Diarrhoea is the term used to describe loose or watery stools that occur frequently. Individuals can develop diarrhoea for a variety of reasons, ranging from a mild intestinal illness to a serious case of food poisoning. When suffering from diarrhoea, you may also experience symptoms such as frequent bowel movements, vomiting, stomach pain, thirst, fever, nausea, loss of appetite and dehydration. Diarrhoea can be acute, lasting one or two weeks, or chronic, continuing for longer than two or three weeks. Both acute and chronic diarrhoea can greatly affect your day-to-day activities. To get rid of the symptoms associated with diarrhoea, you can try some simple home cures.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that help fight diarrhoea caused by bacteria. Moreover, it contains pectin that acts as a protective coating and soothes intestinal spasms.
How to use: Mix one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. Drink it two times a day until your condition improves.
CHAMOMILE
Chamomile is often used to treat various intestinal problems, including diarrhoea. The antispasmodic property along with the high amount of tannins present in chamomile can provide great relief from diarrhoea symptoms.
How to use: Put one teaspoon of chamomile flowers and one teaspoon of peppermint leaves in a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for about 15 minutes. Drink this herbal tea at least three times a day to speed up the healing process.
GINGER
Ginger is used in the treatment of diarrhoea caused by food poisoning and can also help get rid of cramps and abdominal pain.
How to use: Grate a small piece of ginger and add one teaspoon of honey. Eat the mixture to promote the release of gastric juices and improve digestion. Avoid drinking water immediately after eating it.
ORANGE PEEL TEA
Orange peel tea is another home remedy that can help control symptoms associated with diarrhoea and aid the digestive process.
How to use: First wash the orange thoroughly to remove any pesticides that may be on the peel. Then remove the peel and gently chop it. Put the chopped peel in one-half cup of boiling water and let it steep for some time. When it has cooled, add some honey or sugar to sweeten it. Drink this tea two or three times a day.
FENUGREEK SEEDS
Fenugreek seeds are highly recommended for treating diarrhoea due to their high mucilage content. Mucilage provides a strong antidiarrheal effect.
How to use: combine one-half teaspoon each of roasted fenugreek seeds and cumin seeds, add two tablespoons of yogurt and mix it well. Consume this mixture three times a day for quick relief from diarrhoea.
WHITE RICE
Plain white rice is among the bland foods recommended to eat during diarrhoea because it is easy to digest. In addition, it can help decrease the amount of stools by adding bulk to the stools. Eat small amounts of plain white rice (without any added sauces and spices). Gradually increase the amount of rice as your diarrhoea improves. Boiling rice and drinking the water, is also said to treat diarrhea. Rice water benefits >>
YOGURT
Yogurt is a very good remedy for controlling diarrhoea. But do not eat flavoured yogurt. Only plain yogurt containing live cultures like lactobacillus, acidophilus and bifidobacterium will be beneficial as they help to reinstate good bacteria by producing lactic acid in your intestine and eliminate the bad bacteria that are responsible for causing diarrhoea.
How to use: Eat 2 bowls of plain yogurt a day to find relief from diarrhoea. For better results, you can add mashed banana in yogurt as it is rich in potassium.
** Warnings **
- Contact your doctor, If diarrhea persists longer than a week or keeps on recurring.
- If diarrhea is accompanied with high fever or vomiting.