Effective Home Remedies For Diarrhoea Relief
Discover effective home remedies for diarrhoea, including hydration tips, dietary adjustments, and natural solutions like ginger, probiotics, and chamomile tea.
Written by Dr Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Diarrhoea is a very common health issue that can significantly perturb daily life because of its symptoms. Frequent, loose or diarrhoea stools with abdominal cramps, nausea or dehydration are its characterising features. The causes can range from viral and bacterial infections to food intolerances or underlying digestive disorders.
In some cases, severe diarrhoea may require medical attention, but in most cases, mild diarrhoea can be corrected by home remedies. These remedies can rehydrate lost fluids, balance the gut, and help with discomfort. Keep reading to discover the home remedies that may help ease discomfort and support the body’s recovery process.
Understanding Diarrhoea
Effective management of diarrhoea requires recognition of the symptoms and causes. If it is identified early, it helps prevent complications.
Common symptoms of diarrhoea include:
Frequent, watery stools
Abdominal cramps
Bloating
Nausea or vomiting
Dry mouth and fatigue
Diarrhoea can stem from various factors, including:
Infections: Viruses (e.g. Norovirus, Rotavirus), bacteria (e.g. Salmonella), or parasites (e.g. Giardia) all cause diarrhoea, some of which are passed along contaminated food or water.
Food Intolerance: Common triggers include celiac disease, lactose intolerance, food poisoning and travellers' diarrhoea from contaminated sources.
Medications: Gut bacteria can be disrupted by antibiotics and some drugs, causing diarrhoea.
Chronic Conditions: Recurring or alternating diarrhoea and constipation are caused by disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Hydration Solutions for Diarrhoea
Replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes determines diarrhoea management. Hydration keeps the body in an optimum condition.
During episodes of diarrhoea, replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes is crucial for maintaining physiological processes. Failure to do so can lead to dangerous dehydration-related complications.
Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is an evidence-based solution for fighting dehydration. A solution of water, salt and sugar helps the intestines absorb fluid better.
Six teaspoons of sugar, half a teaspoon of salt and one litre of boiled and cooled water can be mixed together to make ORS at home, or ORS sachets are available in the pharmacy.
Flavours can be customised with options like lemon or lime to suit individual preferences.
Potassium and calcium are essential for hydration, and coconut water serves as an excellent source of electrolytes that can be used as a natural solvent.
For a natural alternative, one can mix the following ingredients to create a homemade electrolyte drink:
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup pomegranate juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut water
2 cups cold water
Optional additions: Depending on individual requirements, powdered magnesium, sweetener, or calcium
Dietary Modifications for Diarrhoea
Dietary adjustment can reduce diarrhoea symptoms and promote recovery of the gut during diarrhoea. Some foods can soothe the digestive tract and others should be avoided.
It’s often recommended to follow the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast). These foods are bland, easy to digest, and can help firm up stools. Additional options include:
Plain yoghurt
Boiled potatoes
Clear broths
Herbal teas
Certain foods can exacerbate diarrhoea and should be avoided, including:
Fried and greasy foods
Spicy dishes
High-fibre raw vegetables
Sugary drinks and caffeine
Herbal and Natural Remedies
Herbal and natural remedies have been trusted for centuries to manage diarrhoea. These options are typically gentle on the stomach and easy to incorporate into daily routines.
Ginger: Renowned for its anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties, ginger can help soothe the digestive system and alleviate cramps. Drinking ginger tea or mixing grated ginger with honey offers relief.
Fermented Foods: Foods like yoghurt and kefir are rich in probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that restore gut flora balance, promoting quicker recovery from diarrhoea.
Chamomile Tea: Known for its calming effects, chamomile tea may reduce intestinal inflammation and ease diarrhoea symptoms. Drinking a cup two to three times daily can be highly beneficial.
Probiotics and Their Role
Probiotics help to improve gut health and aid in managing diarrhoea. Properly including them in daily diets can prevent and treat episodes effectively.
Probiotics repair the gut by rebalancing the good bacteria in the intestine. They regulate the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines to mitigate inflammation.
Diarrhoea duration and stool frequency are decreased by probiotics by 1–1.5 days. It also helps to strengthen the immune system and improve the body’s ability to fight pathogens.
A few sources of probiotics include:
Yogurt for live cultures
Kimchi and sauerkraut
Supplements containing specially formulated strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium
Practical Tips for Managing Diarrhoea at Home
Effective measures can significantly increase comfort and recovery during a diarrhoeal episode.
Rest is important for allowing the body to recover. Dehydration and fatigue can worsen with physical activity; therefore, rest is crucial.
Tracking symptoms, including frequency and severity, can show if home remedies are effective. This record is also useful for healthcare professionals in case medical intervention is necessary.
When to Seek Medical Help?
Most cases of diarrhoea resolve on their own, while there are times when professional medical care is necessary.
One must seek medical help if any of the following symptoms occur:
High fever
Blood or mucus in stools
Dark urine
Sunken eyes
Intense abdominal pain
Untreated diarrhoea can lead to complications, particularly in vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. Early diagnosis and timely management are crucial and possible with prompt medical care.
Conclusion
Diarrhoea can be upsetting, but many effective home remedies are available that provide relief and help support recovery. The symptoms can be managed by addressing hydration, diet and gut health.
Remedies include staying hydrated and drinking ORS or electrolyte drinks, eating a BRAT diet, and using probiotics and herbal teas. It is equally important to monitor symptoms closely and ensure ample rest for recovery.
Consult Top Gastroenterologist
Consult Top Gastroenterologist
Dr Harish K C
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15 Years • MBBS MD DM MRCP(UK) (SCE-Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
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Silchar
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MGM HEALTH CARE, Chennai
