Diarrhoea is one of those awful ailments that usually attacks without warning, and aside from the discomfort of the diarrhoea, it is so draining that you feel exhausted. The most common cause is from contaminated food or water, or from bacterial infections. Some people are more sensitive than others and diarrhoea can be triggered by infection, inflammation, medications or even stress. As the body is ridding itself of toxins, stopping it is counterproductive, but you can ease the inflammation of the digestive tract, the cramping and keep your body hydrated with herbal and dietary remedies.
IBS sufferers swing between diarrhoea and constipation and should be extra careful about diet.
General guidelines
• Refuel by drinking plenty of water and clear liquids such as herbal teas (including rooibos and black tea) Eat clear vegetable soup to replace lost fluids and replenish electrolytes
• Change your diet – avoid milk, any citrus fruit, alcohol, gluten and coffee. Eat bland foods such as rice or lentils.
• Use bottled water – avoid the use of ice cubes and do not use suspected water even to brush your teeth
• Use pro-biotics – beneficial bacteria supplementation helps with recovery and prevent recurrences.
• Avoid large amounts of vitamin C and magnesium supplements to prevent diarrhea that may be caused by poor absorption of these substances.
Herbal Remedies. There are many herbs that are used as remedies. These are some of the more easily available ones.
• Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) – Agrimony tea is a traditional remedy for diarrhoea
Tea: 1/2 tsp dried leaves in 250 ml boiling water, allow to steep for 15 minutes and then strain.
This should be sipped over a period of an hour. Take 2 or 3 times per day
Warning; Agrimony tea should not be used with anticoagulants.
• Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus)
Tea: 1/2 tsp dried leaves in 250 ml boiling water, allow it to steep for 15 minutes, strain.
Drink a ½ cup per hour. This tea is safe for children.
• Sweet thorn (Acacia karoo). The leaves are used as a tea, or the bark as a decoction. The tea is easier to drink if you are feeling ill. Tea: 2 tsp leaves in 250 ml boiling water, allow it to steep for 15 minutes, strain. Take 3 times a day.
• Chamomile: tea: Two to three teaspoons (10-15 grams) of the dried flowers steeped in a cup of hot water, covered, for ten to fifteen minutes.
Chamomile helps to reduce intestinal cramping and ease the irritation and inflammation associated with diarrhoea. It also has a calming effect. This tea is safe for children
• Carob: It 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 diarrhoea. (mix with applesauce for flavour as it is quite bitter.
See a qualified health practitioner if diarrhea continues for more than three days or if you experience other abdominal symptoms.