Drinking alcohol, in moderation of course, sometimes gives us a feeling of joy and a “high.”
Herbalist Alex Citruspiller presents “intoxicating” herbs that produce a similar effect.
Alcohol is responsible for the “high” we feel when drinking wine and other spirits.
It acts on several sites in the brain, making a person talk more, feel less restrained and more confident.
Continuous alcohol consumption affects hearing, vision, taste, and smell and even mental clarity. These effects originate from alcohol acting on brain receptors responsible for mood and many daily functions.
Some people are sensitive to alcohol or prefer to avoid it.
But, as always, nature offers a solution herbal plants with an intoxicating effect.
Damiana (also called Turnera)
This plant induces a mild euphoria.
It originates from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
The plant has small yellow flowers and is related to passionflower.
Damiana is used in alternative medicine to improve mental function or to treat headaches and depression.
Studies show that substances in damiana act on brain areas responsible for pleasure.
Usage: To get the effect, steep one teaspoon of damiana leaves in a cup of boiling water, strain, and drink once a day.
Vitex (Latin name vitex agnus castus)
This plant has become increasingly popular in herbal medicine.
Some researchers associate it with the biblical story of Isaac, hence the common name.
It contains a substance called vitexin, which interacts with dopamine receptors and induces calm.
Usage: It is recommended to chew ten fruits per day (about half a teaspoon), chew well, and drink water.
Kola Nut
Originates from Central Africa.
The nut contains several compounds affecting the central nervous system.
It has a mixture of caffeine and other substances that affect dopamine receptors and provide a relaxing, anti-depressant effect.
The plant acts immediately as a stimulant, similar to coffee.
Usage: Steep one teaspoon of ground nut in a cup of boiling water and drink once a day.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum)
This plant has yellow flowers with many small blossoms.
It is known for its effects on mood and, in professional treatments, for treating depression.
It contains active compounds hypericin and hyperforin, which promote serotonin absorption and other nervous system hormones, positively influencing mood and calm.
Usage: Use the whole dried plant including flowers.
Soak in olive oil for a month, two tablespoons of crushed plant per 100 ml olive oil.
After a month, the active substances transfer to the oil.
Consume one teaspoon per day to improve mood.
Kava
The root originates from the South Seas and was originally used as a ceremonial drink by Polynesian peoples.
Active compounds called kavalactones have calming properties.
Its calming and anti-anxiety effects are mediated through GABA receptors, which control fear and alert signals in the brain.
Usage: Boil one teaspoon of ground root in 300 ml water, strain, and drink.
All these plants can be an alternative to drinking alcohol and are available at natural food stores and spice shops.
Excessive alcohol consumption significantly harms health.
It is important to stick to the recommended daily dose as mentioned and not exceed it.
Other plants with intoxicating effects exist, used in different cultures to achieve higher consciousness. Most contain psychoactive compounds, but their use is unsafe and often illegal.
To reduce alcohol effects specifically, chew milk thistle seeds containing compounds called silymarins, known to help the liver process substances, including alcohol.