Home Remedies for Diarrhea: Treat Diarrhea Naturally
Diarrhea
Acute diarrhea is a common condition and is usually benign. Common causes can include over consumption of food, artificial sweeteners, antacids containing magnesium salts, excessive intake of vitamin C, intestinal infections, medications, and anxiety.
Chronic diarrhea, lasting more than two weeks, is normally related to food allergies or a medical condition.
Consult with a doctor if experiencing chronic diarrhea.
Home Remedies for Diarrhea
• The best way to treat diarrhea that is caused by tainted food or intestinal infections is to let nature take its course (for at least a few hours) because the body is ridding itself of the causative factor. However, measures should be taken to prevent dehydration and replace lost electrolytes by drinking plenty of fluids such as water, Pedialyte, and Gatoraid.
• Carob powder (rich in dietary fiber) is effective in treating diarrhea, particularly in young children. In one study[1] involving children 3 to 21 months old, those given carob recovered faster than those who were not given carob.
• Berberine (found in goldenseal) has shown significant success in cases of diarrhea caused by bacterial infections. In one study[2] involving children under 5 years old, those given berberine responded better than those who were treated with antibiotics.
• Research has shown Sangre de drago to be effective in treating non-specific diarrhea and diarrhea associated with HIV.
• Lactobacillus acidophilus helps all types of diarrhea but is especially beneficial with diarrhea associated with antibiotic therapy.
Other home remedies for diarrhea include:
• Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in 2 cups of hot water. Drink 1/4 cup every half hour as needed.
• Charcoal tablets are said to treat diarrhea quickly by absorbing toxins. Use as directed.
• Add 3 teaspoons of grated ginger in 1 cup of hot water, cover, steep for 5-10 minutes, and strain. Drink 3 cups throughout the day.
• Add 1 ounce of dried raspberry leaves in 2 cups of hot water, cover, steep for 15-20 minutes, and strain. Drink throughout the day.
• Drink 6 ounces of blackberry juice every 4 hours as needed.
• For quick results, place about a dime size amount of nutmeg in a spoon and swallow.
• Lemon and lime juice are both effective home remedies for diarrhea. Add freshly squeezed juice in a cup of hot water. Drink 3-5 cups a day.
• Chamomile tea can reduce cramping and alleviate irritation and inflammation related to diarrhea.
You should consult with a doctor before you treat diarrhea in young children.
References
- [1] J Ped Gastroenterol Nutr8 (1989): 480-5
- [2] Ind Pediatr 7 (1970): 496-501
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This post is part of the series: Other Bowel Problems
Natural remedies for bowel problems.
