Useful Home Remedies and Ayurvedic Treatment For Diarrhea

Useful Home Remedies and Ayurvedic Treatment For Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a problem of occurring in the digestive system in which one has to clear the bowels repeatedly. It is characterised by loose motion which happens when nutrients aren’t properly absorbed in the intestines. The typical symptoms of diarrhea include liquid stool, bloating, gas, and cramping. If irregular bowel movements continue for several days, it is necessary to consult a doctor to prevent severe dehydration. 

According to PNR Journal, more than 2.3 million annual deaths were reported among children in India, and about 3,34,000 are attributable to diarrhoeal diseases. Also commonly called the stomach flu, diarrhea is caused by various viruses among which rotavirus is the leading one in children. Symptoms generally appear within 2 days of exposure to the virus and last for 3 to 8 days.

Ayurveda And Diarrhea

According to Ayurveda, the causes of diarrhea are weakened digestive fire, usually caused by excess Pitta. Ayurvedic remedies pacify Pitta and kindle the digestive fire gently. There are various strategies specifically to counter Pitta’s hot, sharp, and liquid qualities. Also, it supports the return of regular bowel movements. It is also related to Jatharagni Mandya (low digestive fire). 

As per the Ayurvedic treatment for diarrhea, weak digestive fire, improper food, impure water, toxins, and mental stress are usually the causes. Aggravated Vata pulls down the fluid part from various tissues of the body and brings it into the intestine. This fluid mixes with the stool, which then leads to loose, watery motions. Depending upon which particular Dosha is vitiated, Atisaar (Diarrhea) has been classified into Vataj, Pittaj, Kaphaj, Sannipatik.

Also Read: Home Remedies For Diabetes Treatment

Symptoms Of Diarrhea

Having at least three loose motions in 24 hours is considered to be diarrhea in modern science, which affects all age groups at one time or another. It can range in severity from slightly watery feces and a brief upset stomach to release of extremely liquid waste coupled with cramping tummy pains for a longer term.

The following are the symptoms of diarrhea:

• Increased defecation frequency
• Watery motions
• Abdomen cramps
• Reduced urine quantity
• Mucus with stools
• Dehydration, thirst, and bad smelling mouth

Symptoms as Classified in Ayurveda

As per Ayurveda, diarrhea can be caused due to bad dietary and lifestyle habits. Here are the symptoms according to classical Ayurvedic texts:

1. Amatisara: The stool in this kind of Diarrhea is Picchila (slimy) with a foul smell that sinks in water, known as Amatisara.

2. Pakvatisara: Diarrhea with the feeling of lightness in the body and stool that does not sink in water is known as Pakvatisara.

Causes Of Diarrhea

The primary cause of Diarrhea is gastrointestinal tract infections. It can also occur due to various other issues that vary from one person to another. Here are some common causes of Diarrhea:

• Consumption of contaminated foods or water
• Low immune response and poor hygienic conditions
• Consumption of spicy and hard-to-digest food
• The adverse effect of antibiotics
• Lactose intolerance
• As a result of other diseases like ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome
• Reaction associated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Viral infection involving rotavirus, norovirus, and adenovirus

Ayurvedic Treatment For Diarrhea

Frequent trips to the washroom due to watery bowel movements are never enjoyable, especially if you’re outside or busy at work. Luckily, in most cases, diarrhea can be managed at home. Prolonged cases of diarrhea leads to a loss of fluid and vital electrolytes in the body, leaving you dehydrated and fatigued. While consulting a doctor is the first thing to do, in simple cases, after 4-5 bouts of loose activity, one can be given electrolytes. A straightforward electrolyte form mixes 1 teaspoon sugar and a pinch of salt in a glass of boiled, cooled, and filtered water. Similarly, depending on the condition, the doctor may recommend intravenous (I.V) electrolytes or commonly known as ‘saline water’.

Useful Home Remedies for Diarrhea

While diarrhea can often say goodbye on its own, there are quite a few home remedies available to help ease the symptoms effectively. These home remedies are simple, easy to make, and contain only natural ingredients like potent herbs which are readily available in the market. 

Here are some simple kitchen and herb-based home remedies for Diarrhea:

Kitchen Based Recipes: 

• Take 5 gms powder of dry roast cumin (Bhrishta Jiraka) or root of Motha (Mustaka) or fruit of Pippali (long pepper) or Shunthi (dried ginger) and mix with 1 liter of Takra (buttermilk) and divide into four droughts; take doses at the interval of six hours.
• 1 to 3 gm(s) of dried ginger (Shunthī) powder with an equal part of Sharkara (raw sugar) two times a day as it helps to relieve the symptoms of Ama.
• Add a pinch of finely grated ginger with honey and eat. Do not drink water immediately afterward; wait for 10 minutes.
• Take 50 gms of fresh pomegranate skin. Soak it in 800 ml of water for one hour. Boil until a quarter of the volume remains (200 ml). Store this mixture in a clean dry bottle. Take a couple of tablespoons several times a day. If there is blood in the stools, add half a teaspoon of honey to the decoction.

Preparations With Ayurvedic Herbs for Diarrhea:

• Take 5 gms powder of dry roast cumin (Bhrishta Jiraka) or root of Motha (Mustaka) or fruit of Pippali (long pepper) or Shunthi (dried ginger) and mix with 1 liter of Takra (buttermilk) and divide into four droughts; take doses at the interval of six hours.
• 1 to 3 gm(s) of dried ginger (Shunthī) powder with an equal part of Sharkara (raw sugar) two times a day as it helps to relieve the symptoms of Ama.
• Add a pinch of finely grated ginger with honey and eat. Do not drink water immediately afterward; wait for 10 minutes.
• Take 50 gms of fresh pomegranate skin. Soak it in 800 ml of water for one hour. Boil until a quarter of the volume remains (200 ml). Store this mixture in a clean dry bottle. Take a couple of tablespoons several times a day. If there is blood in the stools, add half a teaspoon of honey to the decoction.

Simple Preparations With Ayurvedic Herbs For Diarrhea

• Take the powder of Indrayava (kurchi seed), Tvak-Dalachini (cinnamon bark), the root of Ushira (Khas), the seed of Jambu (Jamun), and fruit pulp of Bilva (bael) in the same quantity. Consume 3 to 6 gms after mixing with Takra (buttermilk).
• Mix powder of Purana Laja (pop of old paddy), the fruit of Dhanyaka (coriander), and Mocharasa (silk-cotton tree resin) in the same quantity. Add fruit of Śatapuṣpā (fennel) powder to the mixture and consume 3 to 6 g of this powder with warm water.
• Take the powder of Jatiphala or Jaiphala (nutmeg), the fruit of Jiraka (cumin), and the fruit pulp of Bilva (bael) in equal quantities. Add grounded Churṇodaka (lime water) in the mixture and make pills of 800 mg. Take one pill in the morning with Taṇḍulodaka (water obtained from the washing of raw rice) in the case of Pitta Pradhana Atisara, and with Karpura-Ambu (camphorated water) in case of Kapha Pradhana Atisara.

Include Probiotics in Your Diet:

Your intestines require ‘beneficial’ bacteria to optimise your gut health. They help in restoring the normal functions of your gastrointestinal tract and keep it protected against infection. Diarrhea occurs when harmful bacteria or viruses impact your gastrointestinal tract. By consuming probiotics, it can help relieve the symptoms, ensuring your gut health is back to normal. Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like cottage cheese, dark chocolate, yogurt, and curd into your diet for the best results.

Follow the BRAT Diet:

It is well-known that certain foods can help manage your diarrhea symptoms better and improve your health eventually. For example: consuming the BRAT diet will restore the consistency of your stool. A BRAT diet consists of:

• Bananas
• Rice
• Applesauce
• Toast

The diet is a combination of foods that have low fiber and high starch content, which ultimately helps in solidifying your bowel.

Eat Rice with Ghee and Yogurt:

Having rice with only ghee and yogurt can be beneficial for boosting gut health and recovery. Rice, which is bland and an easy-to-digest carbohydrate, is a source of energy and can aid in firming up stools. Ghee contains healthy fats that can soothe the gut lining and treat inflammation. Yogurt is a good source of probiotics and helps replenish beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing digestion and restoring balance in the gut microbiome.

Consume Ginger and Sugar with Warm Water:

A tablespoon of grated ginger when added to warm water and mixed with sugar can help manage diarrhea by addressing dehydration and comforting the digestive system. Ginger reduces inflammation in the gut that causes discomfort. While sugar is a quick source of energy and helps in absorption of fluids, aiding in rehydration.

Ayurvedic Medicines For Diarrhea:

Along with the home remedies, various Ayurvedic formulations can also help to treat diarrhea and its related issues. These Ayurvedic formulations will also help to keep you boost hydration and remove stomach infections. Here are some of the most recommended Ayurvedic medicines for diarrhea:

1. Kutaja:

Kutaja is a potent herb in Ayurveda and is traditionally used to treat diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues. It is commonly consumed as a powder (Kutaja churna), decoction, or in Ayurvedic formulations like Kutajarishta. Well-known for its ability to manage acute and chronic diarrhea, Kutaja contains active compounds like conessine that reduces the volume and frequency of loose stools. Kutaja also has antimicrobial properties that help combat pathogens which cause diarrhea and dysentery. The herb is a natural astringent, reducing intestinal inflammation and enhancing fluid absorption.

2. Bilwa:

Bilwa is another highly valued herb in Ayurveda, known for its ability to manage diarrhea and other digestive disorders effectively. Possessing powerful astringent qualities, Bilwa reduces excess secretion of fluids in the intestine, leading to firm stools. This herb too has antimicrobial properties that help treat diarrhea and dysentery. In addition, Bilwa balances the Vata and Kapha doshas which become imbalanced during diarrhea and comforts the digestive tract by soothing the gut lining, leading to faster recovery.

3. Sanjivani Vati: 

Sanjivani Vati is a distinguished Ayurvedic formulation, noted for its digestive and detoxifying properties. It stimulates the digestive fire (Agni), enhancing the breakdown of food and treating diarrhea caused by indigestion. It cleanses Ama (the toxic by-products of undigested food) from the body and restores balance in the digestive tract. Like Kutaja and Bilway, Sanjivani Vati is also antimicrobial and antiparasitic, treating diarrhea and dysentery effectively. The natural formulation also treats inflammation of the intestinal lining, alleviates pain and discomfort in the stomach, and balances Vata and Kapha doshas.

4. Musta

Musta is also commonly used to treat different digestive disorders, including diarrhea. A herb known for its effectiveness in balancing Kapha and Pitta doshas, it reduces inflammation in the gut lining and tightens the intestinal walls, thereby decreasing the frequency and liquidity of stools. Furthermore, Musta absorbs excess fluids in the intestines and fights bacterial or viral infections in the gastrointestinal tract.

Other effective Ayurvedic formulations for diarrhea that have similar functions are:

• Pippali
• Shunthi
• Dhanyaka
• Jatiphala

Diet And Lifestyle Modifications: 

As per Ayurveda, following a healthy diet and lifestyle is essential to treat various gastrointestinal diseases and disorders. Diarrhea, a type of stomach infection, is often caused due to unhealthy food and lifestyle. To maintain your digestive health and treat diarrhea, you should consider these modifications in your diet and lifestyle:

• Maintain optimal hydration throughout the day
• Consume light, easy-to-digest food like liquid rice or porridge
• Soups made with lentils are also suitable for diarrhea. Additionally, you can consume fruits like sweet lime, oranges, apples, and melons
• Avoid non-veg items as these can be difficult to digest
• Include cow milk and goat milk in your diet
• Avoid foods that cause gas formation like beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and meat
• Avoid sugary drinks, carbonated beverages, fermented food items, and caffeinated foods
• Stress, restlessness, and sleeping late at night should be avoided
• The timing of the meal should not vary, and specifically, one should consume dinner two-three hours before bedtime
• Try to stay out of the sun to prevent fluid loss through sweat

Infographic

Please find below the infographic on “Home Remedies and Ayurvedic Treatment For Diarrhea”. Feel free to use this infographic but make sure to cite us at www.healthybazar.com.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that diarrhea can disrupt your daily life but with the right approach, it can be seamlessly managed. Ayurvedic herbs like Bilwa, Kutaja, and Musta when paired with simple home remedies like consuming boiled rice and pomegranate juice offer natural relief from stomach cramps and loose stools. However, severe conditions shouldn’t be ignored; it’s always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate guidance. HealthyBazar offers a wide range of Ayurvedic medicines from top-rated brands. Whether it’s for your skin, hair, ear, nose, or stomach, discover the right solutions for all your health needs at a lesser price.