If you experience watery, loose stools for a long period of time, you may be suffering from chronic diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea may be an indication of another underlying condition.
An adult suffers from diarrhea about 3 to 4 times a year, and these are often painful but temporary. Chronic diarrhea lasts longer and happens more frequently. There are traditional medications available to treat the symptoms along with dietary modifications, but there are herbal remedies that are helpful in treating diarrhea as well.
Chronic Diarrhea
Diarrhea that persists for longer than a week may be a sign of a chronic condition, such as ulcerative colitis, IBS, or Crohn’s disease. Diarrhea is often accompanied by cramping, stomach pain, bloating, and nausea. If you also experience fever or see blood in your stools, consult a doctor immediately.
Herbal Remedies for Chronic Diarrhea
Some herbs that treat diarrhea include chamomile, pau d’arco, blackberry root bark, and raspberry leaves. Grapefruit seed extract has an anti-parasitic action that aids in relieving diarrhea, and fenugreek calms your intestines. Slippery elm bark, wild oregano oil, and marshmallow root soothe the stomach as well.
Best Herbal Chronic Diarrhea Treatment
As per the University of Michigan Health System, the best herbal remedy to treat chronic diarrhea is red raspberry plant leaves. In addition to relieving diarrhea due to its astringent action and high-tannin content, raspberry leaves also help with morning sickness, intestinal spasms, canker sores, and hot flashes.
Chronic diarrhea can be dangerous as it can be a sign of something much more severe. If you experience diarrhea that lasts more than 5-7 days, consult your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can check your history, symptoms, and can either recommend the proper treatment or refer you to a gastroenterologist for further assessment. If you think an herbal remedy might be beneficial for you, discuss your options with your doctor as some herbs should not be consumed while on certain medications.
Featured Image: depositphotos/leungchopan
Posted on May 5, 2023