Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools. Additionally, according to the National Digestive Disease Information Clearing House, or NDDCH, a person with diarrhea may have several loose bowel movements and pass more than a quart of stool a day. Acute diarrhea usually lasts one or two days, and often clears up on its own. The NDDICH recommends allowing the illness to run its course. Several herbal remedies can relieve the symptoms and replace fluids lost during the illness.
Antibacterial Remedies
Cooked carrots, according to Linda B. White, M.D., author of "The Herbal Drug Store," prevent bacteria from sticking to the small intestines. She further states that carrots are rich in carotenes, which are essential for immune function. Dr. White suggests adding steaming sliced carrots until soft then eating them alone or adding them to soup. Oregon graperoot, goldenseal and gold thread contain a substance called berberine and, per Dr. White, are all effective in fighting a wide range of intestinal bacteria. Dr. White also suggest garlic and grapefruit seed extract to kill any intestinal viruses, bacteria and parasites. Pregnant women should avoid herbs containing berberine.
Antispasmodic Remedies
Jason Elias, author of "The A to Z Guide to Herbal Remedies," recommends peppermint and catnip to relieve the abdominal cramping that may accompany a bout of diarrhea. He suggests drinking them together, or individually, in a tea, three times a day. Pregnant and nursing women should not use catnip, and those with heartburn, or GERD, should not use peppermint.
Antidiarrheals
If your diarrhea is caused by a virus, you may be able to use remedies that help harden the stools. Always check with your doctor before trying any of these remedies to rule out a bacterial infection. Apple peels contain pectin which, according to Dr. White, is a common ingredient in over-the-counter remedies. Dr. White suggests eating a baked apple, with the peel on, to bulk up watery stools. Jason Elias suggests astringent remedies such as a tea made from blackberry leaves, raspberry leaves or agrimony, which will help dry the bowels.
References
- "The Herbal Drug Store"; Linda B. White, M.D. and Steven Foster; 2000
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing House: Diarrhea
- "A to Z Guide of Healing Herbal Remedies"; Jason Elias; 1997
