Diarrhea Treatment

In severe cases of diarrhea, it is advisable to observe a complete fast for two days to provide rest for the gastro-intestinal tract. Hot water only may be taken during the period to compensate for the loss of fluids. Juices of fruits may be taken after the acute symptoms are over. After the condition improves, meals can be enlarged gradually to include cooked vegetables, whole rice, and soured milk. Raw foods should be taken only after the patient completely recovers.

An effective remedy for diarrhea is the use of buttermilk. It is the residual milk left after the fat has been removed from yogurt by churning. It helps overcome harmful intestinal flora and re-establish the benign or friendly flora. The acid in the buttermilk also fights germs and bacteria. It may be taken and mixed with a pinch of salt three or four times a day to control diarrhea.

Carrot soup is another effective home remedy for diarrhea. It supplies water to combat dehydration, replenishes sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur and magnesium, supplies pectin and coats the intestine to stop inflammation. It checks the growth of harmful intestinal bacteria and prevents vomiting. One pound of carrot may be cooked in five ounces of water until it is soft. The pulp should be strained and boiled water added to make a quart.

Three-quarter tablespoon of salt may be mixed. This soup should be given in small amounts to the patient every half-hour.

The pomegranate has proved beneficial in the treatment of diarrhea on account of its astringent properties. If the patient develops weakness due to profuse and continuous purging, they should be given repeatedly 50 ml. of pomegranate juice to drink; this will control the diarrhea.

Mango seeds are also valuable in diarrhea. The seeds should be collected during the mango season, dried in the shade and powdered and kept stored for use as a medicine when required. It should be given in doses of about one and a half gram to two grams with or without honey. 

Turmeric is another effective home remedy for diarrhea. It is a very useful intestinal antiseptic. It is also a gastric stimulant and a tonic. Turmeric rhizome, its juice or dry powder are all very helpful in curing chronic diarrhea. In the form of dry powder, it may be taken in buttermilk or plain water.

In a case of diarrhea caused by indigestion, dry or fresh ginger is very useful. A piece of dry ginger is powdered along with a crystal or rock salt. A quarter teaspoonful of this powder should be taken with a small piece of jugglery. It will bring quick relief as ginger, being carminative aids digestion by stimulating the gastrointestinal tract.

Starchy liquids such as arrowroot water, barley water, rice gruel and coconut water are highly beneficial in the treatment of diarrhea. They not only replace the fluid lost but also bind the stools. Other home remedies include bananas and garlic. Bananas contain pectin and encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria. Garlic is a powerful, effective and harmless antibiotic. It aids digestion and kills parasites. The best water treatment for diarrhea is the abdominal compress (at 60oF) renewed every 15 to 20 minutes and cold hip bath (40o-50oF.) 

If the patient is in pain, abdominal fomentations for 15 minutes should be administered every two hours.