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One small study looking at the effects of kudzu in a group of men that reported drinking between 22 and 35 drinks per week shows promising results. After consuming kudzu extract for 4 weeks, the participants reduced their number of weekly alcoholic beverages by at least a third. Naltrexone blocks the euphoric feelings and effects of intoxication. It enables people with alcohol use disorders to reduce alcohol consumption, stay motivated to take the medication, remain in treatment, and avoid relapses. The results showed pre-treatment with kudzu extract had little to no effect on the participant’s behavioral, physical or cognitive performance.
Early research suggests that taking puerarin, a chemical in kudzu, 400 mg/day by mouth for 10 days might improve heart function in people with heart failure. There is information that suggests kudzu contains ingredients that counteract alcohol.
People should consult with their doctor to determine if it is the right drug for their alcohol dependence. Never take a new medication or adjust existing prescriptions without the approval of a doctor who is aware of previous health issues and current prescriptions. Due to potentially life-threatening side effects, alcohol withdrawal should typically be supervised by a medical professional.
Can Antabuse For Alcohol Dependence Be Bought Otc?
Image by _mequable from PixabayAlthough studies appear promising so far, the FDA hasn’t approved kudzu as a treatment for alcohol use disorder. There is a lot that is still unknown about how kudzu works, or its long term effects.
- Antabuse is not available OTC and requires a prescription from a doctor.
- Red root has been touted as a treatment for things from respiratory issues to UTIs.
- Human clinical trials were executed in the late 80s and early 90s.
- Ashwagandha is sometimes used for alcohol withdrawal and cravings.
Synthetic versions of this selective ALDH-2 inhibitor are being investigated as potential medications to suppress relapse in abstinent alcoholics. More clinical trials will need to be conducted to better understand the efficacy of kudzu extracts or synthetic variants for treatment of alcohol dependence.
Other Potential Health Benefits
Naturopathic physician Maura Henninger notes in an article on Huffington Post that B vitamins are essential in breaking addictions to both alcohol and drugs. According to Henninger, thaimine — vitamin B-1 — is particularly important to supplement, as it helps reduce fatigue and brain fog.
His hope was to apply this knowledge to the area of alcohol rehabilitation. During detox, alcohol is completely flushed from the body. Withdrawal symptoms typically reduce within one to two weeks after starting the detox.
Three herbs are used in Chinese medicine to diminish alcohol craving, lessen alcohol absorption through the gut, or reduce symptoms of withdrawal. Kudzu has been used as a treatment of alcohol abuse and dependence in Chinese medicine for almost 2000 years. Animal studies suggest that Kudzu extract significantly reduces alcohol craving . There are many ways, both medical and traditional, that are used to treat alcohol abuse or dependence.
Kudzu: Curbing Alcoholic Urges
The kudzu vine, imported from Japan in 1876, has been written about in Chinese medical literature for centuries for its general health benefits. But recently, it has been tested for its ability to Sober living houses reduce alcohol cravings. Kudzu extract is a herbal remedy that may help minimize alcohol cravings and reduce heavy drinking episodes. Kudzu extract originates from the root of a Japanese plant.
Some research shows that milk thistle may help those looking to treat alcohol-related liver disease. It’s important to note that more studies are needed to confirm that the herb enhances liver health. This article describes some natural treatments to support AUD treatment.
Remedies To Stop Alcohol Cravings
Grab a pen and paper and start writing down all the reasons you are breaking the alcohol habit. St. John’s Wort is known for its antidepressant qualities. And because many people who drink struggle with depression, this herb can improve mood and stop alcohol cravings, and aid in breaking the alcohol habit. Replacing alcohol with a healthy self-care ritual can ease alcohol cravings and help in breaking the alcohol habit. In a perfect world, everyone struggling with breaking the alcohol habit would seek recovery treatment.
The ability of puerarin and related isoflavones to facilitate alcohol’s entry into the brain has not been systematically studied. This is precisely what was observed in the present study as kudzu’s effects were evident after a single dose within a few hours of administration.
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Someone who is told by their doctor to cut down on drinking for health reasons might, he says. Penetar holds the investigational new-drug application for puerarin.
They are now studying a single large dose before a planned drinking session to see if it works, too. On average, the men and women drank 3.5 beers after placebo and 2.4 after puerarin.
Fortunately, there are several medications that can aid in alleviating alcohol cravings. Several of these medications are approved by the FDA and are available by prescription only. A few supplements are also available over-the-counter , described as agents that can help curb alcohol cravings. Heavy drinkers, both male and female, were given either a placebo or kudzu extract for 7 days. They were then given the opportunity to drink the beer of their choice in a naturalistic laboratory setting.
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For example, 20 percent of Americans with social anxiety also struggle with alcohol use disorder, according to the ADAA ( Anxiety and Depression Association of America. An invasive species of marsh grass that spreads, kudzu-like, throughout North American wetlands, may provide similar benefits to protected wetlands as native marsh grasses. Hi Diane, I followed the directions for maximum dosage on the Planetary Herbals Kudzu. Hydration and supplementation with B vitamins can be helpful if a person chooses to withdrawal at home. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.
These trials proved that the drug could decrease alcohol cravings. They can also lessen relapse rates in alcoholics how to reduce alcohol cravings naturally when combined with psychosocial therapy. There are various medicines available to help people stop drinking.
