Home remedies for diarrhea can be a great and natural way to manage symptoms during bouts of loose stool. These remedies are aimed at promoting adequate nutrition and hydration to support the body in getting rid of the diarrhea quickly.

Some home remedies help to add bulk to the stool and decrease bowel movements. However, these should only be used after two days of consistent diarrhea, and ideally with your doctor’s approval. Diarrhea is a natural defense mechanism that the body uses to eliminate harmful microorganisms, and therefore, you should not try to stop diarrhea without being assessed first.

If you have diarrhea, you should see a doctor, especially if you notice blood and mucus in the stool. During treatment, you should try to eat foods that are easy to digest and have a high water content. Ensure adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water, smoothies or tea.

This content is solely for informative purposes and should not replace a medical consultation. Do not interrupt your current treatment without seeking medical guidance.

Remedies for diarrhea

Some home remedies for diarrhea include:

1. Flavored water

Flavored water is a great way to keep the body hydrated during a diarrhea flare. Learn about the different causes of diarrhea.

Ingredients:

1 liter (about 4 cups) of cold water
5 mint leaves
1 tablespoon of lemon juice, or ¼ lemon
2 medium-size slices of watermelon, without the peel

How to prepare:

Cut up the watermelon slices into smaller pieces, being sure to remove the peel, and place them in a pitcher. Add the lemon juice, mint leaves and cold water, then mix.

2. Carrot soup

Carrots are recommended for diarrhea treatment because they are rich in nutrients like sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. These nutrients are important for recovery and help to maintain nutrition and hydration.

Ingredients:

5 medium-size carrots
1 medium-size potato
¼ of squash, peeled
1 liter (about 4 cups) of water
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Salt to taste

How to prepare:

Cut the vegetables into small pieces and place them in a pot with the water and salt as desired. Once cooked, blend the vegetables and the water using a blender or handheld immersion blender. Ensure you blend until the mixture becomes a creamy consistency. If it is too thick, you can add more water until you reach your desired consistency. Then, add the olive oil, stir and serve.

3. Carrot and apple syrup

Another home remedy to slow down diarrhea is using apples and grated carrots, as these are light foods that are easy to digest.

Ingredients:

1/2 a carrot, grated
1/2 an apple, grated
1/4 cup of honey

How to prepare:

Cook the ingredients in a sous-vide, or water bath, on low heat for 30 minutes. Then allow to cool and place in a sealed glass jar. You can take 2 teaspoons of this syrup per day while you have diarrhea.

This syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 month.

4. Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea with guava leaves is a great natural option for treating diarrhea. The guava leaves and the chamomile contain antispasmodic properties, which reduce intestinal movements and retain stool for longer. This helps it to become bulkier and promotes more water absorption in the gut.

Chamomile contains antispasmodic properties that helps to reduce intestinal contractions, which helps with abdominal discomfort.

Ingredients:

1 handful of chamomile flowers
10 guava leaves
250 ml (1 cup) of water

How to prepare:

Place the ingredients in a pot and allow to boil for 15 minutes on low heat. Then remove from heat, cover the pot and allow to cool. Then strain and drink small sips of this tea throughout the day.

This tea should be consumed without sugar, as sugar can worsen diarrhea. You can try sweetening the tea with honey.

5. Guava leaf and avocado pit tea

Another great way to reduce frequent bowel movements is to drink guava leaf tea. The addition of a toasted avocado pit also helps to decrease diarrhea and prevent possible intestinal infections.

Ingredients:

40g of guava leaves
1 liter (about 4 cups) of water
1 tablespoon of powdered, toasted avocado pit

How to prepare:

Pour the water and leaves into a pot and bring to a boil. Then remove from heat, allow it to cool, then add the avocado pit powder. Mix well and drink.

To make avocado pit powder, place the avocado pit on a tray and bake in the oven until it becomes completely try. Then place the pit in a blender or food processor until it becomes a powder. Store this powder in a sealed glass container.

This tea should not be consumed with sugar, as it can worsen diarrhea. You can try sweetening it with honey.

6. Underripe banana pancakes

Underripe bananas are a great treatment option for diarrhea as they contain high amounts of pectin. Pectin is substance that naturally increases water absorption in the intestines, which makes stool less loose. Read about why diarrhea can occur.

Ingredients:

2 small, underripe bananas
100 g of flour
2 medium eggs
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 tablespoon of honey

How to prepare:

Place the bananas and eggs in a blender and mix well. Pour the mixture into a bowl and add the flour and cinnamon. Stir until it becomes a creamy batter.

Pour a portion of this batter into an anti-stick frying pan. Allow to cook on low heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Then turn it over, and allow to cook for the same amount of time. Repeat until you use all the batter. Top the pancakes with honey and serve.

Read more about what can cause diarrhea during pregnancy and how to treat it safely.

7. Rice water

An excellent home remedy for diarrhea is drinking rice water, which can help to keep you hydrated and reduce fluid losses. Check out all the benefits of rice water and what you can use it for.

Ingredients:

30 grams of rice
1 liter of water

How to prepare:

Place the water and rice in a pot and cook the rice on low heat with the pot covered to prevent evaporation of the water. Once cooked, strain and keep the remaining water. Then add sugar or 1 tablespoon of honey to the water, and drink 1 glass of this water several times a day.

Other tips

To stop diarrhea quickly, you can also consider other measures, like:

Opt for boiled or grilled fish and white meat without skin
Consume low-fiber food, like bread, pasta and white rice
Fruits and vegetables should be peeled and cooked when possible
Avoid eating high-fat foods, like utter, fried foods, bacon, and sausages
Avoid eating highly seasoned foods and opt instead for aromatic herbs
Consume probiotic foods or supplements to help reestablish intestinal flora.

It is also very important to get plenty of fluids as diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Homemade saline solutions can be prepared to help to replace mineral salts that are lost through loose stools.