Gastroenteritis, more commonly referred to as the stomach flu, gastric flu or stomach virus, is an often painful inflammatory condition caused by an intestinal infection. Although symptoms of gastroenteritis usually last just a day or two, it can leave you incapacitated for a week or longer. Since gastroenteritis is caused by a virus, there are no effective medical treatments currently available, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, certain herbal remedies, including garlic and echinacea, may help your symptoms. Consult your doctor before using any dietary supplements.
About Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis most commonly occurs due to contact with an infected person. Poor hygiene habits, such as not following proper hand-washing protocols or drinking contaminated food or water, can increase your chances of developing gastroenteritis. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache and cramps. According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment for gastroenteritis consists mainly of self-care measures, as medical intervention and medications such as antibiotics are ineffective at fighting viruses.
Benefits of Echinacea
Echinacea is an herbal remedy that has gained increasing attention over the past few decades for its immune-boosting properties. In fact, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, echinacea may contain substances that have antiviral, pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and immune system-enhancing properties. Increasing the effectiveness of your immune system may help shorten the duration of gastroenteritis. Taking echinacea acts as an antibacterial, which may help prevent your body from contracting further infections and can help provide immune support while your body fights the gastroenteritis virus, says AltMD.
Benefits of Garlic
Garlic has been used for thousands of years in herbal and traditional medical practices for its antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. According to Tufts Medical Center, garlic also possesses immune system enhancing properties, which suggests that it may have some benefit for patients with gastroenteritis. In fact, garlic is a traditional remedy for gastroenteritis in many cultures, although there's not much clinical evidence to support its uses. A common Chinese herbal remedy for diarrhea associated with gastroenteritis is to sip the juice of four minced garlic cloves mixed with three tablespoons of vinegar, say authors Zhuo Zhao and George Ellis in their book, "The Healing Cuisine of China."
Considerations
You shouldn't use herbal remedies to self-treat your symptoms. Inform your doctor if you plan to use garlic or echinacea. If you think you have gastroenteritis, consult your doctor, especially if you're unable to keep liquids down for 24 hours, vomit blood or have been vomiting for more than two days, have blood in your bowel movements or have a fever above 104 degrees F.
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