Herbal Remedies for Diarrhea
Most Effective Herbal Remedies for Diarrhea
Diarrhea is an increase in the frequency of bowel movements or a decrease in the form of stool. It is characterized by frequent, watery bowel movements, often accompanied by stomach cramps, abdominal pain and gas. In general diarrhea is caused by a gastrointestinal problem, but may be a symptom of some other ailments. Diarrhea may be various colors and contain mucous, blood or pus. Therefore it is important to discover the cause of the diarrhea.
It is important to know what diarrhea does to the body besides the obvious effects. When diarrhea strikes the saliva, which is used in digestion process, is lost thereby interrupting the process. It also depletes the body of important minerals, called electrolytes, needed for good health without which you may feel weak, tired and depressed, have an abnormal heart rhythm, and become dehydrated. Therefore when diarrhea strikes it is important to drink plenty of fluids. Here are some herbal remedies for diarrhea, which rebounds your energy level.
- Agrimony: It is not only one of the herbal remedies for diarrhea but also a nontoxic astringent and healing agent for all intestinal inflammations and is especially suitable for children. Because of its tonic and diuretic properties it has been used for treating diarrhea, bed-wetting, bleeding, coughs, jaundice, liver problems and diabetes. While it is useful in treating diarrhea, it may aggravate constipation. This herb can be obtained individually in bulk for making teas or in capsules. This is a nice herb to have on hand for children's ailments.
- Amaranth: Amaranth seeds and leaves are a good astringent. This astringency of the herb is useful in reducing blood loss and to treat diarrhea. Add two teaspoons of seeds to three cups of water and boil it for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon of leaves or just let it steep for 30 minutes. Drink two cups daily.
- Bilberry: The leaves of this shrub have been used traditionally for strengthening capillaries treating vascular disorders, diarrhea, diabetes, atherosclerosis, eye disorders, gout, high blood pressure, peptic ulcer, prostatitis. It has a high tannic acid content. A juice made from the berries can be diluted with a bit of Witch Hazel and rubbed on the skin to soothe sunburn.
- Bayberry: Bayberry contains tannins, which have a drying or astringent effect that will help relieve diarrhea. It also contains a chemical in the bark called myricitrin that fights germs. Boil one teaspoon of powdered root bark for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink two cups a day until you are better.
- Garlic: Garlic is a very effective herbal remedy for diarrhea since it soothes, cleanses and reduces inflammation. Dice some garlic and take with juice, milk, soup or honey two or three times a day. You may also cook the garlic. Garlic is also very rich in potassium, which is essential for proper contractions of muscles, including the intestines. The potassium is also important in the body's electrolyte system and is lost during bouts of diarrhea.
- Turmeric: This herb has been effectively used for centuries to relieve diarrhea. The root is used in an ointment for boils and abscesses, and in a mouthwash for inflammation. Avoid taking large doses.
- Cinnamon and Cayenne Pepper: The combination of cinnamon and cayenne pepper is very effective in tightening the bowels. Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoonful of cayenne pepper to two cups of boiling water. Let the mixture boil for about 20 minutes. Cool it and drink 1/4 cup every half hour.
- Meadowsweet: Meadowsweet is one of the best antacid remedies for diarrhea, acid indigestion, heartburn, gastritis, peptic ulcers, and hiatus hernia. It gives relief from any inflammatory condition of the stomach or bowels. The tannins have an astringent action in the bowels, protecting and healing the mucous membranes and relieving enteritis and diarrhea; its mild antiseptic action combats infection and its relaxant properties soothe griping and colic. Make an infusion using one or two teaspoons of dried herb in a cup of boiling water, steep for 10 minutes. Drink up to three cups a day as needed.
Other Herbal remedies for diarrhea include Allspice, American cranesbill, Apple, Boneset, Chamomile, Caraway, Catnip, Cinnamon, Feverfew, Geranium, Ginger, Golden seal, Lavender, Mugwort, Nutmeg, Peppermint tea Raspberry leaves, Slippery elm and Tormentil.