Diarrhea is a common ailment characterized by abnormally loose or watery stools. It can range from a mild, temporary condition to a potentially life threatening one.
Globally, an estimated 2 billion cases of diarrheal disease occur each year. Also, around 1.9 million children under the age of five years – mostly in developing countries – die from diarrhea every year. This makes it the second leading cause of death in this age group.
You should see your doctor if you become dehydrated or your diarrhea lasts more than two days without improvement. Other symptoms to watch for include black or bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, or a fever of 102°F (39°C) or higher. Call your doctor and ask what you should do if you experience any of these symptoms.
For children with diarrhea, call their pediatrician.
But for most adults, normal diarrhea can be treated at home with over-the-counter remedies, rest and a temporary restricted diet.
Medicinal Plants Can Help
There are also several medicinal plants that may provide relief from diarrhea. Our recommendations:
Ginger – If your diarrhea is caused by eating contaminated food, ginger may be the cure. There is very strong evidence that ginger is an effective treatment for diarrhea caused by E. coli. Ginger works by blocking the toxic bacteria that causes diarrhea and preventing fluid from accumulating in the intestines, which has an antidiarrheal effect on the body.
Ginger is commonly eaten fresh or taken in tea form. Learn about both methods here in our Medicinal Plant Review article on ginger.
Chamomile – Chamomile tea has long been known as an excellent aid to digestion. In fact, The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) reports that chamomile tea can help with diarrhea, ulcers, colic acid, indigestion, gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome.
Light and soothing chamomile tea has antibacterial and antiviral properties that may help to eliminate parasites and harmful pathogens that cause diarrhea, according to research.
Read more on chamomile and making chamomile tea here.
Peppermint – Peppermint is a plant in the mint family. The leaf and oil are used for medicinal purposes including relief from common diarrhea.
Several studies support the use of peppermint for indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. Peppermint calms the muscles of the stomach and improves the flow of bile, which the body uses to digest fats. Additionally, peppermint oil seems to reduce spasms in the digestive tract.
While peppermint tea might help with diarrhea, most studies validating the effectiveness of peppermint involve enteric-coated capsules that are specially coated to allow the capsule to pass through the stomach and into the intestine (0.2 mL of peppermint oil per capsule). These capsules are widely available at pharmacies, various retail outlets and online.
Note: As with all medicinal plants, it’s best to first discuss their possible use with your health professional. Allergies and other conditions (especially if pregnant or breastfeeding) could result in side effects.
