Homeopathic Treatments for Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is a medical condition is a condition in which the intestines and stomach become inflamed. Gastroenteritis is most often caused by a viral infection. In some cases, parasites, bacteria and food-borne illnesses are the cause. The majority of people who experience gastroenteritis make a full recovery, but in some cases it can become serious, so timely treatment is imperative. For those who would like to complement their treatment there are some effective homeopathic treatments for gastroenteritis available.

Alleviating Nausea

• According to Herbs2000, meadowsweet and lady's mantle are effective in alleviating nausea and upset stomach. Meadowsweet can be a beneficial homeopathic treatment for gastroenteritis. This herb is effective in calming nausea and general stomach upset. Meadowsweet is most often consumed as a tea, up to three times a day. Lady's mantle is an herb known to be effective in calming upset stomach, nausea and vomiting. It is brewed in a tea, taken up to three times a day. These two herbs can also help to soothe the digestive tract and promote relaxation.

Soothe Inflammation

• Gastroenteritis is caused by inflammation so soothing this inflammation can help to alleviate the symptoms. According to Herbs2000, slippery elm soothes inflammation in the digestive tract caused by gastroenteritis. This herb is most often consumed as a tea, up to three times a day. St. John's Wort, cayenne and garlic are also beneficial in soothing inflammation in the digestive tract. By soothing the inflammation, stomach pain, excess gas, nausea and stomach upset will be alleviated.

Calming and Relaxing

• According to Herbs2000, chamomile and peppermint are beneficial homeopathic treatments for gastroenteritis. These two herbs can help to alleviate several symptoms such as stomach upset, nausea and indigestion. They are also known to provide a general feeling of relaxation and calmness. The herb chamomile is known for its ability to calm the body and digestive tract. It can alleviate nausea, restlessness and anxiety. Chamomile is most often taken as a tea. Peppermint is a popular homeopathic treatment for gastroenteritis. Peppermint calms nausea and indigestion, alleviating gas and is generally calming. Peppermint is most often taken as tea and can be consumed consumed several times a day. Chamomile and peppermint can be taken together to help enhance their affects.

Antibiotic Herbs

• When gastroenteritis is caused by bacteria, taking an antibacterial herb may help to speed up recovery. However, antibacterial herbs should not replace any traditional antibacterial medications prescribed by a doctor, they should only complement them. According to Louise Tenney, author of "The Encyclopedia of Natural Remedies," antibiotic herbs have the ability to assist the immune system in killing of any micro-organisms. Commonly used antibiotic herbs include yellow dock, buchu, red clover, chaparral, myrrh, echinacea, goldenseal and garlic.

Antiviral Herbs

• When gastroenteritis is caused by a virus, taking an antiviral herb may help to speed up recovery. However, antiviral herbs should not replace any traditional medications prescribed by a doctor, they should only complement them. According to Tenney, antiviral herbs have the ability to destroy viruses that have invaded the body. Commonly used antiviral herbs include turmeric, aloe vera, red raspberry, astragalus, pau d'arco, barley, reishi, boneset, maitake, calendula, licorice, ho-shouwu and echinacea.

Other Treatments

• Gastroenteritis sufferers need to consult a physician to get a definite diagnosis and to find out the cause. They may need to take a prescription medication in addition to any homeopathic remedies and should never just rely on a homeopathic remedy. Those experiencing gastroenteritis should be sure to consume plenty of fluids because dehydration is a common side effect of gastroenteritis. When vomiting and diarrhea are present they should avoid heavy and greasy foods. Foods such as crackers and vegetables can be consumed with little adverse effects. Once the vomiting and diarrhea subside they should still refrain from greasy and heavy foods and eat plenty of vegetables and whole grains.