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Alternative Medicine for Diarrhea

Diarrhea is uncomfortable condition marked by loose, watery and large amounts of stool. Many natural treatments can address different aspects of diarrhea to relieve it. See your doctor if your diarrhea lasts for more than five days or if it contains blood. The University of Maryland Medical Center offers several suggestions. You do not need to take every treatment suggested as some offer similar benefits; consulting with a health care provider knowledgeable about alternative medicine can help you design a regimen.

  1. Reducing Fluid in the Intestines

    • Drying up the excess fluid in the intestinal can help curb diarrhea. The following herbal treatments all have astringent properties. Use blackberry or raspberry lea tea. Mix 1 tsp. of powder with 1 cup of water. Drink one-half a cup every hour until symptoms subside. Agrimony has a long history of use as a natural treatment for diarrhea; take 3 g daily. Bilberry extract is another option; take 1,000 mg four times a day.

    Reducing Inflammation

    • Inflammation can worsen diarrhea. The following herbal treatments can combat inflammation. Use quercetin; take 250 to 500 mg four times daily. Drink 3 cups of chamomile tea daily. Marshmallow root is a traditional remedy known to soothe the intestines. Drink marshmallow root as a cold tea; soak 2 tbsp. of root in 1 quart of water overnight. Strain the liquid and drink throughout the day as desired.

    Treating Infection

    • If your diarrhea is due to an infection from contaminated food and water, the following supplements address infectious diarrhea. Bovine colustrum (1,000 to 4,000 mg daily) and herbs containing berberine are beneficial. Choose one of the following and take 500 mg three times a day: barberry, goldenseal and Oregon grape root. Berberine is not appropriate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

    Other Suggestions

    • According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, studies suggest some homeopathic remedies and acupuncture can relieve diarrhea. Homeopathy is a very specific system of medicine that bases remedies on many individual aspects of a person. You should see a professional homeopath who can design a treatment regimen specific to you.

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