Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools and frequent bowel movements. In addition to the frequent bowel movements, patients may also experience stomach cramps. Diarrhea may be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections or irritants, such as tainted food. The illness generally lasts one to two days, and health professionals generally recommend allowing diarrhea to run its course. Several home remedies, meanwhile can relieve symptoms and replace fluids lost during a bout with diarrhea. Always consult your doctor before trying any home remedies.
Food Remedies
Linda B. White, M.D., author of "The Herbal Drug Store," recommends cooked carrots for bacterial diarrhea. The carotenes in carrots boost immune function and prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the intestines. Eat the carrots alone or in a soup with vegetable broth. White also recommends eating a baked apple, with the skin on. The pectin in apple peel is a common ingredient in over-the-counter diarrhea remedies and can help harden the stools. The Mayo Clinic recommends fermented foods, such as yogurt, miso and tempeh to balance the bacterial flora in the gut.
Herbal Remedies
For diarrhea, White recommends tea from herbs that contain berberine, an alkaloid chemical found in plants such as Oregon graperoot, gold thread and goldenseal. Berberine is considered effective against a range of intestinal bacteria. Pregnant and nursing women, however, should avoid berberine. Garlic and grapefruit seed extract are effective against intestinal viruses, bacteria and parasites, according to Jason Elias, author of "A to Z Guide of Healing Herbal Remedies." Eat the garlic raw or cooked in food. Add grapefruit seed extract to juice or mix it with hot water as a tea. Teas made from peppermint and catnip can both relieve abdominal cramping. However, pregnant women should avoid catnip and those with heartburn should avoid peppermint.
Essential Oil Remedies
Valerie Ann Worwood, author of "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy," recommends massaging a blend of essential oils into the skin over the abdomen and drinking large quantities of water to treat diarrhea. For food-related diarrhea, Worwood recommends peppermint, eucalyptus and thyme blended with chamomile and tea tree essential oils in an olive oil base. For diarrhea related to nerves, blend lavender, geranium and lemon with chamomile and peppermint essential oils in an olive oil base. For viral or bacterial diarrhea, blend tea tree, red thyme and lemon with lavender and eucalyptus oils. All of these oils can combat the abdominal cramping associated with diarrhea, Worwood says.
References
- "The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy"; Valerie Ann Worwood; 1991
- "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
