Herbal Teas That Are Good for Diarrhea
Diarrhea is usually not caused by anything serious. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), most cases of diarrhea pass within a few days. Diarrhea occurs when food and drink moves too quickly through the colon, robbing your body of the chance to absorb fluids. Instead you expel this fluid in the form of frequent, loose and watery stools. While herbal tea offers relief to some, scientific evidence on its efficacy in treating diarrhea is limited.
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Chamomile
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The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) notes that the flower portion of the chamomile plant can be used to make tea. Chamomile tea is readily available in tea bag or loose leaf form at most supermarkets. NCCAM says it is widely used to treat restlessness, anxiety and digestive problems, including diarrhea. University of Wisconsin (UW) Integrative Medicine doctors point out that there is little scientific evidence to support the use of chamomile to treat general diarrhea. UMMC experts suggest drinking three cups of chamomile tea daily to relieve diarrhea.
Bilberry
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According to NCCAM, bilberry fruit has been used over time to treat diarrhea, scurvy and other conditions. Today, a wide variety of ailments are treated with bilberry, including diabetes, menstrual cramps, eye problems, circulatory problems and diarrhea. The leaf of the bilberry plant is used to make tea. There is not enough scientific evidence, notes NCCAM, to support the use of bilberry tea for diarrhea. UMMC doctors warn not to take bilberry if you are on blood-thinners.
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Goldenseal
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NCCAM reports that, historically, Native Americans have used the herb goldenseal to treat skin diseases, ulcers and gonorrhea. Now, goldenseal is commonly used to deal with colds, eye infections, vaginitis, wounds, sore gums and, in some cases, cancer. In terms of diarrhea, NCCAM notes that a compound found in goldenseal, berberine, can treat some infections that cause diarrhea. Unfortunately, goldenseal tea contains small amounts of berberine, which likely renders it ineffective.
Other Herbal Tea Remedies
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UMMC reports that blackberry leaf or raspberry leaf, both astringent herbs, can help relieve diarrhea by drying the mucous membranes of the intestines. One 1/2 cup of either of these teas is recommended hourly using a "heaping" teaspoon full per cup. Some herbs, advises UMMC, reduce inflammation, which might help ease diarrhea. These include the above-mentioned chamomile, marshmallow root and slippery elm powder. Marshmallow root can be consumed cold. UMMC suggests you soak two tablespoons of the root in water overnight. Strain and drink over the course of the next day. Slippery elm is available in tea form, but it can also be made into a paste, according to UMMC.
UMMC warns against using herbal remedies to treat diarrhea until you consult your doctor. It contends that some herbs can make diarrhea worse if it is caused by certain conditions.
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References
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