Although uncomfortable and inconvenient, diarrhea can be nature’s way of eliminating something that probably shouldn’t be in the body. Viral or bacterial infections, intestinal parasites, side effects from medication, laxative abuse, eating while stressed, eating too fast, and food intolerance may all be factors. The key is to bring your body back into balance. Here’s how.
HERBS THAT EASE DIARRHEA
A teaspoon of carob powder blended into a cup of spring water is an excellent diarrhea remedy that can be used for children as well as adults. Carob contains tannins that are astringent. They may also bind to (and thereby inactivate) toxins inhibiting bacterial growth. The natural sugars make carob gummy, acting as a thick-ener to absorb water. Carob is also rich in dietary fiber and polyphenols, a type of antioxidant. Research published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition in 1989 showed that carob powder helped to reduce the duration of diarrhea in children. Adding 1/2 a banana and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (either by itself or in a carob smoothie) and blending in a blender tastes great and also has stool solidifying (banana) and antimicrobial (cinnamon) properties.
Strawberry leaf tea is good even for infant diarrhea as it is, like carob, also mildly astringent. The astringent qualities, due to tannic acid content, have a tightening effect. Other beneficial herbal teas to help stop the runs due to their astringent effects include blackberry leaf (milder) or blackberry root (stronger), cinnamon bark, raspberry leaf, and white oak bark. Drink three to four cups daily.
Psyllium is usually used as a laxative but can also help to solidify the stool. Take two capsules three times daily or stir one rounded teaspoonful (5 g) of psyllium into a bit of water. Slippery elm can also do the trick. Just mix a spoonful of slippery elm powder (to help solidify the stool) with a pinch of ginger powder (antimicrobial) and drink in a cup (235 ml) of hot water.
Two tablespoons of bentonite clay mixed with water can also help relieve diarrhea. Look for it at natural food stores.
BEST FOODS TO EASE DIARRHEA
Think BRAT, an acronym for banana (moderately ripe), rice, apples, and toast (slightly burnt so it provides its own charcoal remedy). These are all traditional foods to stop diarrhea that have a binding and absorbing quality. Other beneficial foods include applesauce (with cinnamon!), blackberries, puréed carrots, rice pudding with cinnamon, yogurt with cinnamon, or miso soup. Most of these foods contain pectin, a natural solidifying agent. You’ll also want to increase your fluid intake. Whatever is eaten or drunk, take in small amounts at a time, using only food or beverage that is warm or room temperature.
GOOD TO KNOW
Charcoal can be a powerful antidote to diarrhea. No, not the kind you grill with in the summer time (that can be toxic!). We’re talking about charcoal capsules, which are known for their ability to adsorb toxins. Taking 2 charcoal capsules every 2 hours should help stop even the most stubborn cases.
A time-tested natural remedy is to eat an umeboshi plum, which has antibacterial properties. This popular Japanese alkalinizing paste is made of a pickled fruit (Prunus mume). It can be found in Asian markets or health food stores. Stir about 1/8 teaspoon of the concentrate or 1 teaspoon (5 g) of the paste into 1 cup (235 ml) of warm water up to three times daily. You can also take this as a supplement.
As an adjunct to help good digestion, it’s wise to take a good probiotic supplement. Doing so will recolonize the intestines with friendly bacteria. Look for probiotic pearls as they pass through the stomach and dissolve in the gut, where they are needed. Take one “pearl” three times daily between meals.
Diarrhea also causes loss of minerals, especially sodium, potassium, and magnesium, so take an electrolyte supplement from a natural food store once or twice daily.
WHEN TO SEE YOUR M.D.
Diarrhea can be very serious if it is persistent, and in many parts of the world it is the leading cause of infant mortality. Signs of dehydration from diarrhea include sticky saliva, dark or scanty urine, a temperature of 103°F (39°C) a fast pulse, lethargy, and sunken eyes. Seek medical attention of any of these symptoms occur.
This Natural Remedies For Diarrhea article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
