Diarrhea is a common condition that can result in dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, bloating and abdominal pain. At-home solutions may include oral rehydration solutions, bland foods or herbs to stop diarrhea from occurring.
Some studies suggest that blackberry tea and dried goldenseal extract tincture appear to kill many bacteria that contribute to diarrhea, while ground psyllium seeds (the active ingredient of Metamucil) soak up extra fluid in the intestinal tract, making stool bulkier.
Blackberry Tea
Blackberry leaves are well known for their astringent properties, which help control diarrhea. Furthermore, these leaves contain an anti-inflammatory substance which soothes irritated tissues and decreases pain caused by sore throats. A decoction made of these leaves may be used as gargle for mouth sores while drinking blackberry tea may promote healing of wounds and burns while relieving skin issues and helping treat hemorrhoids.
Flavonoids, anthocyanins and phenolic acids found in plants act as potent antioxidants to fight free radicals that damage tissue and cell mutation. Some believe these chemicals also play an anti-aging effect.
Germany’s FDA equivalent, Commission E, endorses blackberry leaf as an effective natural remedy against diarrhea. Furthermore, blackberry leaves regulate menstruation and treat anemia effectively and are safe to use if you do not suffer from allergies to blackberry bushes or related plants. It should be avoided during pregnancy as it could result in miscarriage while it should also not be given to infants or children as it could harm them as well as be toxic if taken orally.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal plants are native to temperate regions in North America. Their roots contain berberine, an anti-inflammatory component with diarrhea-soothing capabilities. Furthermore, this herb stimulates digestive juices which allow your body to better absorb food as nutrients from it.
Native American tribes have utilized this herb as a natural remedy against diarrhea for centuries. By steeping its root in water and drinking it as tea, tribes would create an effective treatment. Today, you can still find this herbal treatment at specialty health stores or farmers markets.
Berberine has been shown to decrease intestinal bacteria growth, thereby helping prevent diarrhea. Furthermore, its antiviral properties can help treat herpes and chlamydia, two sexually transmitted diseases; taking goldenseal regularly may prevent UTIs as per research (28). Berberine may even help fight cancer by inducing programmed cell death within tumor cells, making it an excellent supplement choice for cancer patients going through chemotherapy treatments.
Psyllium Seeds
Psyllium seeds (Plantago ovata) contain mucilage, a water-soluble fiber. When exposed to water, Psyllium seeds swell up tenfold and become gelatinous, helping decrease stool density while simultaneously lubricating its passage.
Mucilage found in seeds can also bind with cholesterol and bile salts, prompting your body to produce new bile acid while expelling old toxic bile from your system – helping lower cholesterol levels while simultaneously managing blood sugar. This process works wonders for cholesterol reduction.
One teaspoon of psyllium seed husks three times daily may help alleviate diarrhea and constipation, provided that enough fluids are consumed with each dose so the colon absorbs all the fiber in its entirety. Although initially it may cause gas and bloating, this usually subsides as your digestive tract adjusts to more fiber consumption. For best results, powder forms of the seeds may be less irritating to take than whole ones.
Chamomile
Chamomile can be used in the form of tea to ease diarrhea. Suck on a chamomile oil capsule or apply diluted chamomile essential oil directly on the lower abdomen or mouth for added support – you’re sure to find this remedy at most health food stores!
Experts advise avoiding foods that increase intestinal gas, as these can exacerbate diarrhea symptoms. Examples include beans, broccoli, leafy vegetables and apples. Instead, eating foods rich in soluble fiber – like applesauce, bananas and oatmeal – is recommended by Ganjhu.
Staying hydrated when experiencing diarrhea is essential for recovery, so it is essential that you drink lots of liquids such as water or clear soups. If your diarrhea is particularly severe, consider an oral rehydration solution (ORS), such as Gatorade or Pedialyte for children; you could also make homemade ORs by mixing salt and sugar into warm water in equal parts – this method may better rehydrate the body than just drinking plain water alone.