Native American Remedies For Diarrhea

Diarrhea and dysentery, a serious type of diarrhea caused by inflammation of the intestines, was a serious problem for Native Americans, a term used to refer to the hundreds of indigenous tribes of North America. Severe cases of diarrhea among Native Americans could quickly lead to dehydration. As a result, Native American tribes used a variety of herbs for the treatment of diarrhea, according to powersource.com. Because there were numerous tribes, remedies varied considerably according to each tribe's resources and practices. Talk to a health care professional before using any Native American remedy for the treatment of diarrhea. With the development of modern medicine, many doctors question the safety of Native American treatments.

Wild Cherry

The Mohegan Native American tribes used wild cherry as an herbal treatment for diarrhea and dysentery, according to powersource.com, a website that describes herbal remedies of various Native American tribes. To treat diarrhea and dysentery, the Mohigans would drink wild cherry juice, from the fruit of the the tree, that had been allowed to ferment for one year.

Consult with a physician before using wild cherry for the treatment of diarrhea. According to Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs," wild cherry should not be used by women who are nursing or pregnant or children under the age of two. Wild cherry contains hydrocyanic acid, which creates symptoms similar to cyanide poisoning when taken in large amounts. Discontinue use and seek medical attention if you experience difficulty speaking or breathing, muscle spasms or twitching.

Raspberry

Native Americans, as well as the ancient Greeks, Chinese and the Ayurvedic practitioners of India, used raspberry for the treatment of diarrhea, writes Castleman. The Dakota, Pawnee and Omaha Native American tribes boiled the root bark or the the raspberry plant to make a therapeutic tea, which they drank for the treatment of diarrhea, notes powersource.com.

Talk to your doctor before using raspberry to treat diarrhea, especially if you are pregnant or nursing. Discontinue use if you experience stomach upset or if diarrhea increases.

Goldenseal

Native American tribes of the northeastern region of the United States, such as the Passamaquoddy and the Algonquian tribes, used goldenseal in the the treatment of diarrhea, writes Castleman. The tribes would pound the root of the plant into a powder and boil it to make a tea for the treatment of diarrhea. Goldenseal, also known as yellow root, was also used by the Native Americans to treat other digestive problems, to cleanse the eyes and to treat wounds.

Consult with a physician or health care professional before using goldenseal to treat diarrhea. According to Castleman, goldenseal should not be used by children under the age of two or pregnant or nursing women. Do not use goldenseal if you have diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart disease or a history of stroke. The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, has not yet made a determination on the safety of goldenseal.