People who consume alcohol regularly may suffer from alcohol-induced toxicity which is characterized by digestive issues, poor function of liver, sleep disturbances, low metabolism etc. That’s why, detoxification is mandatory for those who have a regular habit of drinking.
What is Detoxification?
Detoxification means to get rid of harmful substances such as free radicals or toxins (Ama in Ayurveda) from the body. The consumption of alcohol impairs the body’s natural ability to eliminate toxins. Besides neutralizing the adverse effects of alcohol on the body and mind, detoxification improves overall wellness as well.
How Ayurvedic detox is helpful in dealing with hangover?
The symptoms that occur after consumption of alcohol such as – feeling dizzy and weak, severe headache, grappling etc. occur due to declining in body’s water and mineral content. This condition further gets deteriorates from bad to worse with the rising levels of free radicals circulating in the system. Hence, merely drinking water might not be helpful in replenishing the minerals that are crucial for maintaining health.
That’s why, Ayurvedic detox is crucial in restoring, balancing and promoting the overall health.
Some herbs for relief from a hangover are:
- Amla (Emblica officinalis): Amla is considered as a richest source of Vitamin C. It has excellent detoxifying and hepatoprotective properties.
- Alcohol consumption impairs the judgment and also affects the digestive system including functions of liver.
- Taking fresh amla juice helps in neutralizing the ill effects of alcohol on the body and mind.
- Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata): Kalmegh is an excellent liver protecting herb according to Ayurveda. It contains certain phytochemicals that modulate enzymes of liver and relieve alcohol toxicity.
- This herb stimulates liver, lets out excessive Pitta from the body. It is bitter and pungent in taste, yet a nourishing herb.
- It can be taken in powdered form or its decoction can be prepared.
- Guggul (Commiphora mukul): Besides helping with cholesterol and weight management, taking guggul in the morning can help in terrible hangover from last night’s heavy drinking as guggul helps in replenishing essential body fluids.
- It is anti-inflammatory in nature with hepatoprotective properties.
- It can be consumed in powdered form or tablets with lukewarm water.
- Triphala: Triphala is considered as an excellent combination of three fruits for detoxification. It is specifically helpful for gut cleansing and eliminating free radicals.
- This unique combination can also purge alcohol from the system as well.
- Taking triphala in powdered or tablet form with water is recommended.
- Gotukola (Centella asiatica): Gotu kola is not only an herb for detoxification of liver but it is also beneficial for mind as it is also a powerful emotional balancer, thus reducing stress levels and increasing calmness.
- The leaves of gotukola plant can be added to tea to get relief from morning hangover and to revitalize liver function.
Some Ayurvedic therapies for detoxification are:
- Panchakarma: This process of detoxification in Ayurveda comprises five essential procedures that help in eliminating toxins from the body and restoring balance of all the three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. It is a sophisticated Ayurvedic cleanse that is performed under the supervision of Ayurvedic practitioner. Some of the procedures of Panchakarma are:
- Virechana: In Virechana, internal cleansing is done by administering some powders or pastes that help in detoxification
- Vamana: In Vamana, herbal medicines are given to induce vomiting.
- Rakta Mokshana: Rakta mokshana or blood letting procedure is done by making precise incisions to detoxify blood.
- Basti: In Basti, warm medicated oils are used for giving enema.
- Nasya: Nasya is done to clear the respiratory tract by using herbal oils and fumes.
- Self- Massage: Self-massage is very relaxing. By using medicated oils, self-massage is a great way to drain the lymphatic system.
- It helps in eliminating toxins and improving tissue function.
- Self-massage also helps in neutralizing the adverse effects of alcoholism by supporting detoxification.
Some dietary changes for detoxification:
Avoid foods that lead to buildup of toxins and vitiate doshas. Regardless of prominent dosha, avoid certain foods in the diet such as:
- Caffeine
- Processed food
- Red meat
- Synthetic sweeteners
- Refined flour
- Bakery products
These foods hamper digestion and clog the lymphatic system thus causing stiffness, bloating, fatigue, swollen glands etc.
Sluggish liver hugely impacts overall wellness which can be fatal as well. Therefore, loving your liver and taking care of it is very essential!
Disclaimer:-
This article is not a substitute to the standard Medical Diagnosis or personalized Ayurvedic Treatment! It is intended only for Information!
For experts consultation, please write us at care@blessayurveda.com
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