Natural Remedies for Curing Alcoholism

The term “Alcoholism” refers to a chronic disorder wherein a person becomes addicted to alcohol due to some physical or psychological reasons. Alcoholism is one of the most deadliest diseases in modern times. It is also one of the most critical social problems. It often ruins the emotional state of an individual and brings crime and poverty and results in broken homes and unhappiness in married life. Alcoholism also leads to an increasing number of traffic accidents.

Persons suffering from alcoholism have a rapid pulse, a puffy face with bloodshot eyes and a hoarse voice. They are irritable, over emotional and suspicious. Other symptoms include disturbed sleep, delirium, vomiting and impaired judgement.

Due to high intake of alcohol, natural appetite is reduced and the body gets deprived of essential vitamins and minerals. This vitamin deficiency can lead to neuritis, convulsions, delirium, tremors, impaired memory and disorders of the eyes. Excessive drinking also imposes a strain on the liver. It gradually disrupts the liver functionality and may also cause cirrhosis of the liver. Alcoholism also leads to stomach disorders and constipation. It can also damage the brain as brain cells are most often affected by it. Alcoholism may also lead to serious heart troubles.

Nature Cure for Alcoholism: The treatment of alcoholism can be initiated by an alcoholic himself, first by making a strong resolution to stop drinking. He should abstain from alcohol all at once, for the habit cannot be got rid of in the initial stages.

The most beneficial and effective way to treat alcoholism is to build up the nutritional integrity of the body, so as to prevent craving for stimulating drinks.

The patient should be put on a fast of fruit juice for cleansing the system for about eleven days in the beginning. During this period fresh orange juice should be given to the patient every two hours throughout the day. Vegetable juices may also be taken if orange juice does not agree. A warm water enema should be administered daily during this period for cleansing the bowels.

This juice fast helps in breaking the drinking habit of the patient. The patient can thereafter switch to a diet consisting vital essential nutrients such as fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, cereals, whole grains, seeds and sprouts. If the patient feels craving for alcohol in the initial stages, a glass of fresh fruit juice sweetened with honey works as a good substitute.

Foods such as macaroni products, white rice, sugar, meat, fleshy foods and products made of white flour should be avoided by an alcoholic patient. The patient should eat several small meals per day in preference to two or three large ones and avoid strong condiments such a mustard, pepper and chili. Smoking should be strictly avoided as this also increases the desire for alcohol.

Apples are also considered very helpful in the treatment of alcoholism as their use reduces the craving for wine and other intoxicating liquors and removes intoxication. Raw celery juice is also considered valuable. It is an antidote to alcohol and has a sobering effect.

In addition to this, outdoor exercises, proper nutrition and plenty of rest help in improving the physical as well as emotional state of an alcoholic patient.

Hot fomentations on the abdomen and stomach with wet girdle pack between applications and copious drinking of water are also considered to be very effective water treatments for alcoholism.

Yogic asanas such as yogamudra, vakrasan, bhujangasana, vajrasan, paschimottasana, shalabhasana and halasana and yogic kriyas like kunjal, jalneti and simple pranayamas like anuloma-viloma, shitali, kapalbhati and shitkari have also been found beneficial for the treatment of alcoholism and preservance of general health.

Thus we can say that natural remedies along with a strong determination of mind go a long way not only in the treatment and cure of alcoholism but also getting rid of the problem forever.