If you struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD), you may have considered at-home remedies and herbs that help with alcohol withdrawal. Supplements can be a great way to assist in detox and counter cravings. However, they are not a replacement for professional help.

What are the Effects of Alcohol Withdrawal?

Alcohol acts as a depressive on our bodies, causing changes in nerves as well as a slow down of brain function. ¹ If you continue to consume alcohol, it causes changes to your central nervous system. ²

Due to these effects, the body goes through several changes when you stop consuming alcohol. Common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include: ³

• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Fever
• Hallucinations
• Headaches
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Racing heart
• Seizures
• Shaky hands
• Sweating
• Vomiting

It’s important to receive medical treatment if you experience alcohol withdrawal since extreme cases can sometimes be fatal. ⁴

Herbs that Help with Alcohol Withdrawal

While herbs and supplements aren’t the answer to alcohol withdrawal, they can act as a tool to ease withdrawal symptoms. With so many options available, it may seem overwhelming if you aren’t familiar with each. For this reason, we put together a list of the five best herbs that help with alcohol withdrawal:

1.) Kudzu Flower

The kudzu flower has been used for generations as a source of various minerals, such as iron, sodium, and calcium. Furthermore, kudzu contains isoflavones which are similar to estrogen.

In turn, some women have used the kudzu flower as a means of battling menopause symptoms and other health problems, such as: ⁵

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Stomach pains
• Vomiting

Since kudzu has so many benefits, some have used it to help with alcohol withdrawal. Not to mention, some also use it as a way to combat hangovers.

One study found that kudzu had alcohol-curbing effects when given to addicted rats. The rats that were given a dose of kudzu were 50% to 60% less likely to consume alcohol and didn’t experience as intense withdrawal symptoms. ⁶

2.) Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is often used as a natural detox cleanser to help purify the liver. In terms of alcoholism, it has also been found to: ⁷

• Facilitate gut health
• Increase bile circulation
• Prevent alcoholic cirrhosis
• Provide immune system support
• Reduce inflammation

Several studies have reported that milk thistle has benefits in helping people ease out of alcoholism. More specifically, in helping the liver recover from alcoholism. ⁸

However, milk thistle shouldn’t be your primary form of liver treatment as there isn’t enough research to suggest this.

3.) Ashwagandha

While ashwagandha is typically used for stress support, some studies suggest it can be used for alcohol withdrawal and cravings. For example, in one study using alcohol-addicted mice, ashwagandha relieved symptoms of anxiety that came from withdrawal. ⁹

However, other studies suggest that ashwagandha may have negative effects due to its anxiolytic effects. ¹⁰

4.) St. John’s Wort

While St. John’s wort is normally used to treat depression, its serotonin-increasing properties have been found beneficial for those struggling with alcohol dependence. In fact, some studies suggest that depression and alcohol abuse function on the brain and body in similar manners. ¹¹

Currently, there are a few studies that have shown St. John’s wort to effectively reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms. ¹² However, results are inconsistent and, therefore, non-conclusive.

Still, being that it’s been found to have benefits for a variety of mental health conditions, many swear by St. John’s wort as an effective treatment tool for alcoholism.

If you plan to take St. John’s wort, it’s important to note that it does have negative drug interactions with antidepressants (a common medication for those in alcohol rehabilitation). ¹³ Therefore, you should consult your doctor before taking St. John’s wort.

5.) Cannabidiol (CBD)

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a common cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. While it’s not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill legalized it nationwide. ¹⁴

Since its discovery, CBD has been found to have several therapeutic properties, including: ¹⁵

• Alleviation of cancer-related symptoms
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anxiety and depression relief
• Improve sleep
• Neuroprotective properties
• Pain relief
• Seizure (epilepsy) reduction
• Substance abuse treatment

While research is slim, studies have revealed that CBD can help with many addictions, including cocaine, opioid, stimulant, tobacco, and cannabis dependence. ¹⁶ Furthermore, one study observing rats found CBD helped curb impulsive behaviors in rats with alcohol addiction. ¹⁷

Being its anti-pain and anti-anxiety effects, CBD may be a suitable supplement for treating alcohol withdrawal. However, more research is necessary before we can draw conclusions.

How to Help Someone Going Through Alcohol Withdrawal

If you know someone going through alcohol withdrawal, it can be difficult to help. While you can recommend the supplements mentioned above, you’ll also want to consider:

• Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if symptoms only worsen
• Consider rehab facilities if your loved one has a serious dependence
• Keep a close eye on the withdrawal process
• Research alcoholism, withdrawal, and symptoms
• Support them at home or another safe space (away from alcohol drinkers)
• Understand triggering behaviors and signs and avoid them

Alcohol withdrawal isn’t easy. While the most intense symptoms will last from one to two weeks, cravings will continue to be an issue in the future. For this reason, your loved one will need a strong support system to combat those urges.

Final Word

While alcohol withdrawal isn’t easy, there are ways to help curb symptoms. The supplements mentioned on our list aren’t meant to act as an answer. Rather, they can be a tool alongside traditional treatment options.

If you plan on taking any of the supplements mentioned here, you should speak to a medical professional to ensure they’ll benefit your situation.

References

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² Pervin Z, Stephen JM. Effect of alcohol on the central nervous system to develop neurological disorder: pathophysiological and lifestyle modulation can be potential therapeutic options for alcohol-induced neurotoxication. AIMS Neurosci. 2021 Apr 9;8(3):390-413. doi: 10.3934/Neuroscience.2021021. PMID: 34183988; PMCID: PMC8222771.

³ Jesse S, Bråthen G, Ferrara M, Keindl M, Ben-Menachem E, Tanasescu R, Brodtkorb E, Hillbom M, Leone MA, Ludolph AC. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: mechanisms, manifestations, and management. Acta Neurol Scand. 2017 Jan;135(1):4-16. doi: 10.1111/ane.12671. Epub 2016 Sep 1. PMID: 27586815; PMCID: PMC6084325.

⁴ Trevisan LA, Boutros N, Petrakis IL, Krystal JH. Complications of alcohol withdrawal: pathophysiological insights. Alcohol Health Res World. 1998;22(1):61-6. PMID: 15706735; PMCID: PMC6761825.

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⁶ Benlhabib E, Baker JI, Keyler DE, Singh AK. Kudzu root extract suppresses voluntary alcohol intake and alcohol withdrawal symptoms in P rats receiving free access to water and alcohol. J Med Food. 2004 Summer;7(2):168-79. doi: 10.1089/1096620041224210. PMID: 15298764.

⁷ Achufusi TGO, Pellegrini MV, Patel RK. Milk Thistle. 2024 Feb 28. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 31082119.

⁸ Abenavoli L, Capasso R, Milic N, Capasso F. Milk thistle in liver diseases: past, present, future. Phytother Res. 2010 Oct;24(10):1423-32. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3207. PMID: 20564545.

⁹ Bansal P, Banerjee S. Effect of Withinia Somnifera and Shilajit on Alcohol Addiction in Mice. Pharmacogn Mag. 2016 May;12(Suppl 2):S121-8. doi: 10.4103/0973-1296.182170. Epub 2016 May 11. PMID: 27279696; PMCID: PMC4883068.

¹⁰ Haque IM, Mishra A, Kalra BS, Chawla S. Role of Standardized Plant Extracts in Controlling Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome-An Experimental Study. Brain Sci. 2021 Jul 12;11(7):919. doi: 10.3390/brainsci11070919. PMID: 34356153; PMCID: PMC8307219.

¹¹ Kuria MW, Ndetei DM, Obot IS, Khasakhala LI, Bagaka BM, Mbugua MN, Kamau J. The Association between Alcohol Dependence and Depression before and after Treatment for Alcohol Dependence. ISRN Psychiatry. 2012 Jan 26;2012:482802. doi: 10.5402/2012/482802. PMID: 23738204; PMCID: PMC3658562.

¹² Naseem W, Bano S. Chronic administration of St. John’s Wort attenuates alcohol intake and brain indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase activity in mice. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2018 Jul;31(4):1203-1207. PMID: 30033402.

¹³ Ng QX, Venkatanarayanan N, Ho CY. Clinical use of Hypericum perforatum (St John’s wort) in depression: A meta-analysis. J Affect Disord. 2017 Mar 1;210:211-221. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.12.048. Epub 2017 Jan 3. PMID: 28064110.

¹⁴ Wiley JL, Gourdet CK, Thomas BF. Cannabidiol: Science, Marketing, and Legal Perspectives [Internet]. Research Triangle Park (NC): RTI Press; 2020 Apr. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565434/

¹⁵ Sideris A, Doan LV. An Overview of Cannabidiol. Anesth Analg. 2024 Jan 1;138(1):54-68. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000006584. Epub 2023 Dec 15. PMID: 38108806.

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¹⁷ Gonzalez-Cuevas G, Martin-Fardon R, Kerr TM, Stouffer DG, Parsons LH, Hammell DC, Banks SL, Stinchcomb AL, Weiss F. Unique treatment potential of cannabidiol for the prevention of relapse to drug use: preclinical proof of principle. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2018 Sep;43(10):2036-2045. doi: 10.1038/s41386-018-0050-8. Epub 2018 Mar 22. PMID: 29686308; PMCID: PMC6098033.