Alcohol Replacements in Your Kitchen Cabinet

By Jonathan Bluestein

This article is meant to provide you with knowledge of how to potentially use kitchen-cabinet items as a replacement for gaining some of the benefits and effects of alcohol, without its detriments. This article is meant to help people who enjoy alcohol but would like to drink less of it, but cannot solve the problem of addicts. The wisdom contained herein is comes to us from the body of knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  

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To understand what simple items may be used for substituting alcohol, I must first discuss shortly why people drink alcohol, and what it does for them. Beside enjoying the taste, I take it that people drink primarily in order to use alcohol as means of:

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1. Dealing with past traumas.

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2. Having a 'social lubricant' - alleviating social anxieties in order to ease interaction with others.

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3. As a pain-killer.

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4. As a stress-reliever.

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The solution I shall propose would help primarily with articles 3 and 4, partly with article 2, and would not help with article 1.

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Through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine, articles 3 and 4 - pain and stress, are most commonly related to the activity of the Liver. Why? Because the Liver is the organ in the body most responsible for the smooth flow of Qi. When the Qi is stuck somewhere, it is common to have pain. When the Qi is stuck this can also easily give rise to stress, and this relationship works the other way around as well - stress increases the propensity of Qi to become stuck. Another reason for pain is often what is called 'blood stasis', which is when the blood in the body is not moving well enough, as when one lacks sufficient amounts of blood, or has blood clots. The Liver, apart from its involvement in guaranteeing smooth flow of Qi, is also associates with blood, in complex ways I will not get into here. Therefore, in summary, the dysfunction of the Liver is associated with both pain and stress, in several ways.

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Alcohol, in very small doses, helps the Qi and Blood move, especially the former, and does so in part by affecting the Liver. By a 'small dose of alcohol' being beneficial, I mean something like a single, small bottle of beer, or less (or maybe two bottles of beer if the person is very large physically). Not much is needed. But the problem is, that alcohol taken to excess does the opposite - it causes the Qi to stagnate, and in the long-term will also hurt the Blood.

This is why and how it happens, that people intuitively use alcohol to self-medicate, but also end up hurting themselves. Alcohol in small amounts does all of those four things I listed above, mostly by positively affecting the Liver. But then because it does not take much to 'overdose' in terms of medical effects, alcohol tends to do more damage than good. Unfortunately, long-term consumption in excess will completely annihilate the Liver, and one's life.

 

Fortunately, there are cheap, easy to get, natural plant medicines, some of which might be in your kitchen cabinet, that you could use to mimic some of the benefits derived from alcohol, without having to consume this fickle substance on a regular basis or in excess.

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The basic formula is made of the following herbs and dosages:

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Chamomile            6 grams

Turmeric root       5 grams

Dried Mint             3 grams

 

ACCURATE DOSAGES ARE VERY IMPORTANT!!
MORE IS NOT BETTER!

The basic formula is made of Chamomile flowers, Turmeric root and Mint leaves (Peppermint or Spearmint). Chamomile resolves liver qi stagnation and is also great for helping digestion, and calming the heart and the emotions. Turmeric helps the liver regulate the Qi, and helps the whole body regulate the blood, positively preventing and treating mild to moderate blood stasis. Mint, in small quantities, helps resolve liver qi stagnation.

When the liver qi is stagnant, then this often also creates heat in the body, often reflected in red skin and pimples, especially on the face (things which can be caused by many other things, too). Chamomile and Mint are also good for these, as well as for some rashes and itching.

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Preparation method is as follows:

In a small pot stainless steel pot, put three cups of water and place the turmeric in it. Must be stainless steel. Put a timer for 30 minutes. Cook on high flame until boiling, and then immediately lower to simmer for the rest of the time. After 30 minutes, add the chamomile and Mint for another 3 minutes. Then immediately close the heat and let cool. This makes for a beverage to last for a whole day - do not consume more until the next day. Best is to drink it throughout the day, split into three doses or more. Sift the herbs out of the liquid before drinking.

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Expected positive results, if formula was appropriate for an individual, are within hours to days. More significant effect is expected after continuous consumption of over a week.
 

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Adaptation of this basic formula to various circumstances, extending beyond its original use:

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If you need to be more awake and focused after taking it (reduced dosage of chamomile, which is very relaxing):

Chamomile    3 grams

Turmeric       5 grams

Dried Mint    3 grams

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(effect on stress reduction would be milder)

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If you want to sleep better after taking it:

Chamomile    8 grams

Turmeric       5 grams

Dried Mint    3 grams

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More pain than stress, or if body feels colder than usual:

Chamomile         4 grams

Turmeric             8 grams

Dried Mint          3 grams

Fresh Ginger       3 grams

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By fresh ginger, what is meant is a ginger root which has not yet dried, and has moisture inside. Add the fresh ginger, without its peel, and cook it with the turmeric before adding the other ingredients.

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More pain than stress, strong pain, and body feels really cold:

Chamomile               4 grams

Turmeric                   10 grams

Dried Mint                2 grams

Ginger POWDER       3 grams

Cinnamon                 4 grams

Cardamon                 3 grams

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Add the ginger powder and cardamon, and cook them with the turmeric before adding the other ingredients. Add the cinnamon at the end with the chamomile and mint. 

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For those with mild and occasional anxieties:

Chamomile                 8 grams

Reishi Mushroom      7 grams

Turmeric                     5 grams

Dried Mint                  3 grams

Fresh Ginger              3 grams

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By fresh ginger, what is meant is a ginger root which has not yet dried, and has moisture inside. Add the fresh ginger, without its peel, and cook it with the turmeric and reishi mushroom slices before adding the other ingredients.

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Must be dried mushroom slices, and not a powder. You can buy reishi mushroom slices online or in any Chinese herb shop.

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Drinking soup made of beets, celery and carrots on the same days as taking the formula will enhance its effects.

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For those with frequent mild-moderate anxiety and sleeping problems and/or palpitations related to anxiety:

Chamomile                 9 grams

Reishi Mushroom     10 grams

Turmeric                     5 grams

Dried Mint                  3 grams

Fresh Ginger              3 grams

Dried Chinese Dates (Jujube Dates)   8 dates

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By fresh ginger, what is meant is a ginger root which has not yet dried, and has moisture inside. Break the dates in half. Add the fresh ginger, without its peel, and cook it with the dates, turmeric and reishi mushroom slices before adding the other ingredients.

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Must be dried mushroom slices, and not a powder. You can buy reishi mushroom slices online or in any Chinese herb shop.

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Drinking soup made of beets, celery and carrots on the same days as taking the formula will enhance its effects.

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For those with stomach ache which is not from stomach poisoning:

Chamomile    6 grams

Turmeric       5 grams

Fresh ginger  5 grams

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By fresh ginger, what is meant is a ginger root which has not yet dried, and has moisture inside. Add the fresh ginger, without its peel, and cook it with the turmeric before adding the other ingredients. 

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For those with stomach ache and diarrhea which are not from stomach poisoning:

Chamomile       4 grams

Turmeric          5 grams

Fresh ginger    7 grams

Green Tea         2 grams

Dried Chinese Dates (Jujube Dates)   2 dates  (optional)

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Add the fresh ginger without its peel and cook it with the dates and turmeric before adding the other ingredients. Add the green tea with the chamomile at the end.

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Until relief is had, best is to eat rice gruel and drink vegetable soups. With much diarrhea, replenish salts and electrolytes by adding sufficient salt to the soups, and regularly drinking natural coconut water in large quantities. Extreme or prolonged diarrhea require urgent medical attention.

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For those with constipation:

Chamomile       6 grams

Turmeric           5 grams

Black Sesame   12 grams

Dried Mint        3 grams

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Cook the black sesame seeds with the turmeric before adding the other ingredients. After constipation stops for at least 2-3 days, lower dose of sesame seeds to 6 grams, and raise back to 10 grams if constipation returns.  Soft stools or diarrhea means you need to stop using the sesame seeds altogether.

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Dizzines and/or blurred vision and/or weak knees/back (mild and acute cases, not long-term chronic cases):

Chamomile                6 grams

Turmeric                    5 grams

Dried Mint                 3 grams

Black Sesame            10 grams

Goji Berries               8 grams

Cinnamon                  2 grams

Reishi Mushroom    5 grams  (optional)

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Cook the black sesame seeds, goji berries and reishi mushroom slices with the turmeric before adding the other ingredients. Add the cinnamon at the end with the mint and chamomile.

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Consuming bone broths in tandem would be beneficial. Also try to regularly consume eggs - hard boiled are better. Important for both bone broths and eggs to be organic. 

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When you have such symptoms, if you are male, sexual activity will weaken you further, especially in excess.

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Rashes, pimples, carbuncles, or other red things on skin which are not bites or stings (mild cases):

Chamomile      7 grams

Turmeric         3 grams

Dried Mint      6 grams

Green Tea       2 grams

Mung Beans    18 grams

Cinnamon       1 gram

Fresh Ginger  1 gram

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Add the fresh ginger and mung beans in the beginning with the turmeric. Add the green tea and cinnamon with the chamomile and mint at the end. 

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Drinking soup made of beets, celery and carrots on the same days as taking the formula will enhance its effects. Fruit and vegetable juices will also help. Eliminating sugar, alcohol and coffee here is key. Avoid red meat and oily foods, at least temporarily.

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VERY hot day outside, AND you are going to be in the sun a lot:

Chamomile      7 grams

Turmeric          2 grams

Dried Mint       6 grams

Green Tea        1 gram

Mung Beans    22 grams

Fresh Ginger   2 grams

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Add the fresh ginger and mung beans in the beginning with the turmeric. Add the green tea with the chamomile and mint at the end. Drink before, during and after your stay in the sun.

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Drink lots of water. Eat a lot of fresh fruit, especially watermelon  (focus on the white part!), melon and mango, and vegetables like cucumber and green leaves. Rub fresh aloe vera on skin that has been exposed to sun. Avoid consuming anything spicy!

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Mild and acute nausea and/or vomiting which are not from sun-stroke:

Fresh Ginger    8 grams

Chamomile      4 grams

Green Tea        2 grams

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Moderate-Serious vomiting, especially that repeats:

GO SEE A DOCTOR URGENTLY!!

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Who should NOT be consuming such formulas?

- People who have not consulted a certified and qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine on their use.

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- People who are taking other formulas of Traditional Chinese Medicine, pharmaceutical drugs or recreational drugs.

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- Those who are not feeling stressed.

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- Those who are very relaxed already. 

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- People with excess sweating should not consume ginger.

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- Pregnant women, nursing mothers or small children.

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- People with excess of bleeding of any type, or a tendency to bleed or issues with blood clotting (both turmeric and ginger are blood thinners).

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- Anyone taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.

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- Anyone prone to sleepiness, especially those who tend to fall asleep while preforming dangerous tasks, should not be consuming chamomile on a regular basis. It is fine in that sense if taken right before getting into bed.

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- Anybody with a serious acute or chronic illness of any kind, including Cancer, HIV-AIDS, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Malaria, Fever of any sort, Fibromyalgia, Diabetes, Influenze, COVID-19, blood pressure problems, kidney diseases, heart diseases, stomach ulcers, etc.

 

- Anyone who had gotten vaccinations for SARS-2 (COVID-19).

 

- The dosages specified best suit a person who weighs 120-160lbs.

Dosage must be lower than suggested for any person under 110lbs. For every 50lbs of weight over 140lbs, increase the amount of chamomile, turmeric, mint, reishi and ginger in each respective formulas by 35% of the original dose. Examples:

Suppose the dose of ginger was 3 grams.

For 190lbs or more, increase by 35% = 4 grams.

For 240lbs or more, increase by 70% (35% + 35%) =  5.1 grams.

For 290lbs or more, increase 105% (35% + 35% + 35%) = 6.15 grams. 

Suppose the dose of Reishi Mushroom slices was 5 grams.

For 190lbs or more, increase by 35% = 6.75 grams.

For 240lbs or more, increase by 70% (35% + 35%) =  8 grams.

For 290lbs or more, increase 105% (35% + 35% + 35%) = 10.25 grams.

Etc. 
 

- With any negative side-effects, usage must be stopped immediately. With any signs of infectious disease, usage must be stopped immediately.

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- Such formulas should not be consumed for over 2 weeks in a row without the re-assessment of a qualified and certified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 

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- Excess sugar, foods and beverages containing meaningful amounts of sugar, coffee, alcohol and recreational drugs of any kind should not be taken at the same time as any of these formulas, or even on the same day. 

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An Even Superior Solution

The best formulas in Traditional Chinese Medicine to deal with the same issues of stress, generalized pain related to Liver Qi stagnation and mild anxiety, are, in my opinion, the patent formulas Xiao Yao San (or Jia Wei Xiao Yao San) and Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang. That being said, one must absolutely avoid using these formulas without the diagnosis, prescription, expert guidance and continuous monitoring of a qualified and certified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

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Comparison with Alcohol

All of the above-mentioned formulas would not make you lose your sense of judgement, or even become foolish, as alcohol consumption often does. However, they will also not provide you with the 'courage' (of a fool) which alcohol yields. Instead, it is within their power to alleviate stress, and overall reduce dread and anxiety, in order that you could be more functional in your interactions with other human beings and the challenges of life. In other words, they will make you a more centered, emotionally stable version of yourself, but the responsibility to use this superior function remains in your hands. 

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Comparison with Ordinary Consumption of the Same Substances

The power and influence of the simple substances detailed above is made much stronger via the correct preparation method, and by combining them with one-another to create a formula. It has the potential to yield superior results as compared with other dosages and preparation methods.

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