Some herbal supplements are in the market for relieving the symptoms of Opiate withdrawal but do we know which ones are reliable? Do we know which ones can help us?
Well, unless you try all the supplements out there, you possibly can’t figure out the best herbal supplements for Opiate withdrawal.
So yeah, I guess it comes back to check reviews. If you’re looking for some guidance on the best herbal supplements for Opiate withdrawal, then you are on the right website, because this article will throw some light on the topic.
What is Opiate addiction?
Opiates act on the Opiate receptors present in the brain. There are three types of Opiate receptors that include mu, delta and kappa receptors.
These receptors respond to endogenously produced Opioids. When there is an external supply of Opiates, these receptors sense the increased amount of Opiates acting on them.
So naturally, they develop higher threshold. Now you will need more Opiates to makes these receptors respond.
This is tolerance. Addiction develops when you will feel like you can’t function without using Opiates.
This addiction can be physical and psychological. You crave for Opiates, and you can’t do regular activities without taking Opiates. This is when you get dependent on Opiates.
How quickly does one develop a dependence on Opiates is variable. Those who take higher doses of strong Opiate with greater frequency establish quick tolerance and addiction.
So basically, you develop an addiction when you have a strong desire to consume Opiates, and no matter how many you try to control yourself, you end up taking Opiates.
The compulsion to attain Opiates becomes the top priority in your life, and you stop caring about work, relationships, and any ethical values.
What is Opiate withdrawal and what are the symptoms?
Opiate withdrawal occurs when you are physically and psychologically dependent on Opiates, and then you suddenly quit taking Opiates.
This happens because the Opiate receptors in your body are made to function at large doses of Opiates.
The release of normal levels of dopamine, serotonin, enkephalins, and endorphins require administration of a large number of Opiates because that’s how your Opiate receptors are adapted to work.
Now since you have quitted the use of Opiates, your body is not at homeostasis. You can’t feel happy and cheerful because your dopamine levels are too low.
You think restlessness and anxiety because GABA isn’t working. You feel pain because your pain suppression pathway isn’t working.
You have depressed mood, and you take no interest in any activity because of low levels of serotonin. You have diarrhea because the constipating effect of Opiates has ended.
The symptoms of withdrawal are divided into early and late stages. Most of these symptoms force one to revert to the usage of Opiates. Opiate withdrawal symptoms include;
• Low energy, Irritability, Anxiety, Agitation, Insomnia
• A runny nose, Teary eyes
• Hot and cold sweats, Goosebumps
• Yawning
• Muscle aches and pains
• Abdominal cramping, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea
The two stages of Opiate withdrawal are acute withdrawal stage and post-acute withdrawal stage. The first phase starts within 12 hours of last Opiate consumption, and it peaks around day 3 to 5 and ends in approximately 1 to 4 weeks.
The second phase of post-acute withdrawal may last up to two years. The symptoms of this phase are mood swings, variable energy levels, anxiety, disturbed sleep and low enthusiasm levels.
What are the best herbal supplements for Opiate withdrawal that I can take?
Some of the best herbal supplements for Opiate withdrawal are mentioned in the list below. Ensure that you carefully follow the dosage and do not take any two supplements simultaneously.
The information provided below isn’t complete so it’s a must that you visit your doctor when you are going through the withdrawal phase.
- Passion Flower
It is an herbal supplement that has been used for centuries to cure the symptoms of Opiate withdrawal.
The primary active ingredients present in Passionflower or passiflora are quercetol, apigenin, luteolin, kaempferol.
It contains C-heterosides like saponaroside, vitexin, schaftoside, isovitexin, and isoorienton.
The phytosterols present in Passionflower include sitosterol, maltol, and stigmasterol. It also contains ginocardina which is a cyanogenic heteroside and traces of essential oils.
Passionflower is a perennial vine that was found first by the Native Americans and Aztecs of Mexico.
It was used initially as a sedative, but now it is used as an anxiolytic and for the treatment of insomnia, both of which are the Opiate withdrawal symptoms.
It also reduces motor activity thus alleviating convulsions. The harmala alkaloids induce euphoria thus easing the stress associated with withdrawal.
It also relieves nausea caused by nervousness and anxiety. It is available in the following forms;
• Dried
• Oil
• Capsule
• Extract
It can efficiently be used to cure the symptoms of Opiate withdrawal by taking 12-20 drops of liquid Passionflower (divided into 3-4 doses).
- Ginseng Plant
Ginseng plant has been used as an alternative medicine by the Native America for years.
The root of this plant is cardiotonic, demulcent, adaptogen, sedative, tonic and stimulant.
It has remarkable ability to make the human body cope with mental stress, cold, fatigue, and even hunger.
The active ingredients, 29 in number are Triterpenoid, Ginsenosides, saponins, panaxan, sesquiterpenes and acetylenic compounds.
It is a healing herb that eases the Opiate withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, depression, low mood. It improves stamina.
To use Ginseng plant for opiate withdrawal symptoms take 1-3 droppers, 2-3 times per day or as needed.
- Kava Kava
Kava kava or Piper methysticum contains some flavonoids and kavalactones that act as anxiolytics. This plant is native to Western Pacific, and its root is used to make Kava herbal tea, tincture or capsules.
The use of kava for Opiate withdrawal has produced significant results. It alleviates anxiety, stress, and depression.
It improves mood and helps one focus better at work. It enhances sleeping and recovers one from insomnia.
Kava tea can be taken before bedtime to induce sleep. For Opiate withdrawal, kava tea can be taken a day thrice.
Kava tea has a muddy taste so you can make it in the form of capsule too. 1-2 capsules per day are enough.
- Ginger
Ginger contains phytochemicals that are known as gingerols that help reduce inflammation. The nutrients contained in ginger include iron, Vitamin C, potassium, Vitamin B6, phosphorus magnesium, etc.
These minerals are depleted due to diarrhea after quitting Opiates. Ginger is used to reducing nausea, inflammation, and pain associated with Opiate withdrawal.
It also alleviates symptoms like a runny nose and excessive lacrimation. It has no side effects, and thus it can be consumed efficiently in the form of Ginger tea or juice.
- Mucuna Pruriens
It is also called as velvet beans, and it contains levodopa which is converted to dopamine in the body.
Dopamine is responsible for elevating mood and causing euphoria thus alleviating stress, anxiety and mood swings associated with Opiate withdrawal.
Mucuna is also known for restoring regular sleep cycle thus it cures insomnia. It reduces cravings and boosts mood. It should be taken on an empty stomach 2 to 3 times per day, a dose of 2-4 capsules.
- Ibogaine Root
A hallucinogenic root that is recommended for the withdrawal of Opiates, Ibogaine functions to reduce the hyperactivity of the neurons thus alleviating anxiety and uplifting mood.
Ibogaine eases the Opiate withdrawal symptom and helps in resetting the Opiate receptors so that they start responding to the endogenous supply of Opiates.
Ibogaine root also reduces cravings for Opiates. It is a psychoactive substance that is found in the plant family of Apocynaceae. It has dissociative properties and is a psychedelic.
- Rhodiola Rosea
It is an herb that is responsible for elevating mood because it tends to increase the levels of dopamine in the brain.
It reduces fatigue and lethargy by boosting the energy levels in the body. This way it helps a patient of Opiate withdrawal to feel active and happy.
- Calcium and Magnesium
Calcium and magnesium are the minerals that are required for steady conduction of nerve impulses.
These are depleted due to excessive sweating and diarrhea. Once replenished, they restore the average level of neuronal activity thereby decreasing anxiety, muscle aches, and cramps.
A dose of 2000mg Calcium and 1000mh of Magnesium per day can help ease the withdrawal symptoms.
- The Bottom Line
These supplements have shown high efficacy, and they help in easing the Opiate withdrawal symptoms.
Patients can take these provided herbal supplements for opiate withdrawal, they are not making other medications and that they are not suffering from any other medical conditions.