How to Use Herbs to Treat Diarrhea

Diarrhea has a number of causes, including bacterial infection, stress, diet changes, bowel disorders and more. For people who prefer natural remedies over medications, treating diarrhea can be tricky business. However, there are many herbs that can be used safely and effectively for diarrhea, regardless of the cause.

Things You'll Need

• Psyllium capsules
• Seedless blackberry jam (or blackberry roots for chewing)
• Tea made from fresh herbs (marshmallow root, fenugreek, chamomile)
• Bilberry juice

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Take psyllium capsules, a natural herb that is used to treat bowel irregularity. Psyllium is a bulking agent which helps to absorb excess water in the intestine; however, the great thing about psyllium is that it can be taken daily to regulate both constipation and diarrhea. Always follow the manufacturer's or your doctors instructions for dosage information and take psyllium with lots of water.

• 2

  Enjoy some blackberry jam, seeds excluded. Blackberry is one of the best herbs around for the treatment of diarrhea, as the fruit, leaves and even the roots all help to tone the intestinal tract and soothe diarrhea. Simply spread some seedless jam on toast and enjoy two to three times a day until your symptoms subside.

• 3

  If you happen to have blackberries growing near your home, cut a few inches of root near the surface of the ground. Wash them well and chew throughout the day.

• 4

  Make some soothing tea. Teas made from marshmallow root, fenugreek and chamomile are all rich in tannins which can temporarily tighten the intestinal lining and help to prevent the absorption of toxins which cause diarrhea. A soothing tea made from 1 tsp. of fresh herbs for every cup of boiling water should be steeped for 15 to 20 minutes and enjoyed three or more times daily.

• 5

  Drink a bit of bilberry juice, another herb high in tannins which also helps to stop excess fluids from entering the intestinal tract. While drinking more than 2 oz. of bilberry juice can actually cause diarrhea, 1 tbsp., three or four times a day will help to get things regulated.