Tea for diarrhea, like chamomile tea tea, cherry tea, or fennel tea, help to add bulk to the stool and relieve intestinal cramping.
However, you should see a doctor for assessment if the diarrhea is intense and occurs more than three times in a day. In these cases, you should not consume any tea, herbs or foods that stop diarrhea, as the diarrhea may be caused by a virus or bacteria that requires elimination through the stool.
Diarrhea is a mechanism the body employs to get rid of toxins, irritating agents or infections in the gut. Many times, it is accompanied by other symptoms, like excess gas, intestinal cramps and abdominal pain. It is important to treat diarrhea as soon as possible to prevent other complications, like weakness or diarrhea.
Some of the main tea options for diarrhea are:
1. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is recommended for diarrhea, as it is rich in apigenin, quercetin and patuletin, phenolic compounds that have anti-inflammatory and calming effects, which reduce the stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract, relieving colic in cases of intestinal infection.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (4 g) of dried chamomile flowers
- 1 cup (240 ml) of water
Directions
In a pot, boil the water, and then turn off the heat. Add the dried chamomile flowers, cover and let it steep for about 5 to 10 minutes. Strain the tea and drink it up to 4 times a day.
Learn more about the health benefits of chamomile tea and what you can take it for.
2. Cherry tea
Cherry tea is good for diarrhea because cherries of the pitanga variety contain leaves with astringent and digestive properties that help fight diarrhea. Furthermore, the polyphenols in pitanga leaves favor the balance of intestinal flora, improving the functioning of the digestive system.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of fresh cherry leaves;
- 1 L of water.
Directions
Boil the water in a pot and, after removing from heat, add the cherry leaves, cover and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink up to 3 cups of this tea per day.
3. Fennel tea
Fennel tea is a great home remedy for diarrhea as it contains anethole, ursol, eugenol and linalool. These are bioactive compounds that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects that help relieve intestinal cramps.
Furthermore, fennel tea also facilitates the elimination of gas, relieving the discomfort caused by excess gas. Learn more about the health benefits of fennel and what you can take it for.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of dried fennel seeds
- 1 cup (tea) of water
Directions
Mash or crush the fennel seeds. Place the water in a pot, or kettle, and bring to a boil. After removing from heat, add the fennel seeds, cover the pot and let it steep for 5 minutes. Strain the tea and drink it while it is still warm. You can drink up to 3 cups of this tea per day for up to 2 weeks in a row.
4. Marcela tea
Because it has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic properties, marcela tea helps control diarrhea, relieve pain and reduce intestinal contractions.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon (0.5 to 1.5 g) of dried marcela flowers
- 1 cup (tea) of water
Directions
In a pot or kettle, boil the water. Remove from heat, add the marcela flowers to the boiling water, cover the pot and let it steep for 5 minutes. Strain and drink the tea afterwards. You can drink up to 3 cups of this tea per day, for up to 15 days in a row, taking a 5-day break before resuming use.
5. Peppermint tea
Peppermint tea is a good option for treating diarrhea, because it has anti-inflammatory, digestive and antispasmodic action. It helps to eliminate excess gas, reduce intestinal contractions and combat intestinal inflammation.
Furthermore, this tea can also complement the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, helping to reduce symptoms such as gas, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of peppermint leaves
- 1 cup (tea) of water
Directions
Boil the water in a pot and, after turning off the heat, add the peppermint leaves. Cover the pot and let it steep for 5 minutes before serving. It is recommended to drink a maximum of 3 cups of this tea per day. See the other health benefits of peppermint tea.
6. Guava leaf tea
Guava leaf tea has astringent, antispasmodic and antimicrobial properties, making it a great tea for relieving diarrhea and stomach pain. It additionally fights the microorganisms that cause diarrhea.
Ingredients:
- 10 green/new guava leaves (shoots);
- 500 ml of water.
Directions
In a pot, boil the water and, after turning off the heat, add the guava leaves. Cover the pot and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink this tea 3 to 4 times a day.
See how the incorporation of guava benefits your health and how you can consume it.
7. Black tea
Black tea is a great option for diarrhea, because it contains tannins. This is an organic compound that helps to treat bloating, which can reduce pain and bowel movement frequency.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (tea) of water
- 1 bag of black tea or 1 teaspoon of dried black tea leaves
Directions
Boil the water in a pot. Turn off the heat, add the sachet or black tea leaves to the boiling water, cover and let it steep for 5 minutes. Strain and drink while still warm. It is recommended to drink a maximum of 3 cups of black tea per day.
8. Cinnamon tea
Cinnamon tea contains coumarin and cinnamic acid, bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory action that help balance the intestinal flora. This increases the amount of beneficial bacteria and reduces bad bacteria in the intestine, making it a great home remedy option for diarrhea.
Check out other cinnamon health benefits and how to consume it.
Ingredients:
- 1 g of cinnamon stick
- 1 cup (tea) of boiling water
Directions
Place the cinnamon stick and water in a pot, bringing to a boil for 5 minutes. Then, remove the cinnamon stick from the water and drink it. You can drink up to 3 cups of this tea per day.
9. Avocado pit tea
Because it has antimicrobial and astringent action, avocado pit tea is a good option for a home remedy for diarrhea. It is particularly effective for diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of washed and grated avocado seed
- 1 liter of water
Directions
Place the grated avocado pit and water in a pot or kettle and bring to a boil for 10 minutes. Let it steep for 5 minutes, strain and drink up to 2 cups of this tea per day, for up to 2 weeks.
10. Fennel tea
Fennel tea is recommended for diarrhea, because it has anti-inflammatory properties that help combat diarrhea, as well as improving digestion, combating excess gas and fighting intestinal worms.
Ingredients
- 150 ml of water
- 1 teaspoon (5 to 7 g) of fresh fennel seeds or leaves
Directions
Boil the water in a pot. Add the fennel seeds or leaves, cover and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Leave to cool, strain and drink up to 3 times a day.