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Diarrhea – Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your medical history, review the medications you take, conduct a physical exam and may order tests to determine what’s causing your diarrhea. Possible tests include:

  • Blood test. A complete blood count test can help indicate what’s causing your diarrhea.
  • Stool test. Your doctor might recommend a stool test to see if a bacterium or parasite is causing your diarrhea.
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Using a thin, lighted tube that’s inserted in your rectum, your doctor can see inside your colon. The device is also equipped with a tool that allows your doctor to take a small sample of tissue (biopsy) from your colon. Flexible sigmoidoscopy provides a view of the lower colon, while colonoscopy allows the doctor to see the entire colon.

Treatment

Most cases of diarrhea clear on their own within a couple of days without treatment. If you’ve tried lifestyle changes and home remedies for diarrhea without success, your doctor might recommend medications or other treatments.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics might help treat diarrhea caused by bacteria or parasites. If a virus is causing your diarrhea, antibiotics won’t help.

Treatment to replace fluids

Your doctor likely will advise you to replace the fluids and salts. For most adults, that means drinking water, juice or broth. If drinking liquids upsets your stomach or causes vomiting, your doctor might recommend getting IV fluids.

Water is a good way to replace fluids, but it doesn’t contain the salts and electrolytes — minerals such as sodium and potassium — that are essential for your body to function. You can help maintain your electrolyte levels by drinking fruit juices for potassium or eating soups for sodium. But certain fruit juices, such as apple juice, might make diarrhea worse.

For children, ask your doctor about using an oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte, to prevent dehydration or replace lost fluids.

Adjusting medications you’re taking

If your doctor determines that an antibiotic caused your diarrhea, he or she might lower your dose or switch to another medication.

Treating underlying conditions

If your diarrhea is caused by a more serious condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease, your doctor will work to control that condition. You might be referred to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist, who can help devise a treatment plan for you.

Clinical trials


Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Diarrhea usually clears up quickly without treatment. To help you cope with your signs and symptoms until the diarrhea goes away, try to:

  • Drink plenty of clear liquids, including water, broths and juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
  • Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as your bowel movements return to normal. Try soda crackers, toast, eggs, rice or chicken.
  • Avoid certain foods such as dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods or highly seasoned foods for a few days.
  • Ask about anti-diarrheal medications. Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrheal medications, such as loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate, might help reduce the number of watery bowel movements and control severe symptoms.

  • Certain medical conditions and infections — bacterial and parasitic — can be worsened by these medications because they prevent your body from getting rid of what’s causing the diarrhea. Also, these drugs aren’t always safe for children. Check with your doctor before taking these medications or giving them to a child.

  • Consider taking probiotics. These microorganisms may help restore a healthy balance to the intestinal tract by boosting the level of good bacteria, though it’s not clear if they can help shorten a bout of diarrhea. Probiotics are available in capsule or liquid form and are also added to some foods, such as certain brands of yogurt. Further research is needed to better understand which strains of bacteria are most helpful or what doses are needed.

Preparing for your appointment

You might start by seeing your primary care practitioner. If you have persistent diarrhea, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in the digestive system (gastroenterologist).

Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there’s anything you need to do in advance, such as fast before certain tests. Make a list of:

  • Your symptoms, including when they began and any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
  • Key personal information, including any major stresses, recent life changes or travel.
  • Medications, vitamins or supplements you take, including doses. If you’ve recently taken an antibiotic, note what kind, for how long and when you stopped.
  • Questions to ask your doctor.

For diarrhea, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What is likely causing my diarrhea?
  • Could my diarrhea be caused by a medication I’m taking?
  • What tests do I need?
  • Is my diarrhea likely temporary or chronic?
  • What is the best course of action?
  • What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you’re suggesting?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them with the diarrhea?
  • Are there restrictions I should follow?
  • May I take medication such as loperamide to slow the diarrhea down?
  • Should I see a specialist?

Don’t hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:

  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • How severe are your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
  • Does your diarrhea awaken you at night?
  • Do you see blood, or are your bowel movements black in color?
  • Have you recently been around anyone who has diarrhea?
  • Have you recently stayed in a hospital or nursing home?
  • Have you take antibiotics recently?

What you can do in the meantime

While you wait for your appointment, you may ease your symptoms if you:

  • Drink more fluids. To help avoid dehydration, drink water, juice and broth.
  • Avoid foods that can aggravate diarrhea. Avoid fatty, high-fiber or highly seasoned foods.

Resource

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Travelers’ health

Why treat diarrhea? | IMODIUM™

Why treat diarrhea? | IMODIUM™
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Summary

If you suffer from acute diarrhea, it’s best to treat it straight away. By treating diarrhea, your body can start to recover so you can feel better and get on with your day as quickly as possible.

It’s best to treat it early

Our survey of sufferers of frequent acute diarrhea in 14 countries around the world, found that 84% of us feel weak and tired when suffering from acute diarrhea.

This is no surprise when you consider the resulting loss of important fluids and salts from our body.21

So why leave it untreated when you can relieve diarrhea along with its uncomfortable symptoms and dehydrating effects?

IMODIUM™ contains an active ingredient called Loperamide, which works in harmony with your body to help restore the digestive system to its natural pace and rhythm, which in turn works to renew the absorption of fluids in your system.

Isn’t it better to let diarrhea run its course?

Many people think diarrhea is a sign that your body is trying to get rid of something, so it’s better to let it ‘flush’ any bacteria or toxins out of the body. But diarrhea is not a defence mechanism. It’s a symptom of disruption to the finely tuned machine that is our digestive system. It’s your immune system that fights infection, so there’s no need to leave diarrhea to run its course. In fact, when left to run its course, diarrhea can cause you to lose essential fluids and salts, leaving you feeling weak and depleted. Early treatment limits this loss so you can start to feel better and your system can recover more quickly.

Will IMODIUM™ block me up?

IMODIUM™ contains no ingredients that might bind content or act as a block. Instead, IMODIUM™ works to restore the regular movement of your intestinal wall and to resume the natural rhythm of your digestive system, helping your bowel movements return to normal more quickly.

Constipation may be experienced after diarrhea has finished as a result of the bowel being emptied or by eating less during the diarrhea episode. Data from clinical studies on Imodium™ shows that only around 3% of people will experience constipation as a result of taking Imodium™ to treat the symptoms of diarrhea.

Will I become reliant on IMODIUM™?

In over 40 years of IMODIUM™ use, there’s no evidence at all to suggest that people who use IMODIUM™ regularly become reliant on it or resistant to its effects over time. In fact, you can use IMODIUM™ to treat all types of infectious and non-infectious diarrhea, no matter how frequently you get them.

Remember, you should see your doctor if:

  • Your symptoms last longer than 48 hours
  • You develop a fever over 38°C
  • You have blood or mucus in your stools

Isn’t it better to treat the root cause of the problem?

It’s true that it’s better to avoid trigger foods or stresses, if these are the factors that bring on diarrhea for you. But often you can’t control the cause of your diarrhea, especially if you have a sensitive system. So the best you can do is treat the effects in order to limit the extra strain on your system caused by loss of fluids and salts. Treatment will stop your diarrhea and help your body to get back to recovery more quickly than if you don’t treat at all.

What about rehydration treatments?

Oral rehydration solutions replace lost fluids and salts and help to prevent dehydration, but they don’t relieve the symptoms of diarrhea. You can use IMODIUM™ (to stop diarrhea) together with an oral rehydration solution (to rehydrate your system).

How can I best treat my diarrhea and help my recovery?

Here’s what to do if you get diarrhea:

  • Take IMODIUM™ straight after your first bout – it can relieve diarrhea in just one hour so your body can start to recover sooner
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and/or taking a rehydration treatment
  • Avoid fizzy drinks and rich or spicy foods
  • As your appetite increases, eat regular meals of simple baked foods

Click here for references.

Why suffer?

It makes sense to stop diarrhea and start feeling better.

IMODIUM™ capsules have been a trusted remedy in helping to restore your body’s natural rhythm for more than 40 years.
Doctor recommended Imodium™ gives fast and effective relief; it can stop diarrhea in just one dose and in just one hour.

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Home remedies for loose motion: 7 most effective home remedies to stop diarrhea instantly

Loose motion is one of the most common ailments and is not usually serious. Also known as diarrhea, loose motion can be described as frequent passage of watery and loose stool. It happens when there is more water content in the stool and it is not absorbed by the large intestine. Loose motion is caused when your gut gets infected by a virus. It is also caused due to allergies to some food items, intestinal disease, alcohol abuse, medications, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, some infection, radiation therapy, laxative abuse, certain type of cancer and improper absorption of nutrients. It flushes out the infection and toxins from the body. It may lead to loss of nutrient and water from your body and leave you exhausted. Usually loose motion lasts for two to three days and can be treated with over-the-counter medicines or using home remedies. Here is a list of some of the most effective home remedies to stop loose motion instantly. While these should do the trick, if the problem persists, you should consult a doctor. (ALSO READ Home remedies for gas: 7 natural remedies to get rid of gas and bloating).Also Read – What is Uric Acid, How to Keep it in Check And Can it be Genetic – All You Need to Know

1. Ginger tea

Ginger tea

Ginger is a miracle spice used for treating many ailments. It has several health benefits and is an effective home remedy for treating loose motion. It aids digestion, decreases food stagnation and strengthens your tummy. Also Read – Mira Rajput’s Fitness Routine Will Make You Jump Out of the Bed and Hit the Gym!

How to make it: Take a one inch long piece of ginger and mince it. Now, boil a cup of water and add the minced ginger to it. Put off the flame and let it steep for about 10 minutes. Drink this ginger tea two to three times a day. Also Read – Effective Tips to Lose Weight Naturally: Dietary Recommendation, Elimination For Weight Loss

2. Ginger and salt

As mentioned above, ginger is an excellent home remedy for loose motion. It has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Drinking ginger juice will not only stop loose motion instantly but will also help reduce the stomach pain. Yes, it will be a bit difficult to drink the hot juice so down it slowly.

How to make it: Take a piece of ginger and crush it using a pestle. Squeeze it to get the juice. Take a teaspoon of this juice and add a pinch of salt into it. Drink it one or two times and your loose motion will stop. (ALSO READ Home remedies for acidity: Try these 11 easy ways for quick relief from acidity).

3. Coriander and lemon water

Lemon and coriander

Lemon contains anti-inflammatory properties and is a good home remedy for stopping loose motion. Coriander leaves or cilantro is good to cure diseases related to indigestion. Linalool and borneol, the essential oils present in coriander leaves, will sooth the stomach and aid proper liver functioning.

How to make it: Take four to five leaves and grind them. Add this coriander paste to a glass of water. Add one or two teaspoons of lemon juice in it and mix it well. Drink this.

4. Mint and lemon water

Lemon and mint will sooth your stomach. Mint has anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It also improves the flow of your digestive juices and calms your stomach lining. This drink will ease the pain, cramps and stomach discomfort.

How to make it: Take about 20 mint leaves and crush it using a pestle to extract its juice. Take a glass of water and add in one teaspoon of mint juice and one teaspoon of lemon juice to it. Drink it three to four times a day. (ALSO READ Detox water for summer: 7 infused waters to stay hydrated this summer).

5. Lemon and salt

Lemon and salt

Lemon has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It not only soothes your stomach but also restores the pH balance in the body.

How to make it: Take a glass of water and add in juice of one lemon. Add a pinch of salt and stir it well. Drink this lemon and salt water.

6. Carom seeds with water

Carom seed is an effective home remedy for upset stomach. It aids digestion and gets rid of flatulence and bloating.

How to make it: boil a glass of water. Take one teaspoon of carom seeds and add it into the boiling water. Put off the flame and let it steep for about 10 minutes. Drink this carom seed tea. You can also swallow a teaspoon of carom seeds followed by some lukewarm water instead of making the carom seed tea.(ALSO READ Home remedies for constipation: 5 natural remedies to relieve constipation).

7. Pomegranates

Pomegranate juice

Pomegranate is a great remedy to stop loose motion.  You can drink pomegranate for quick results or can eat the fruit. Not just the fruit, pomegranate leaves are effective in treating loose motion.

How to make it: Take out the seeds of pomegranate fruit and use a blender to extract the juice. Drink a glass of pomegranate juice for quick relief. You can also use pomegranate leaves for the treatment. Take few pomegranate leaves and add it to boiling water. Put off the flame and let the leaves soak in it. Strain it and drink the water.

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10 Best Natural Home Remedies for IBS

Mindset Health only uses high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed research, to support our articles. We work with experts to ensure our content is helpful, accurate and trustworthy.

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34. Toner, B.B., 2005. Cognitive-behavioral treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. CNS spectrums, 10(11), pp.883-890. Link

35. Lackner, J.M., Jaccard, J., Krasner, S.S., Katz, L.A., Gudleski, G.D. and Holroyd, K., 2008. Self-administered cognitive behavior therapy for moderate to severe irritable bowel syndrome: clinical efficacy, tolerability, feasibility. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 6(8), pp.899-906. Link

36. Lindfors, P., Unge, P., Arvidsson, P., Nyhlin, H., Björnsson, E., Abrahamsson, H. and Simrén, M., 2012. Effects of gut-directed hypnotherapy on IBS in different clinical settings—results from two randomized, controlled trials. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 107(2), pp.276-285. Link

37. Peters, S.L., Yao, C.K., Philpott, H., Yelland, G.W., Muir, J.G. and Gibson, P.R., 2016. Randomised clinical trial: the efficacy of gut‐directed hypnotherapy is similar to that of the low FODMAP diet for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics, 44(5), pp.447-459. Link

38. Mayo Clinic. 2020. Over-The-Counter Laxatives For Constipation: Use With Caution. [online] Available at: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/in-depth/laxatives/art-20045906> [Accessed 27 April 2020]. Link

All Natural Remedies for Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common form of gastrointestinal infection, which can lead to excessive bowel movements in order to remove toxins from the body. It typically results in both abdominal pain and extremely watery stool.

Primary causes of diarrhea, as well as natural remedies to relieve it, are highlighted below.

Causes Of Diarrhea

SupplementWhy

3 Stars

Lactase (Lactose Intolerance)

6000-9000 IU tablets chewed with a lactose-containing meal or 1000 IU in liquid form added to 8 ounces of milk before drinking.

If you think you may suffer from lactose intolerance, supplementing with digestive enzyme–containing lactase when drinking or eating milk products may help.

If lactose intolerance is the cause of diarrhea, supplemental use of lactase prior to consuming milk or milk-containing products can be helpful.Cheese rarely has enough lactose to cause symptoms in lactose-intolerant people. Lactase products are available that can be chewed while drinking milk or added to milk directly.

3 Stars

Multivitamin

Take as directed on label

Diarrhea-related malabsorption can lead to deficiencies of many vitamins and minerals. For this reason, it makes sense to take a multivitamin-mineral supplement.

The malabsorption problems that develop during diarrhea can lead to deficiencies of many vitamins and minerals. For this reason, it makes sense for people with diarrhea to take a multivitamin-mineral supplement. Two of the nutrients that may not be absorbed efficiently as a result of diarrhea are zinc and vitamin A, both needed to fight infections. In third world countries, supplementation with zinc and vitamin A has led to a reduction in, or prevention of, infectious diarrhea in children. There is evidence that even children who are not zinc-deficient could benefit from zinc supplementation during an episode of infectious diarrhea, if the diarrhea is being caused by certain specific organisms, such as the organism that causes cholera or some strains of E. coli.

2 Stars

Bovine Colostrum

10 to 20 grams daily

Colostrum appears to be useful in treating certain types of infectious diarrhea. In one study, it significantly reduced diarrhea and the amount of oral rehydration required.

Colostrum
might be useful for certain types of infectious diarrhea. In a double-blind trial, children with diarrhea caused by a rotavirus were treated with immunoglobulins extracted from colostrum derived from cows immunized with rotavirus. Compared with the placebo, colostrum extract significantly reduced the amount of diarrhea and the amount of oral rehydration solution required. The rotavirus was eliminated from the stool significantly more rapidly in the colostrum group than in the placebo group (1.5 days, vs. 2.9 days).

In addition to a positive effect against acute rotavirus diarrhea, there is also evidence that specific forms of colostrum (derived from specially immunized cows or those with confirmed presence of specific antibodies) are effective against diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, Helicobacter pylori, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium difficile. However, it is not known whether commercially-available colostrum provides significant amounts of the specific immunoglobulins that are active against these organisms. Furthermore, unless the immunoglobulins are present in high enough concentrations, the preparation is not likely to be effective.

2 Stars

Carob

15 grams daily

Useful for treating diarrhea in adults, children, and infants, carob is rich in tannins that have an astringent or binding effect on the mucous membranes of the intestinal tract.

Carob
is rich in tannins that have an astringent or binding effect on the mucous membranes of the intestinal tract. A double-blind trial has suggested it may be particularly useful for young children and infants with diarrhea. Some healthcare professionals recommend 15 grams of carob powder is mixed with applesauce (for flavor) when given to children. Carob can also be used for treating adult diarrhea.

2 Stars

Fiber

Adults: 20 grams daily soluable fiber; for young children: 6.5 grams daily soy fiber

While fiber from dietary or herbal sources is often useful for constipation, it may also play a role in alleviating diarrhea.

While fiber from dietary or herbal sources is often useful for constipation, it may also play a role in alleviating diarrhea.

2 Stars

Glucosamine

250 mg with morning and evening meals

Some autistic children suffer from chronic diarrhea. In one study, supplementing with glucosamine eliminated the diarrhea in five of six children with autism, possibly by blocking the effect of certain dietary components on the intestinal tract.

Some autistic children suffer from chronic diarrhea. In a study of children with autistic spectrum disorders and persistent diarrhea for many years, supplementing with 500 mg of glucosamine per day (spread over the morning and evening meal) for 30 days eliminated the diarrhea in five of six cases. The authors hypothesized that glucosamine worked by blocking the effect of certain dietary components on the intestinal tract.

2 Stars

Glutamine

136 mg per pound of body weight

Glutamine appears to be beneficial for diarrhea by improving the health of the intestinal lining, rather than by affecting the immune system.

In a double-blind study of children (ages six months to two years) with acute diarrhea, supplementing with glutamine significantly reduced the duration of diarrhea by 26%. Children were given 136 mg of glutamine per pound of body weight per day for seven days. Glutamine appeared to work by improving the health of the intestinal lining, rather than through any effect on the immune system.

2 Stars

Psyllium

9 to 30 grams daily

Psyllium seed (an excellent source of fiber) makes stool more solid and can help resolve diarrhea symptoms.

While fiber from dietary or herbal sources is often useful for constipation, it may also play a role in alleviating diarrhea. For example, 9–30 grams per day of psyllium seed (an excellent source of fiber) makes stool more solid and can help resolve symptoms of non-infectious diarrhea. Alginic acid, one of the major constituents in bladderwrack(Fucus vesiculosus), is a type of dietary fiber and as a result may potentially help relieve diarrhea. However, human studies have not been done on how effective bladderwrack is for this condition.

2 Stars

Sangre de Drago

Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner

An extract from stem bark latex of Sangre de drago, has been shown to be effective in treating traveler’s diarrhea, non-specific diarrhea, and diarrhea associated with HIV and AIDS.

An extract from stem bark latex of Sangre de drago (Croton lechleri), an herb from the Amazon basin of Peru, has demonstrated significant anti-diarrheal activity in preliminary and double-blind trials. Double-blind research has demonstrated the extract’s effectiveness for traveler’s diarrhea, non-specific diarrhea, and diarrhea associated with HIV infection and AIDS. For traveler’s diarrhea and nonspecific diarrhea, amounts ranging from 125 mg to 500 mg taken four times daily for two days have proven effective. However, in one trial, only the 125 mg four times daily amount (but not higher amounts) was effective for acute nonspecific diarrhea. The reasons for the failure of higher amounts in this study is not known. Very high amounts of these extracts (350–700 mg four times daily for seven or more days) were used in the trials involving people with HIV and AIDS. Such levels of supplementation should always be supervised by a doctor. Most of this research on Sangre de Drago is unpublished, and much of it is derived from manufacturers of the formula. Further double-blind trials, published in medical journals, are needed to confirm the efficacy reported in these studies.

2 Stars

Sangre de Drago (HIV and AIDS Support)

Take under medical supervision: 350 to 700 mg four times per day for seven or more days

An extract from stem bark latex of Sangre de Drago, an herb from the Amazon basin of Peru, has been shown to be effective against diarrhea associated with HIV and AIDS.

An extract from stem bark latex of Sangre de Drago (Croton lechleri), an herb from the Amazon basin of Peru, has demonstrated significant anti-diarrheal activity in preliminary and double-blind trials. Additional double-blind research has demonstrated the extract’s effectiveness for diarrhea associated with HIV infection and AIDS. Very high amounts of this extract (350–700 mg four times daily for seven or more days) were used in the studies. Such levels of supplementation should always be supervised by a doctor. Most of this research on Sangre de Drago is unpublished, and much of it is derived from manufacturers of the formula. Further double-blind trials, published in peer-reviewed medical journals, are needed to confirm the efficacy reported in these studies.

2 Stars

Tormentil Root Extract (Rotavirus Infection)

Take a liquid herbal extract daily: for the amount, multiply your age by three and take that number of drops

Tormentil root is an herb that has been used for many years in different European folk medicines for treating diarrhea.

Tormentil root (Potentilla tormentilla) is an herb that has been used for many years in different European folk medicines for the treatment of diarrhea. In a double-blind study of children with diarrhea caused by rotavirus infection, the duration of diarrhea averaged three days in children who received tormentil root extract, compared with five days in those who received a placebo. No adverse effects were seen. The amount of tormentil root extract used was 3 drops for every year of life, taken three times a day until diarrhea stopped, or for a maximum of five days.

1 Star

Barberry

Refer to label instructions

Berberine, a constituent of barbarry, has been shown to improve infectious diarrhea in some double-blind trials.

Due to of its supposed antimicrobial activity, goldenseal has a long history of use for infectious diarrhea. Its major alkaloid, berberine (also found in barberry and Oregon grape), has been shown to improve infectious diarrhea in some double-blind trials. Negative studies have generally focused on people with cholera, while positive studies investigated viral diarrhea or diarrhea due to strains of E. coli. These studies generally used 400–500 mg berberine one to three times per day. Because of the low amount of berberine in most goldenseal products, it is unclear how effective the whole root or root extracts would be in treating diarrhea.

1 Star

Bilberry

Refer to label instructions

Bilberry has been used traditionally in Germany for adults and children with diarrhea. Only dried berries or juice should be used—fresh berries may worsen diarrhea.

Astringent herbs traditionally used for diarrhea include blackberry leaves, blackberry root bark, blueberry leaves, and red raspberry leaves. Raspberry leaves are high in tannins and, like blackberry, may relieve acute diarrhea. A close cousin of the blueberry, bilberry, has been used traditionally in Germany for adults and children with diarrhea. Only dried berries or juice should be used—fresh berries may worsen diarrhea.

Cranesbill
has been used by several of the indigenous tribes of North America to treat diarrhea. The tannins in cranesbill likely account for the anti-diarrheal activity—although there has been little scientific research to clarify cranesbill’s constituents and actions.

1 Star

Blackberry

Refer to label instructions

Blackberry is an astringent herb traditionally used to treat diarrhea.

Astringent herbs traditionally used for diarrhea include blackberry leaves, blackberry root bark, blueberry leaves, and red raspberry leaves. Raspberry leaves are high in tannins and, like blackberry, may relieve acute diarrhea. A close cousin of the blueberry, bilberry, has been used traditionally in Germany for adults and children with diarrhea. Only dried berries or juice should be used—fresh berries may worsen diarrhea.

Cranesbill
has been used by several of the indigenous tribes of North America to treat diarrhea. The tannins in cranesbill likely account for the anti-diarrheal activity—although there has been little scientific research to clarify cranesbill’s constituents and actions.

1 Star

Bladderwrack

Refer to label instructions

Alginic acid, a constituent in bladderwrack, is a type of dietary fiber and as a result may help relieve diarrhea.

While fiber from dietary or herbal sources is often useful for constipation, it may also play a role in alleviating diarrhea. For example, 9–30 grams per day of psyllium seed (an excellent source of fiber) makes stool more solid and can help resolve symptoms of non-infectious diarrhea. Alginic acid, one of the major constituents in bladderwrack(Fucus vesiculosus), is a type of dietary fiber and as a result may potentially help relieve diarrhea. However, human studies have not been done on how effective bladderwrack is for this condition.

1 Star

Blueberry

Refer to label instructions

Blueberry is an astringent herb traditionally used to treat diarrhea.

Astringent herbs traditionally used for diarrhea include blackberry leaves, blackberry root bark, blueberry leaves, and red raspberry leaves. Raspberry leaves are high in tannins and, like blackberry, may relieve acute diarrhea. A close cousin of the blueberry, bilberry, has been used traditionally in Germany for adults and children with diarrhea. Only dried berries or juice should be used—fresh berries may worsen diarrhea.

Cranesbill
has been used by several of the indigenous tribes of North America to treat diarrhea. The tannins in cranesbill likely account for the anti-diarrheal activity—although there has been little scientific research to clarify cranesbill’s constituents and actions.

1 Star

Chamomile

Refer to label instructions

Typically taken as a tea, chamomile may reduce intestinal cramping and ease the irritation and inflammation associated with diarrhea.

Chamomile
may reduce intestinal cramping and ease the irritation and inflammation associated with diarrhea, according to test tube studies. Chamomile is typically taken as a tea. Many doctors recommend dissolving 2–3 grams of powdered chamomile or adding 3–5 ml of a chamomile liquid extract to hot water and drinking it three or more times per day, between meals. Two to three teaspoons (10–15 grams) of the dried flowers can be steeped in a cup of hot water, covered, for ten to fifteen minutes as well.

1 Star

Cranesbill

Refer to label instructions

Cranesbill has been used by several North American indigenous tribes to treat diarrhea. The tannins in cranesbill likely account for the anti-diarrheal activity.

Cranesbill
has been used by several of the indigenous tribes of North America to treat diarrhea. The tannins in cranesbill likely account for the anti-diarrheal activity—although there has been little scientific research to clarify cranesbill’s constituents and actions.

1 Star

Folic Acid

Refer to label instructions

Folic acid can help repair intestinal lining damage caused by acute diarrhea.

Acute diarrhea can damage the lining of the intestine. Folic acid can help repair this damage. In one preliminary trial, supplementing with very large amounts of folic acid (5 mg three times per day for several days) shortened the duration of acute infectious diarrhea by 42%. However, a double-blind trial failed to show any positive effect with the same level of folic acid. Therefore, evidence that high levels of folic acid supplementation will help people with infectious diarrhea remains weak.

1 Star

Goldenseal

Refer to label instructions

Due to of its supposed antimicrobial activity, goldenseal has a long history of use for infectious diarrhea. Its major alkaloid, berberine, has been shown to improve infectious diarrhea.

Due to of its supposed antimicrobial activity, goldenseal has a long history of use for infectious diarrhea. Its major alkaloid, berberine (also found in barberry and Oregon grape), has been shown to improve infectious diarrhea in some double-blind trials. Negative studies have generally focused on people with cholera, while positive studies investigated viral diarrhea or diarrhea due to strains of E. coli. These studies generally used 400–500 mg berberine one to three times per day. Because of the low amount of berberine in most goldenseal products, it is unclear how effective the whole root or root extracts would be in treating diarrhea.

1 Star

Marshmallow

Refer to label instructions

Herbs high in mucilage, such as marshmallow, may help reduce the irritation to the walls of the intestinal tract that can occur with diarrhea.

Herbs high in mucilage, such as marshmallow or slippery elm, may help reduce the irritation to the walls of the intestinal tract that can occur with diarrhea. A usual amount taken is 1,000 mg of marshmallow extract, capsules, or tablets three times per day. Marshmallow may also be taken as a tincture in the amount of 5–15 ml three times daily.

1 Star

Oak

Refer to label instructions

A tannin in oak has been shown to inhibit intestinal secretion, which may help resolve diarrhea. In Germany oak is recommended to treat mild, acute diarrhea in children.

In laboratory experiments, a tannin in oak, known as ellagitannin, inhibited intestinal secretion, which may help resolve diarrhea. Oak is well regarded in Germany, where it is recommended (along with plenty of electrolyte-containing fluids) to treat mild, acute diarrhea in children.

1 Star

Oregon Grape

Refer to label instructions

Berberine, a constituent of Oregon grape, has been shown to improve infectious diarrhea in some trials.

Due to of its supposed antimicrobial activity, goldenseal has a long history of use for infectious diarrhea. Its major alkaloid, berberine (also found in barberry and Oregon grape), has been shown to improve infectious diarrhea in some double-blind trials. Negative studies have generally focused on people with cholera, while positive studies investigated viral diarrhea or diarrhea due to strains of E. coli. These studies generally used 400–500 mg berberine one to three times per day. Because of the low amount of berberine in most goldenseal products, it is unclear how effective the whole root or root extracts would be in treating diarrhea.

1 Star

Periwinkle

Refer to label instructions

European herbalists have used periwinkle for conditions with a watery discharge, such as diarrhea.

European herbalists have used periwinkle for headaches, vertigo, and poor memory since medieval times. It was also considered a helpful remedy for conditions with a watery or bloody discharge such as diarrhea, bleeding gums, or menorrhagia.

1 Star

Red Raspberry

Refer to label instructions

Red raspberry is an astringent herb traditionally used for diarrhea. Raspberry leaves are high in tannins and may relieve acute diarrhea.

Astringent herbs traditionally used for diarrhea include blackberry leaves, blackberry root bark, blueberry leaves, and red raspberry leaves. Raspberry leaves are high in tannins and, like blackberry, may relieve acute diarrhea. A close cousin of the blueberry, bilberry, has been used traditionally in Germany for adults and children with diarrhea. Only dried berries or juice should be used—fresh berries may worsen diarrhea.

Cranesbill
has been used by several of the indigenous tribes of North America to treat diarrhea. The tannins in cranesbill likely account for the anti-diarrheal activity—although there has been little scientific research to clarify cranesbill’s constituents and actions.

1 Star

Slippery Elm

Refer to label instructions

Herbs high in mucilage such as slippery elm may help reduce the irritation to the walls of the intestinal tract that can occur with diarrhea.

Herbs high in mucilage, such as marshmallow or slippery elm, may help reduce the irritation to the walls of the intestinal tract that can occur with diarrhea. A usual amount taken is 1,000 mg of marshmallow extract, capsules, or tablets three times per day. Marshmallow may also be taken as a tincture in the amount of 5–15 ml three times daily.

1 Star

Sweet Annie

Refer to label instructions

Sweet annie has been used traditionally to treat infectious diarrhea and malaria.

Sweet annie
has been used traditionally to treat infectious diarrhea and malaria. However, more modern studies have used the isolated constituent artemisinin and it is unclear how effective the herb is in managing diarrhea.

1 Star

Tylophora

Refer to label instructions

Tylophora has been used traditionally in the Ayurvedic system for diarrhea due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions.

Tylophora
has been used traditionally in the Ayurvedic system for diarrhea probably due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions, although human studies have not confirmed this use.

1 Star

Vitamin A

Refer to label instructions

Only in cases of malabsorption should vitamin A be used to treat diarrhea, as it has been shown to have no effect or to increase risk of diarrhea in well-nourished children.

It is known vitamin A supplements support immune function and prevent infections. This is true, however, only under some circumstances. Vitamin A supplementation can also increase the risk of infections, according to the findings of a double-blind trial. In a study of African children between six months and five years old, a 44% reduction in the risk of severe diarrhea was seen in those children given four 100,000–200,000 IU supplements of vitamin A (the lower amount for those less than a year old) during an eight-month period. On further investigation, the researchers discovered that the reduction in diarrhea occurred only in children who were very malnourished. For children who were not starving, vitamin A supplementation actually increased the risk of diarrhea compared with the placebo group. The vitamin A-supplemented children also had a 67% increased risk of coughing and rapid breathing, and signs of further lung infection, although this problem did not appear in children infected with the AIDS virus. These findings should be of concern to American parents, whose children are not usually infected with HIV or severely malnourished. Such relatively healthy children fared poorly in the African trial in terms of both the risk of diarrhea and the risk of continued lung problems. Vitamin A provided no benefit to the well-nourished kids. Therefore, it makes sense not to give vitamin A supplements to children unless there is a special reason to do so, such as the presence of a condition causing malabsorption (e.g., celiac disease).