Diarrhoea

What you need to know:

Severe diarrhoea which continues for more than 48 hours - 24 in children - should be investigated as it may be a symptom of various underlying conditions which need conventional treatment. We also wouldn’t advise using over-the-counter medicines to stop diarrhoea as they could mask the reasons for the condition and prolong the symptoms when the medication is stopped. Reserve them only for occasions when it may be difficult to use a lavatory frequently, such as while travelling or while taking an examination.

Minor bouts, however - including those caused by stress and, in many women, during the lead-up to their periods - can be successfully treated by natural remedies.

The essential thing to remember is that you must replace the lost fluid regularly - and this is particularly important in children and the elderly. See the information on rehydration in vomiting.

The most useful Supplements:

Most useful (in alphabetical order)

• multivitamin and mineral (to replace lost nutrients)
• Probiotics and prebiotics

Lactase (only if lactose intolerant)

The most useful Herbs:

There are several herbs which are beneficial made into tea - 2 tspns to a cup of boiling water, left until lukewarm then strained. If you often get diarrhoea on holiday - as many people do - pack a tincture of any of these herbs in your suitcase and take 1 tspn in water up to six times a day.

They include:

• Agrimony
• Bistort
• Lady’s mantle
• Meadowsweet
• Raspberry leaves
• Tormentil

Cranesbill, Goldenseal, Marshmallow, Slippery elm

Homoeopathy

The following homeopathic remedies may also help - and you’ll almost certainly find them readily in Mediterranean holiday destinations:

• China
• Colocynthis
• Podophyllum

Aromatherapy

Many people find that rubbing the following properly diluted Aromatherapy oils into the abdominal area also helps:

• Lavender
• Neroli
• Peppermint
• Roman chamomile

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

• Replacing lost fluids is particularly important. You can buy commercially produced rehydration drinks, but it’s easy to make your own by adding 8 tspns of sugar or pasteurised honey and 1 tspn of salt to a litre of boiled water and drinking a small glassful every half an hour. Children should be given a dessertspoonful every 10 minutes.
• At first you probably won’t feel like eating - which won’t do any harm for a day or two. When you do feel hungry, avoid all dairy products for at least 48 hours and give your system a slow introduction to food by sticking to foods like ripe Bananas, boiled Rice, Apples and dry wholemeal toast.

Traditional remedies:

• Most people have a useful remedy for diarrhoea sitting in their kitchen cupboard - tea. Drink a cup of it, without milk or sugar, every hour - the tannins have an astringent effect and soothe sore tissues. It’s also important to avoid dairy products for at least 48 hours.
• Paw-paw, or papuya is also an effective, nutritious - and far more delicious - natural cure. But if you’re abroad, make sure you wash it thoroughly in bottled water before you tuck in.
• Garlic can also help enormously when you’ve got a bout of diarrhoea. This might sound disgusting, but it does work. Crush four cloves of Garlic and stir them into a 450g jar of pasteurised honey. Three times a day, dissolve 1 tspn in a large glass of hot water and sip slowly.

Other useful advice:

• Acupressure and Relexology may be of use.
• There is other relevant advice given in the disorder, gastroenteritis.

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This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.