Top Five Herbal Remedies for Diarrhea

Diarrhea is usually caused by some sort of viral infection, but there are other causes such as bacterial toxins.

When treating diarrhea, one of the more important things to remember is to consume a good amount of water, because a lot is lost through that particular illness and there is a risk of dehydration. It is better if the water contains electrolytes to replenish essential salts and nutrients leeched from the body.

Depending on what caused it, diarrhea could be either chronic or acute. Food poisoning is a common cause of acute diarrhea, but it can also be caused by intestinal parasites, the flu, allergies, stress or even otherwise beneficial substances such as medications (especially antibiotics). The body sometimes attempts to expel certain toxins, irritants or infections in the intestinal tract, which can also result in diarrhea.

Common Causes of Diarrhea

Infections are the foremost cause of acute diarrhea. This commonly affects travelers, who often suffer from food poisoning. Few consider medications to be the problem with a physical disorder, but they frequently cause diarrhea; antibiotics and antacids are the primary culprits. Sugar-free foods often contain substances that are difficult for the digestive system to absorb, which can also cause diarrhea.

Herbal Remedies for Diarrhea

There have been herbal remedies for diarrhea from time immemorial. Many of them have been in use with great success for centuries and are just as effective as any pharmaceutical treatment.

Grapefruit Seed Extract: This is a good herbal remedy to both prevent and treat traveler's diarrhea. Not only does it fight against microbes, but it disinfects as well.

This remedy is extremely bitter, so it is best to use tablets or capsules rather than liquid. Take it three times a day. If the liquid option is taken, put only five drops in a glass of water.

Agrimony: This herb was known to medieval herbalists for use in warfare to staunch bleeding. It has an astringent effect that works well against diarrhea, particularly in the case of small children. Its low toxicity makes it a great remedy for children. Agrimony also reduces a child's urge to urinate by soothing urinary tract irritation. This can help with bed wetting in children as well as adult incontinence.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Put a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of honey into a glassful of water and drink the mixture half an hour before a meal each day before a trip. This should help prevent traveler's diarrhea. Continue the practice during the trip.

Lemon Juice: The juice of a freshly-squeezed lemon added to a large glass of water can kill the agents that cause diarrhea, if taken three to five times a day. When a stomach virus starts to make the rounds, take one to two tablespoons before a meal.

Red Raspberry Leaf or Meadowsweet: Teas, tinctures, or capsules made from these herbs contain tannins, which are astringents that work on the intestines. Take one-half to one teaspoon of the tincture, 1 cup of tea, or two capsules, two or three times a day.

Most cases of diarrhea do not require any medical attention, but keep in mind that it is sometimes a symptom of something much worse. Diarrhea alone can be a fatal threat to infants, children and those who have high-risk health conditions. Remember to use common sense and consult a medical professional when the problem becomes serious or chronic.

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