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Unless otherwise stated on the package, most supplements and herbal remedies aren’t suitable for children under 12.
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Diarrhoea

What you need to know:

Severe diarrhoea, which continues for more than 24 hours 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.

Minor bouts can be successfully treated by natural remedies, however:

The essential thing to remember is that you must replace the lost fluid regularly - and this is particularly important in babies and children (and the elderly). You need to give them sips of boiled, cooled water every five minutes. Commercially produced rehydration fluids - which taste like rather strong mineral water - can also help, but ask the pharmacist before buying them for young children.

Most people have a useful remedy for diarrhoea sitting in their kitchen cupboard - tea. Give older children a cup of it, without milk or sugar, every hour - the tannins have an astringent effect and soothe the sore tissues. It’s also important to avoid dairy products for at least 48 hours.

The most useful Herbs:

Several herbs which are beneficial made into tea - 2 tspns to a cup of boiling water, left until lukewarm then strained. They include:

Homoeopathy

The homoeopathic remedies Podophyllum, China and Colocynthis may also help - and you’ll almost certainly find them readily in Mediterranean holiday destinations.

Other useful advice:

Garlic can also help enormously during a bout of diarrhoea. This might sound disgusting, but it does work, although it’s hardly suitable for young children. 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.

Many people find that rubbing the properly diluted Aromatherapy oils Roman chamomile, Neroli, Lavender and Peppermint into the abdominal area also work.

If the kids often get diarrhoea on holiday - as many people do - pack a tincture of any of these herbs in your suitcase and give them 1 tspn in water up to six times a day. Paw-paw, or papaya 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.

Additionally, the advice given on diet and prevention in gastroenteritis could bring relief. One excellent diet for children is the so-called “BRAT” diet - bananas, rice, apples and dry toast. 48 hours on this regime is usually enough.

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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.