Herbs - Diarrhea - Herbal Remedies

Do not use herbs to treat diarrhea without talking to your health care provider first, and always talk to your doctor before treating diarrhea in an infant. If your diarrhea is caused by certain types of infections, herbal treatments could make it worse. The most common herbal remedies for diarrhea are described below. They can be used as teas unless otherwise noted. You should make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day.

Astringent herbs:

Astringent herbs, such as blackberry leaf (Rubus fruticosus) or raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus), help "dry up" the mucous membranes in the intestine. Make a tea with 1 heaping tsp. per cup. Drink a Â½ cup per hour.
Carob powder (Ceratonia siliqua), which is rich in fiber, may be taken at the rate of 1.5 g per 2.2 pounds or 1 kg of body weight. Dissolve powder into a hydrating solution such as Pedialyte.
Extract of bilberry (Vaccinum myrtillus) also has astringent properties (4 g, spread over several doses). Do not take bilberry if you take anticoagulants (blood-thinners).
Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatorium) is a traditional remedy for diarrhea. Usual dosage is 3 g (about 1/2 tsp.) per day.
Inflammation reducers:

Quercetin (250 - 500 mg two to four times per day), a plant-based flavonoid, may help to reduce inflammation.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is usually taken as a tea. Dissolve 3 - 4 g powder (about 3 tsp.) in 1 cup hot water, strain and cool. Drink three times per day.
Marshmallow root (Althea officinalis) can be taken as cold-water tea. Soak 2 tbs. root in 1 quart of water overnight. Strain. Drink throughout the day.
Slippery elm powder (Ulmus fulva) or marshmallow root powder (Althaea officinalis) can be soothing to the intestines. Use 1 oz. powder to 1 quart of water. Make a paste with the powder and a small amount of water. Gradually add in the rest of the water and then simmer down to 1 pint. Take 1 tsp. every 30 - 60 minutes.
Infection fighters:

Plants containing berberine may help treat infectious diarrhea. These include barberry (Berberis vulgaris) 250 - 500 mg three times per day; goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) 250 - 500 mg three times per day; and Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium ), 250 - 500 mg three times per day. Do not take berberine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Bulk-forming agent:

Psyllium, a soluble fiber that comes from the husks of the seeds of a plant called Plantago ovata, may help treat diarrhea. It is a bulk-forming agent that soaks up water in the colon, helping to firm stool.