Herbal Cures: Diarrhea

Most diarrhea resolves itself in a few days. It results in complications only in severe cases, with dehydration as a by-product. To replenish the fluids and minerals that have been flushed out of the system, some doctors advise drinking a quart of carbonated water in which 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and baking soda have been dissolved. You should see a doctor if you have pain, fever, or the presence of blood or mucus in the stool, if you have persistent diarrhea or an inability to diagnose the diarrhea's cause, or if you have dehydration from the diarrheal loss of fluids and electrolytes, or salts.

Herbal Remedies

Tannin-rich berries Blackberry, blueberry, and bilberry have a high tannic acid content. To ease diarrhea, boil 1 to 2 tablespoons berries or dried leaves in 11/2 cups water for 10 minutes, then strain. Drink one cup several times a day, preparing it fresh each time. Excessive doses of tannins may cause liver damage. Pregnant women should avoid medicinal doses of tannins.

White oak bark This herb contains astringent tannins. It is commercially available as an extract and in capsules and tea bags. To make your own decoction, add 1/2 teaspoon powdered bark to 1 cup cold water. Boil for 5 minutes, then strain. Drink one cupful per day.

Wild strawberry A tea made from the leaves of wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) can be drunk several times a day to treat diarrhea. Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon dried leaves. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain. The tea may cause an allergic reaction in people hypersensitive to strawberries.

Walnut leaf Place 1 to 2 teaspoons minced walnut leaves (Juglans regia) in 1 cup cold water and heat to boiling. Steep for five minutes; strain. Drink a cupful one to three times a day.

Tip: Mother Was Partly Right

Some people believe milk toast will ease diarrhea if the toast is burnt. The milk is supposed to coat the intestine, while the "charcoal" acts as an absorbent. Active charcoal capsules may help diarrhea, but milk can cause nausea.