Therapeutic Effectiveness of Herbal Regimen as a withdrawal management protocol in chronic alcoholism : A CARE Compliant Case Study with Biochemical and Physical Parameters

About Author

Correspondence Address

Dr. Yadunath C. Waykole,
Professor and HOD,
Department of Agada Tantra evam Vidhi Vaidyaka,
Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Ayurved and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune - 18
Contact No. : +91 83088 58827, Email : waykole.chandrakant@dpu.edu.in

Date of Acceptance : 28 Jun 2026

Date of Publication : 30 Jun 2026

Article ID : SD-IJAY_184

How to cite this article : http://doi.org/10.55552/SDNJAY.2026.4211

Abstract

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a chronic psychiatric disorder where one drinks uncontrollably despite the evidence of harm. This is often attributed to changes in brain reward circuits that cause dependence and withdrawal, and liver damage from toxic metabolites and oxidative stress. This is what Ayurveda referred to as Madatyaya, where you consume Madya and over time it inhibits Ojas. It irritates the Tridosha (especially Vata and Pitta), weakens Agni, produces Ama, and blocks Srotas, producing sensations of thirst, burning from the mouth to the throat, restlessness, and insomnia.

This CARE case report describes a 35-year-old man with long-term AUD who exhibited marked addiction and withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, tremor, and insomnia along with nausea and fatigue) and laboratory evidence of liver inflammation. An Ayurvedic evaluation indicated pittaja madatyaya, Vata predominance. Treatment followed classical Shamana precepts (Ashtanga Lavana Churna to excite the gut and prevent appetite craving; a compound of herbo-mineral churna designed to reduce inflammation and the nerve endings), Maharasnadi Kwath as an anti-Vata remedy and Vata cure; Kharjuradi Manth to ease pain and encourage digestion, a nourishing, detoxifying beverage. Recommended diet: sweet, cooling, light, avoid pungent, sour, and fermented food.

Throughout three follow-up visits over 2 months, the magnitude of dependence decreased markedly, withdrawal symptoms were less severe, and liver function tests returned to normal ranges without any reported treatment complications. In the case described, that of a judicious Ayurvedic protocol, gently balancing, promising not to be side-effect based for the management of AUD and providing maintenance of well-being.

Introduction

With manual labour taking a heavy toll on people in Pune, whose lives are dominated by the sounds of people calling, Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) represents a quiet enemy of society. According to DSM-5, these behaviours can lead to impairment and alcohol consumption disorder — a condition estimated to be responsible for 2.5 million deaths globally annually, disproportionately affecting males in high-stress occupations (World Health Organization). Chronic ethanol exposure is physiologically damaging since it disrupts the reward circuit of the brain, downregulating GABA receptors and upregulating glutamate, giving rise to tolerance and dependence—withdrawal from alcohol, tremors, anxiety, lack of sleep, and autonomic hyperactivity. Alcohol dehydrogenase and cytochrome P450 are responsible for the liver's involvement in alcohol metabolism, leading to acetaldehyde and other reactive oxygen species, which result in oxidative stress, the development of fatty liver, inflammation and increased enzymes such as SGOT and SGPT.

Ayurveda provides a timeless outlook as it associates AUD with Madatyaya(1), which in Charaka Samhita (Chikitsa Sthana 24) refers to the improper consumption of Madya that triggers Pitta(2) (at first) and Rajas Guna in the body creating temporary euphoria but eventually depletes Ojas (vital essence)(3), aggravates Tridosha (specifically Vata and Pitta), weakens Jatharagni, and triggers Ama (toxins), a process known as Srotorodha (channel obstruction). Symptoms such as Trishna (thirst), Daha (burning), Anidra (insomnia)(4), and liver dysfunction show modern-day symptoms. Traditional treatments, such as benzodiazepines for withdrawal, have risks of dependency, however, Ayurveda advocates holistic alternatives via Shodhana (detoxification), Shamana (pacification) and Pathya (dietary regimen) to achieve balance(5).

This case details the progress of a 35-year-old laborer from the confines of AUD to his renewed vigor. It combines the WHO's Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) to track behavior and serial Liver Function Tests (LFTs) for biochemical assessment and thus, adds to the evidence base for integrative de-addiction protocols in resource-limited contexts.(6)

Discussion

This case subtly demonstrates how Ayurveda addresses the modern tragedy of Alcohol Use Disorder, where a laborer's daily escape into alcohol entwined body and mind in a long journey of exhaustion, tremors, sleepless nights, and a liver quietly protesting. The progression of the disease, or samprapti, is the eternal tale of Charaka Samhita: First, Madya awakens Pitta and Rajas with false euphoria; second, continued indulgence destroys Ojas, poisons Tridosha (Dominant Vata-Pitta), numbs Jatharagni, creates Ama, and obstructs Rasavaha and Raktavaha Srotas — manifesting as restlessness, burning, tremors, and liver tension.(14)(15)(16)(17)

 The selected therapies, based on classical authority, slowly untangled this knot. Ashtanga Lavana Churna (Bhaishajya Ratnavali) — a combination of salts and pungent herbs — ignites digestive fire, dissolves Ama, and calms the restless mind, a centuries-old remedy for Madatyaya symptoms that contemporary reviews identify as aiding in toxin clearance. The compound churna combines the resinous anti-inflammatory action of Mahayogaraja Guggulu with the mineral potency of Amavatari Rasa to reduce chronic inflammation and neural disturbance without the dependency risk seen in standard sedatives. Maharasnadi Kwath (Bhaishajya Ratnavali)—rich with Rasna and other Vata-resilient herbal ingredients—alleviates musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain, a feature confirmed in peer-reviewed case reports of alcohol-induced pain relief. Kharjuradi Mantha (Sharangdhara Samhita)— an energizing liquid of dates, grapes, and pomegranate—quenches thirst, restores damaged tissues, and provides gentle antioxidant support, consistent with the traditional practice of alcohol detoxification. Patolamooladi Kashaya was given keeping in mind the restoration of liver functions damaged due to alcohol ingestion.(18)(19)(20)

In addition to immediate relief, deeply rooted Doshas in Madatyaya require long-term care to prevent relapse and achieve full recovery. After the acute withdrawal phase had passed, Rasayana therapies were crucial to restore depleted Dhatus and strengthen Ojas.

 The psychotherapy (Sattvavajaya Chikitsa) in Ayurveda served as the foundation for consolidating the mind with self-awareness (Ātmajñāna), emotional reframing (Pratipakṣa Bhāvanā), and mental restraint (Manonigraha) to combat cravings and Pragyaparadha (intellectual errors). This was done with counseling, mindfulness, Pranayama, meditation, and Medhya herbs that promote Sattva dominance while reducing Rajas and Tamas in accordance with Acharya Charaka's emphasis on psychological balance for a lasting de-addiction process.

Sadvritta provided the daily foundation: to follow Dinacharya and Ritucharya, to be truthful, to not be angry which was suggested to support the family's peace and resistance to Pragyaparadha. Post-acute follow-up for this patient included soothing Vata-pacifying elements of gentle yoga or exercise, food, and melodic music for healing, eliminating any residual instability, ensuring Ojas regenerates over a sustained period, and keeping Srotas open and flowing.(21)(22)(23)(24)

Conclusion

The case illustrates that by choosing a consciously selected Ayurvedic Shamana protocol based on traditional teachings and dietary discipline, it can be possible to counter the physical and psychological consequences associated with chronic Alcohol Use Disorder. The rapid biochemical recovery (normalization of liver enzymes and bilirubin) as well as an astonishing reduction in dependence severity (AUDIT reducing from severe to low risk) demonstrates the potential benefits of Ayurveda for treating reversible alcohol sequelae gently and without side effects. Sustained practice of Pathya, Sattvavajaya and Sadvritta is necessary to support the consolidation of these gains and to avoid relapse.

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