A viral infection of the small intestine, also known as viral gastroenteritis, usually occurs when you eat or drink food or water contaminated with rotavirus or norovirus pathogens. You might experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever and stomach cramps for one or several days. Antibiotics do not work for viral infections, so doctors usually prescribe bed rest and plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Herbs might help relieve the symptoms of viral infections of the small intestine. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for viral gastroenteritis can work in different ways. Antiviral and immune-modulating herbs attack the pathogen and help stimulate your immune system. Anti-inflammatory and astringent herbs might help reduce irritation to inflamed tissue and stop diarrhea. Carminative herbs relieve nausea and stomach cramps. Check with a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbs for viral infections of the small intestine.
Agrimony
Agrimony, or Agrimonia eupatoria, is a tall perennial with spikes of yellow flowers. Traditional healers use the aerial parts to treat gastrointestinal inflammation, including diarrhea and gastroenteritis. The plant is rich in tannins, polysaccharides and flavonoids, and has astringent and antiviral actions. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann notes that agrimony is useful for diarrhea in children. He recommends a tea that combines agrimony, chamomile and cranesbill to treat many forms of diarrhea, including diarrhea caused by viral gastroenteritis. Do not use this herb for an extended period because it might cause constipation.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, or Melissa officinalis, is a fragrant leafy perennial with tiny white flowers. It has a long history as a calming plant for the nerves and stomach. The active ingredients include an essential oil, flavonoids, phenolic acids and rosmarinic acid. The plant has antiviral, carminative and spasmolytic properties. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster recommend lemon balm herbal tea to relieve nausea and stomach cramps, and to fight the viral infection. Do not use lemon balm during pregnancy.
Tormentil
Tormentil, or Potentilla erecta, is a tiny herb in the rose family native to Europe. Herbalists use the rhizomes as a remedy for gastroenteritis and other intestinal diseases. Tormentil contains saponins and tannins, including ellagitannins and catechols, and has potent astringent action. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink say the tannins react with proteins, producing an antiviral and antidiarrheal effect. They also note that the saponins mimic cortisone and have anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating actions. Do not use this herb for more than five days.
References
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Dr. Linda White et al; 2000
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
