5 Home Remedies for Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is an unpleasant condition which makes us to pass out more than 3 watery stools a day. Diarrhoea is a sign to tell us that our digestive system is not functioning properly. Diarrhoea is sometimes accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea and or vomiting.

Diarrhoea may occur:

• When we eat food or drink water that has been contaminated with bacteria or viruses
• When we suffer from food intolerance
• When we suffer from some intestinal diseases like ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome
• When we take certain medications

Diarrhoea should not be neglected especially in children because it can lead to dehydration, which can be life threatening. 

These home remedies should only be used when access to a health facility is being delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.

1 Homemade Oral rehydration solution

Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is used to prevent dehydration in children when they pass out frequent watery stool or when they vomit.

ORS is used to replace fluids and electrolytes that are lost during diarrhea.

Ingredients used in preparing one litre of ORS:

• Six (6) level teaspoons of Sugar
• Half (1/2) level teaspoon of Salt
• One Litre of clean drinking or boiled water and then cooled

2 Use an electrolyte replacement formula

If you have an electrolyte replacement formula such as Pedialyte and Rehydralyte it would be very necessary to use one. These can be gotten in any pharmacy or drug store with no prescription.

• Buy an over-the-counter electrolyte replacement formula and take as prescribed. 

3 Ginger drink

Ginger is an effective home remedy for food poisoning. If you suspect your diarrhea is as a result of food poisoning, grate a teaspoon of ginger into  a cup of hot water. Add honey to it and drink to relieve the diarrhea and its symptoms.

4 Banana

Banana is very helpful when suffering from diarrhea because it contains potassium which is an electrolyte and it also contains pectin, a fiber that helps in alleviating watery stools.

• Eat one ripe banana every day until your diarrhea is over.

5 Apple cider vinegar

Since apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties, it may help in relieving diarrhoea that is caused by bacteria.

• Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink twice a day until the diarrhea subsides.