“Proven Herbs for Healing Diarrhea”

It’s very easy to end up with diarrhea by eating something that’s gone bad, or drinking contaminated water, or coming in contact with something infectious. But there is hope, here are a few herbs that are very healing for diarrhea.

Yellow Root - Also known as Xanthorhiza Simplicissima and should not be confused with goldenseal. The root is very astringent and works wonders for healing diarrhea. And it contains berberine which is a very powerful antioxidant that works great for healing diarrhea. Take this herb for only 2 or 3 days, and as a tincture take 5 or 6 ml 5 or 6 times a day.

Common Mullein - Mullein or Verbascum spp works great to kill the commo
E. Coli and Staph infections that are so common these days. Even works well for hemorrhoids and GI tract discomfort and of course diarrhea. It’s very astringent and thus helps to heal the GI tract and stop diarrhea. Common mullein can be found in capsules, teas, powders, infusions, and more. And you can find the plant outside around the house or you can buy mullein at your local health food store. Most people take the tincture at the rate of 3 to 6 drops three or four times a day.

Peppermint - Peppermint also known as Mentha piperita is very soothing to the GI tract, helping with stomach aches and soothing away GI irritation. Peppermint relaxes the smooth muscles of the intestines thus relieving spasms and chronic irritation.Peppermint also helps with stomach pain, bloating, gas, and because peppermint is astringent it also helps with diarrhea. A study in Belgium found that peppermint was great for soothing away GI pain. Studies show that peppermint is just as effective as prescribed medications for infant colic. Those with irritable bowel syndrome find relief with peppermint, a study in Italy showed 75% of those who took peppermint felt better in no time at all. The British Medical journal recommended peppermint along with fiber as the first treatment for IBS… and another study showed that peppermint was excellent for treating IBS. Drinking 4 or 5 cups of peppermint tea daily will help with diarrhea.

Slippery Elm - Slippery Elm or Ulmus rubra is an herb that is made from the inner bark of the Red Elm tree. Slippery Elm is one of the best herbs for treating all kinds of GI tract problems including gastric ulcers, intestinal problems, and it also helps sooth away diarrhea. Slipper elm creates a mucilaginous balm for the GI tract that is very healing, and slippery elm is also great for GI gas, gastric reflux, and heartburn. Slippery Elm has been used as a very good gruel for the elderly and babies having GI distress. Take 2 - 400 mg capsules 3 or 4 times a day.

Marshmallow Root - Marshmallow Root or Althaea officinalis is one of my favorite herbs, it’s very soothing to the GI tract and also for the urinary tract. Marshmallow Root is anti-inflammatory in action and creates a soothing balm that heals the body. It also works well for inflamed skin, gastric reflux, gastritis, diarrhea, indigestion, peptic ulcers, Crohn’s disease, urinary inflammation, urethritis, and also coughing and asthma. Take 2 - 400 mg capsules 3 or 4 times a day.

Water and Electrolytes - It’s important to drink lots of water and take electrolytes when a person has diarrhea because we are losing water. Electrolytes are all the trace minerals one needs to keep enzymatic activity going in the body. Without lots of water and electrolytes in the way of mineral supplements one can become very weak and even die. There are even sport drinks with electrolytes that one can drink, and taking a B-Complex which contains electrolytes can also help. Drinking lots of water and taking a B-Complex tablet with electrolytes twice a day will help with diarrhea.

Also when a person has diarrhea eating rice or oatmeal is very soothing to the GI tract.

Remember - If your diarrhea persists for more than 2 or 3 days be sure to check with your doctor… diarrhea can be life threatening.

Many Blessings to Everyone!

Dr. Paul Haider - Master Herbalist