.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle has long been used to assist with detoxification and to strengthen the liver's ability to remove alcohol from the blood. The University of Maryland's Health Center reports that some studies looking at milk thistle to treat alcoholic liver disease have found significant improvements in liver function 1. Although the herb does not appear to be effective for those with severe liver disease, mild disorders or occasional occurrences such as hangovers can be aided by milk thistle's support.