Treatment advice for Diarrhoea
DO NOT use herbs to treat diarrhoea without talking to your doctor first. Always talk to your doctor before treating diarrhoea in an infant. If your diarrhoea is caused by certain types of infections, herbal treatments could make it worse. The most common herbal remedies for diarrhoea are described below. They can be used as teas unless otherwise noted.
Astringent herbs:
- Astringent herbs, such as blackberry leaf ( Rubus fruticosus ) or raspberry leaf ( Rubus idaeus ), help “dry up” the mucous membranes in the intestine. Make a tea with one heaping tsp. per cup. Drink 1/2 cup per hour. There is some controversy around using these teas during pregnancy.
- Carob powder ( Ceratonia siliqua ), which is rich in fiber, may be dissolved into a commercial hydrating electrolyte replenishing drink. DO NOT give carob to a child unless directed to do so by your physician.
- Extract of bilberry ( Vaccinum myrtillus ) also has astringent properties. DO NOT take bilberry if you take anticoagulants (blood thinners). Bilberry can also potentially interact with diabetes medications.
- Agrimony ( Agrimonia eupatorium ) is a traditional remedy for diarrhea. Agrimony can have a blood-thinning effect and can lower blood pressure. Speak with your doctor before taking agrimony if you are dealing with these health issues.
Inflammation reducers:
- Quercetin , a plant-based flavonoid, may help to reduce inflammation.
- Chamomile ( Matricaria recutita ) is usually taken as a tea. Chamomile can interfere with hormonal medications and can cause reactions in people allergic to ragweed.
- Marshmallow root ( Althea officinalis ) can be taken as cold-water tea. Soak 2 tbs. root in 1 quart of water overnight. Strain. Drink throughout the day. Marshmallow can interfere with some medications taken by mouth, including lithium.
- Slippery elm powder ( Ulmus fulva ) or marshmallow root powder ( Althaea officinalis ) can be soothing to the intestines. Make a paste with the powder and a small amount of water. Gradually add in the rest of the water and then simmer down to 1 pint. Slippery elm has a folk reputation of promoting miscarriage. It can also interfere with some medications.
Infection fighters:
- Plants containing berberine may help treat infectious diarrhea. These include barberry ( Berberis vulgaris ), goldenseal ( Hydrastis canadensis ), and Oregon grape ( Berberis aquifolium ). DO NOT take berberine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Check with your doctor first if you are taking any prescription medicines.
Bulk forming agent:
- Psyllium , a soluble fiber that comes from the husks of the seeds of a plant called Plantago ovata , may help treat diarrhea. It is a bulk-forming agent that soaks up water in the colon, helping to firm stool. Take psyllium with a large amount of water. People with inflammatory bowel disease should speak to their doctors before taking psyllium. Be aware that although doctors fiber agents like psyllium may help with diarrhea, they are more commonly used as a laxative to treat constipation. Speak to your doctor before using psyllium to treat diarrhea.
- access to safe drinking-water;
- use of improved sanitation;
- hand washing with soap;
- exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life;
- good personal and food hygiene;
- health education about how infections spread
Advice for Diarrhoea
There are many different causes of diarrhoea, but a bowel infection (gastroenteritis) is a common cause in both adults and children.
Gastroenteritis can be caused by:
- a virus – such as norovirus or rotavirus
- bacteria – such as campylobacter and Escherichia coli (E. coli), which are often picked up from contaminated food
- a parasite – such as the parasite that causes giardiasis, which is spread in contaminated water
These infections can sometimes be caught during travel abroad, particularly to areas with poor standards of public hygiene. This is known as travellers’ diarrhoea.
Diarrhoea can also be the result of anxiety, a food allergy, medication, or a long-term condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Diarrhoea is where you frequently pass watery or loose poo. Some people may also have other symptoms, depending on the cause.
Associated symptoms can include:
- stomach cramps
- nausea and vomiting
- headache
- loss of appetite
The excessive loss of water in your poo can also sometimes lead to dehydration, which can be serious if it’s not recognised and treated quickly.
