For all their health and vigor, the Native Americans did suffer from one malady at least as often as their European contemporaries, and that was diarrhea. Unclean drinking water often was the cause but, as with other ailments, the Native Americans were ahead of their time in concocting cures. In addition to using a wide variety of herbal teas, they used a drink made from the pulverized ashes of the fir tree—a remedy that makes sense because it’s similar to the use of activated charcoal today.
There are many traditional remedies for this uncomfortable complaint, remedies that have been shown to be just as effective today as they were centuries ago.
Firm things up with teas. The first treatments Native Americans turned to for stopping diarrhea were herbal teas. Teas contain compounds called tannins. Tannins have been shown to constrict the walls of the intestines, thus limiting what they excrete. They also reduce the ability of the intestines to reabsorb things that may have caused the diarrhea in the first place, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Herbs traditionally used to stop diarrhea include raspberry, peppermint, goldenseal, and yarrow leaves. Helpful barks include oak, willow, magnolia, wild cherry, hawthorn, and dogwood.
Take extra fluids. Diarrhea removes a lot of water from the body, which can quickly lead to dehydration, especially in children. Drinking teas will help replace fluids the diarrhea takes out. It’s also a good idea to drink extra water, clear broth, or fruit juices. Avoid carbonated drinks because the gas bubbles can increase the discomfort of diarrhea.
Add bulk with psyllium. Even though psyllium is often recommended for constipation, it works just as well to relieve diarrhea. Psyllium, which are seeds from the plantain plant, absorb water in the large intestine, which makes stools firmer. To prepare psyllium, add a teaspoonful of seeds to a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 15 minutes, then drink it down, seeds and all, once or twice a day.
Avoid foods. Native Americans customarily restricted their food intake when diarrhea struck. Doctors today continue to recommend this approach. When the intestines are “out of sorts,” you can give them a rest by going on a temporary fast for a day or two. Remember to take fluids or clear broth in the meantime, however.
This natural remedies for diarrhea article is taken from :
Healing Secrets of the Native Americans - Porter Shimer
