No drugs should be taken to control diarrhoea as it has been found that anti-diarrhoeal drugs and binding mixture may temporarily relieve the symptoms, but do not really help to cure the disease. Rather they hamper the bowel's protective function to rid the body of its harmful contents.
In severe cases of diarrhoea, it is advisable to observe a complete fast for two days to provide rest for the gastro-intestinal tract. Hot water only may be taken during the period to compensate for the loss of fluids. Juices of fruits may be taken after the acute symptoms are over. After condition improves, meals can be enlarged gradually to include cooked vegetables, whole rice, soured milks. Raw foods should be taken only after the patient completely recovers.
An effective remedy for diarrhoea is the use of buttermilk. It is the residual milk left after the fat has been removed from yoghurt by churning. It helps overcome harmful intestinal flora and re-establish the benign or friendly flora. The acid in the buttermilk also fights germs and bacteria. It may be mixed with a pinch of salt three or four times a day for controlling diarrhoea. Carrot soup is another effective home remedy for diarrhoea. It supplies water to combat dehydration, replenishes sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur and magnesium, supplies pectin and coats the intestine to allay inflammation. It checks the growth of harmful intestinal bacteria and prevents vomitting. Half a kg. of carrot may be cooked in 150 ml. of water until it is soft. The pulp should be strained and boiled water added to make a litre. Three-quarter tablespoon of salt may be mixed. This soup should be given in small amounts to the patient every half an hour.
The pomegranate has proved beneficial in the treatment of diarrhoea because of its astringent properties. If the patient develops weakness due to profuse and continous purging, he should be given repeatedly about 50 ml. of pomegranate juice to drink. This will control the diarrhoea. Turmeric has proved another effective home remedy for diarrhoea. It is a very useful intestinal antiseptic. It is also a gastric stimulant and a tonic. Turmeric rhizome, its juice or dry powder are all very helpful in curing chronic diarrhoea. In the form of dry powder, it ma y be taken in buttermilk or plain water.
In case of diarrhoea caused by indigestion, dry or fresh ginger is very useful. A piece of dry ginger is powdered along with a crystal of rock salt. A quarter teaspoon of this powder should be taken with a small piece of jaggery. It will bring quick relief as ginger, being carminative, aids digestion by stimulating the gastro-intestinal tract.
Starchy liquids such as arrowroot water, barley water, rice grual and coconut water are beneficial in the treatment of diarrhoea. They not only replace the fluid lost but also bind the stools. Other home remedies include bananas and garlic. Bananas contain pectin and encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria. Garlic is a powerful, effective and harmless antibiotic. It aids digestion and routs parasites.
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