Although alcohol is one of the most common causes of many fatal diseases, such as liver cirrhosis, it continues to be a favorite beverage of many people. While severe alcoholism needs specialized treatments, one can also follow simple home-based remedies that include consumption of grapes, bitter gourd, apples, celery, dates, almonds, evening primrose, ginseng, milk thistle, dandelion, skullcap, licorice roots, fruit juices, and a balanced diet. These home remedies have proven to be useful in many cases all over the world. [1]
Home Remedies for Addiction to Alcohol
There are many popular home remedies for alcohol addiction, which include the following:
Grapes
According to the well-known book Hepatology by Erwin Kuntz and Hans-Dieter Kuntz grapes are one of the most effective cures for an addiction to alcohol. Whenever you feel like having a drink of alcohol, drink a glass of grape juice or eat a few grapes instead. Since grapes contain the purest form of an alcohol-making agent in them, they serve as a great alternative for alcoholics. Grapes are rich in potassium (Source: USDA) that provides many benefits. According to MedlinePlus potassium is an electrolyte that helps to maintain an alkaline blood balance, along with stimulating the kidneys. [2] [3] [4]
Bitter Gourd
Drink some bitter gourd juice mixed with buttermilk every morning to curb addiction. The juice obtained from the leaves of bitter gourd is a good cure for alcohol addiction. In addition, bitter gourd juice has the capacity to repair damaged liver cells. [5]
Apples
Apples have been an age-old remedy to cure addiction. Apples not only remove the toxins caused due to alcohol consumption but also reduce the urge to consume hard alcohol. [6]
Celery
Celery is an excellent home remedy against addiction because the juice obtained from celery makes alcoholics sober. It must be mixed with water and consumed daily for over a month for best results. [7]
Dates
Dates are easily accessible and are quite effective in curing alcohol addiction. If you soak a few dates in water and eat them daily, you can detox naturally and significantly reduce your addiction symptoms.
Salami
Eat a salami and butter sandwich on ciabatta bread, which will absorb a significant amount of alcohol from the body.
Drinking too much alcohol can cause fatty liver disease and inflammation of the liver. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Raw Almonds
These are useful in reducing an addiction to alcohol. A research done at Harvard found that people who ate a small handful of nuts daily were 20 percent less likely to suffer from chronic diseases as nuts help improve overall health. [8]
Evening Primrose
Many herbs, such as evening primrose, are time-tested home remedies to prevent addiction. The oil extracted from the seeds of evening primrose can greatly reduce the cravings for alcohol. According to a report by Robert Kachko, a naturopathic physician, the body of someone who consumes alcohol on a regular basis may lose the ability to produce Gamma-linolenic acid, which is an important fatty acid that is used in coping with arthritis, eczema, diabetes and the like. However, evening primrose is a rich source of this essential fatty acid. [9]
Ginseng
Both American and Asian ginseng can easily break down the alcohol in your body and flush out the toxins. Research studies have also proved that ginseng can reduce the rate of alcohol absorption in your stomach.
Milk Thistle
This herb is an excellent home remedy for treating liver diseases caused by alcoholism. This herb enhances liver functions, along with repairing the damage caused to the liver. More popular as a liver tonic, milk thistle has the active ingredient of silymarin, which can repair the damage caused by alcohol or drug addiction, hepatitis, and other toxins.
Dandelion
This is another popular home remedy for alcoholism, which enables you to reduce the ill effects of alcoholism, along with rejuvenating the liver tissues. Dandelion also facilities the normal production of bile and stimulates its flow. It contains the polysaccharide insulin, which enhances the body’s immunity and the production of white blood cells.
Skullcap
This herb is commonly used to manage the withdrawal symptoms of alcoholism.
Licorice Root
This is a powerful antioxidant and antibody stimulator, which improves the overall functioning of the respiratory and liver functions. According to a report published in the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal, it is used as an effective home remedy in fighting alcohol addiction. Licorice root is regarded as an important herb for treating kidney ailments and is also recommended for the liver and respiratory tract. Licorice root’s antioxidant, antiviral, and antibody-stimulating properties make it a liver protector and a detoxifier. [10]
While natural remedies can help you, make sure to consult with your doctor if you or your loved ones are suffering from alcohol addiction. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Fruit Juices
Include lots of fruit juice in your diet, because it can control the craving for consuming hard alcohol.
Balanced Diet
A balanced diet, which encompasses all essential nutrients from vegetables, cereals, whole grains, nuts, and sprouts, among others, is beneficial. Avoid eating too much white flour, strong condiments, meat, and sugar. This is the perfect home remedy for alcoholism.
Timeless Words of Wisdom
True to the adage “prevention is better than a cure”, the same holds true for alcohol addiction. Never start this habit and maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate exercise, well-complemented by a balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables.
