Diarrhoea can be caused by a number of different things, but in adults, gastroenteritis is a common causative factor. The reasons behind gastroenteritis can be viral, bacterial or due to parasites. However, diarrhoea may also be due to food poisoning, food allergies or emotional causes such as stress or anxiety.
Uncomplicated diarrhoea, though a very unpleasant experience while it lasts, is only likely to last 3-7 days if it’s left to its own devices. However, with natural and homeopathic support, this period can be shortened and the symptoms of fatigue and weakness that accompany the diarrhoea can be greatly eased.
Help from your kitchen pharmacy includes the following:
· Drink plenty of non-caffeinated drinks to avoid dehydration
· Protect against dehydration by drinking an electrolyte solution, which is very easily prepared by adding a pinch of Celtic/Himalayan sea salt to a large glass of water
· Drink peppermint tea to ease the spasms of the digestive tract
· Drink ginger tea to bring down the inflammation and aid digestion
· Follow the BRAT diet - bananas, rice, apple sauce and toast
Homeopathic help includes the following remedies:
Argentum Nitrate
Consider this remedy if the diarrhoea seems to stem from emotional causes such as anxiety or panic attacks. The stools are watery and perhaps like chopped spinach and accompanied by bloating and a lot of wind.
Arsenicum
This remedy is especially useful for diarrhoea following food poisoning. Stools are loose and watery and accompanied by burning pains, terrible fatigue and weakness. Person tends to be very restlessness, needy and very anxious about their health.
Podophylum (pictured here)
This remedy is very effective for gushing diarrhoea that may contain undigested food. The stomach may gurgle noisily and there may be cramping. Symptoms may be worse in the early morning and then again later in the afternoon. This is a good remedy for diarrhoea in teething children.
Severe cases of diarrhoea leading to dehydration require medical attention promptly, especially in the very young and very elderly, but the remedies above are ones to consider for non-severe cases. Please feel free to get in touch for more information.
