Monday, February 25, 2008

Natural, Herbal Treatments For Eradicating Diarrhea

Diarrhea, or loose bowel movement, can happen for a lot of reasons. Food poisoning and infections are the most common causes of acute, or short-lived diarrhea.

The chronic form may be caused by ongoing illnesses of the digestive tract like inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Standard treatments for diarrhea include pinpointing the exact cause, if possible, and, in some cases, treating symptoms with medications that slow down the movement of the digestive tract.

Most diarrhea resolves itself in a few days. It results in complications only in severe cases, with dehydration as the main by-product. In order to effectively replenish the fluids and minerals that have been flushed out of the body, some health experts suggest drinking a quart of carbonated water wherein 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and baking soda have been dissolved.

Dangers Posed By Diarrhea

Diarrhea may cause a loss of significant amounts of water and salts. In most cases, this irritating condition generally clears out on their own without treatment. However, if the ailment persists, you will become dehydrated, or you could pass blood in your stool, and when this happens you need to quickly consult with your doctor.

Herbal Remedies For Alleviating Diarrhea

Any of the following herbs mentioned can either be taken as a capsule or in tea form. For using these ingredients in tea form, the general rule is a teaspoon of herb per cup of boiling water, and steeped in a covered cup for 5 to 15 minutes.

- White Oak Bark

White oak bark contains astringent tannins, and is readily available both as an extract, and in capsules or tea bags. In mixing a tea, add 1/2 teaspoon powdered bark to 1 cup cold water. Boil this mixture for 5 minutes, then strain. Drink one cupful per day.

- Bilberry Tea

In mixing a concoction, use 1 pint of water over 3 tablespoons of dried berries, and let stand 5 to 10 minutes. Bring the mixture to boil for 5 minutes, and drink one cup, 3 to 4 times a day. This tea can also be taken as fresh bilberry juice, drink a cup 3 to 4 times a day.

- Wild strawberry

Teas made from the leaves of wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) can be taken several times a day to alleviate diarrhea. For mixing a tea, pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon dried leaves. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain. As a word of caution, the mixture may cause allergic reactions in individuals who are sensitive to strawberries.

- Black Currant. Use the juice from the fresh berries, 1 cup 3 to 4 times a day

- Cloves. Use half a teaspoon per quart of water, steeped in a cup. This herb is helpful in relieving cramping.

- Chamomile, hops, fennel, and a natural laxative such as linseed, have been analyzed to help ease constipation. It is also advised to drink herbal teas rather than coffee.

- Other herbs like golden seal, and an infusion of agrimony, plantain, or geranium are considered helpful, as is peppermint tea.

- Traditional Chinese herbal treatments such as dandelion, golden thread and skullcap root are all also potent anti-diarrheal treatments.

Diarrhea is a serious condition that has major widespread implications on global health, and is generally interrelated with nutritional status. It is an important focal point not only to due to its prevalence worldwide, but also for its mounting health costs. However, this disease can be eradicated or reduced by using the appropriate interventions and timely treatment.


(VDr.)

No comments: