Kudzu, scientifically known as Pueraria lobata, is an authentic Chinese herb used in making Chinese medicine. The herb also grows in Japan and has been proved beneficial in reducing alcohol consumption as well as hangovers. Wing Ming Keung, in the year 1993, found out that this starchy white root proves beneficial in reducing the urge for having alcohol. Many empirical studies have shown that intake of Kudzu extract has evidently lowered the alcohol hankering among people. Kudzu herb extract is now being officially used in rehabilitation centers and is available in tablets and capsules.

Dr. Scott Lukas in his experimental study in May 2005 at McLean hospital close to Boston, reflected that Kudzu intake leads to a higher blood alcohol level and makes people feel drunk easily after drinking a little. Dosage of kudzu is generally taken in the form of bitter tea.

St. John’s Wort is usually prescribed as an antidepressant and anti-inflammatory drug. St. John’s Wort is also an anti-viral agent and known for topical treatment in curing an injury. That the ‘hyperforin’ agent present in St. John’s Wort is effective in reducing alcohol consumption was conformed by a recent research at the Bradford School of Pharmacy in the UK. Hyperforin is hidden in the red pigment and is relinquished only after the bright yellow blossoms of the St. John’s Wort are mashed.

Milk thistle or Silybum marianum is a rich and valuable herb for treating alcohol-related liver problems. Though, the herb’s effectiveness has already been proved previously, researchers are further exploring the worth of silymarin antioxidants, present in milk thistle, in improving alcohol-led liver damage. Another detoxifying agent useful in alcohol-led liver damage is the juice of bitter gourd leaves (3 table spoons) in a glass full of buttermilk.

The traditional treatment of acupuncture has been proved helpful to patients enduring a tough withdrawal phase. Acupuncture or Stylostixis is a needle based therapy which is well known in ancient Chinese medicine. The needle therapy provides aid to alcoholics by reducing their recurrent depressive disorder.

Alcohol abusers are often undernourished and, hence, intake of proper nutritional diet for detoxification and restoring nutrients becomes important. As excessive alcohol consumption is believed to have brutally affected the body’s natural capacity to retain certain food substances, proper supplement of antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc becomes essential in intervention process. Burdock root and Echinacea are especially two herbs which are recommended by therapists for blood purification and detoxification process. Many rehabilitation programs also make mandatory the inspection of vitamin B1 or thiamine levels among alcohol abusers. Adequate thiamine levels bring back behavioral normalcy during the alcohol withdrawal process.

Apples are excellent detoxifying agents and eating apples at specific time intervals also reduces the urge for alcohol intake. As wine is made from grapes, the fruit itself is full of unadulterated form of alcohol. Hence, it is advisable for alcoholics to intake loads of grapes during the day time, or as prescribed by the therapist.

Remember, treatment for alcohol abuse is a process which requires immense patience and perseverance. Many therapists are striving towards a holistic approach for treating alcohol abuse among their patients. Holistic approach includes the rejuvenation of mind, body and soul for inner purification and gaining a new life. Alternative therapies like inclination towards yoga and meditation for mind control is the first step in the process. Behavioral therapy to regain the lost socializing ability among alcoholics is also another holistic method adopted by a number of therapists.