Bloody diarrhea indicates a problem somewhere along your gastrointestinal track, including your stomach and intestines. The underlying cause can be cancer, ulcers, hemorrhoids, gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease or a bacterial infection. Herbs may help relieve bloody diarrhea in some cases. Consult your healthcare provider for a diagnosis before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for bloody diarrhea work in several ways. Immune-stimulating herbs will help your immune system fight certain infections that may cause bloody diarrhea. Astringent herbs will reduce watery stools. Anti-inflammatory herbs can reduce tissue irritation that may be contributing to the blood in your stools. Check with a qualified practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbs for bloody diarrhea.
Cranesbill
Cranesbill, or Geranium maculatum, is a European herb with tiny pink flowers. Herbalists use the rhizomes -- the plant's horizontal stems -- to treat diarrhea, dysentery, irritated bowel syndrome and urinary tract infections. The plant is rich in tannins, and has anti-hemorrhagic action used internally or externally. In their 2001 book, “Herbal Remedies,” naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli recommend cranesbill for disorders that can cause bloody diarrhea, such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease. Do not use this herb if you're pregnant.
Shepherd’s Purse
Shepherd’s purse, or Capsella bursa-pastoris, is a delicate herb with heart-shaped leaves and tiny white flowers. Traditional healers use the aerial parts to stop bleeding with heavy menstruation, diarrhea and cystitis. Active ingredients include flavonoids, amino acids and amines, and the herb has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Hershoff and Rotelli recommend it for bloody diarrhea and dysentery. In their 2009 book, “Medicinal Plants of the World,” botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink note that the anti-hemorrhagic activity may be due to a peptide with oxytocin-like action. You should not use shepherd’s purse for prolonged periods.
Cat’s Claw
Cat’s claw, or Uncaria tomentosa, is a thorny vine found throughout tropical areas of Central and South America. The herb is a potent immune stimulant, and the roots and stem bark are used for a range of disorders, including gastrointestinal diseases, AIDS, cancer, herpes, chronic fatigue and arthritis. Hershoff and Rotelli suggest using cat’s claw for bleeding and diarrhea related to ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and diverticulitis. Do not use this herb if you have an autoimmune disorder.
References
- “Herbal Remedies”; Asa Hershoff, N.D., and Andrea Rotelli, N.D.; 2001
- “Medicinal Plants of the World”; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
