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digestive system
Diarrhea
Integrative Therapies

Home Care

Diarrhea is the frequent passage of unformed, watery stools. The most common causes are food poisoning, a bad water supply, the flu, overeating, food allergies, parasites, and colitis. In infants, it can also be associated with teething. Stress or emotional upset, antibiotic use, or even ingesting a high dose of vitamin C are other causes of diarrhea.

If there is persistent, severe pain, blood or mucus in the stool, or symptoms continue for more than 48 hours, see your physician. If an infant has six or more watery stools a day or diarrhea for more than 24 hours and is not taking in adequate fluids, see a doctor.


THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS CAN BE TAKEN ON A LONG-TERM BASIS:

When diarrhea is long-lasting, supplement the diet with a multi-vitamin and acidophilus. Acido-philus in capsules or powder can be taken before each meal, 1/2 a teaspoon or one capsule. Make sure you use a dairy-free source.


THE PROPER DIET FOR DIARRHEA WILL INCLUDE:

1. The BRAT diet. This diet can help control short-term diarrhea. BRAT
stands for:
B – bananas
R – white rice
A – peeled apples
T – toasted white bread

2. It is essential to replace fluids and minerals. For that purpose, you can drink water, vegetable juices, broths, and herbal teas.

3. Sauerkraut and tomato juice are also used to replenish lost minerals. Drink 1 to 2 tablespoons every hour. The following mixture can be used as well:

To 1 quart of water add:
4 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Add lemon, lime, or carrot juice to taste.
Drink 1 cup every hour or two.

4. A mixture of apple sauce and bananas sprinkled with carob powder can be helpful and is well-liked by children.


HERBS USED FOR DIARRHEA:

1. For cases of bacterial food poisoning or viral flu:

Garlic – 2 capsules 4 times a day
Golden Seal – 2 capsules 4 times a day
Charcoal – 2 capsules 4 times a day

2. For amoebas and other parasites – In addition to the previous measures, the following herbs are used for 10 days:

Black Walnut husks – 2 capsules 4 times a day
Wormwood – 2 capsules 4 times a day

Stop for 10 days and then repeat for another 10 days. Consult your physician if symptoms persist.


HOMEOPATHY:

From the following homeopathic remedies, choose the one that best matches your symptoms. Dissolve 3 pellets under your tongue.

• Chamomile 6C: This is excellent for children's teething diarrhea. The stool may look greenish. The child is very irritable and may want to be held. The pellets are placed under the child's tongue 3 times a day. Or for small babies, the pellets can be crushed and mixed with water.

• Arsenicum 12C: For diarrhea from spoiled food, contaminated water, or too much fruit. May be accompanied by restlessness and thirst for small sips of water. Use 3 times a day.

• Nux-vomica 12C: For overeating, overdrinking, or using too many laxatives – can be taken every 2 hours while diarrhea persists.

• Podophyllum 6C: For explosive diarrhea, which may be painful and foul smelling. Use every 2 hours.

• Colocynth 12C: For severe cramping that causes the person to hold the abdomen or bend over trying to relieve the pain. Take 3 times a day.

• Veratrum album 12C: For diarrhea accompanied by vomiting. Also for diarrhea with menstrual cramps – can be taken every 2 hours.

Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for individuals with diarrhea. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.


Clinic

Footnotes

BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.