Homeopathy for Diarrhea

I know this is not the most pleasant topic. And to be honest I’m literally blushing just writing this. The first time I taught a beginner’s homeopathy class I held my notes in front of my face so I didn’t have to look at anyone while I talked about homeopathy for diarrhea. However, diarrhea and homeopathy are an incredible match.

Diarrhea symptoms are fairly simple and straightforward. Stool that is watery or loose. Coupled with loose stool three or more times a day, then you have diarrhea. Other symptoms of diarrhea that can accompany loose stool include cramping in the abdomen, mucus/blood in stool, and abdominal bloating.

In its simplest form, diarrhea is an acute condition that usually doesn’t last very long. The suffering can be great during that time and can easily be treated with homeopathic remedies. However, if diarrhea lasts for a couple of weeks to months, along with the presence of blood or mucus in the stool, clinical tests may be needed. In such cases, tests like stool culture, endoscopy, colonoscopy, wheat allergy, etc., are conducted. Not everybody with diarrhea needs to undergo clinical tests and investigations. Simple diarrhea with a duration of a few days to a week is not very serious and can be treated with adequate home remedies.

Dangers of Diarrhea

Diarrhea causes a person to lose a significant amount of vital fluids and causes dehydration. The signs to look out for to detect dehydration are dry skin, lightheadedness, less urination, and general weakness. In case you experience such symptoms, it is necessary to restore the fluids immediately.

There are several ways to do this. One is drinking more fluids. And straight water won’t cut it as it lacks the electrolytes to rehydrate. HERE is a natural recipe for an electrolyte drink. Avoid commercial electrolyte drinks as they contain a lot of sugar and sugar is going to make the diarrhea worse. Homemade bone broth is another good idea. It is very soothing for the gut and has many nourishing properties. HERE is a recipe to make your own.

Homeopathy for Diarrhea

If you do an internet search for “homeopathy for diarrhea” you will find many sites that list what that person believes to be the best remedies for this condition. I have my favorite as well. Homeopathy is extremely effective when treating diarrhea.

• Aethusa – Loose stool due to exposure to milk. Infants who react poorly to any milk, even in breastmilk will benefit from this remedy. The stool is like curdled milk and is a watery green, or yellow. There may even be blood.
• Aloe socotrina – There is a lot of gas with this remedy. There will be gurgling and rumbling in the intestines before the stool. The diarrhea is worse in the morning and may drive the person out of bed in the morning due to involuntary stool.
• Arsenicum – Our #1 remedy for food poisoning and the burning, acrid diarrhea that often accompanies it. Often, nausea and vomiting go with the diarrhea. Everything is worse at midnight and with cold places, cold food, or cold drinks.
• Phosphorus – If someone has diarrhea from even the slightest indiscretion of their diet, reach for Phosphorus. It is often worse during pregnancy and better after sleep. The stool may have bright red blood and is watery with lumps of white mucus.
• Podophyllum – This remedy is for watery, profuse, explosive diarrhea. They may have cramps that cause the person to double over, but the cramps are not relieved by the stool. The stool is watery, rice water, frothy, pasty, yellow or greenish, and has offensive smells. I keep this one in my Sports First Aid box. This remedy is for diarrhea made worse in hot weather. My boys play football here in South Texas and it is still very hot during the fall. I don’t want them to worry about this situation on the field!
• Sulphur – Urgent stool every morning. It often has an offensive smell so much so that the family will avoid the bathroom for 20 minutes. It smells like rotten eggs and may be bloody, frothy, or with mucus. The stool is painful with burning or soreness of the anus on passing the stool.
• Veratrum – This is my go-to for diarrhea with an unknown origin. It is odorless and profuse. It can be worse during menses. And the forehead and abdomen may feel cold.

Dosing Instructions

The word “diarrhea” is enough to cause most mothers’ knees to start shaking. It can be worrisome and the laundry can become overwhelming. And if you’ve ever suffered from this malady it can be awful. I am so thankful we have homeopathy. I have used these remedies with my family when this condition strikes. Give a dose after every episode of loose stool. Consequently, as the person improves you will automatically be giving fewer doses of the remedy. Also, as the person improves I like to give a dose or two of China as it’s worse for fluid loss.