Homeopathic Remedies for Diarrhea

Although homeopathic remedies are sometimes recommended by alternative medicine practitioners for diarrhea, these remedies are mostly unsupported by evidence that they are effective. Therefore, homeopathy shouldn't replace conventional care. Left untreated, severe dehydration and electrolyte loss may develop rapidly. These are especially a concern in children. Staying hydrated, replenishing with electrolytes, eating bland foods, and rest are standard self-care recommendations for adults with diarrhea.

Homeopathic remedies are selected based on each patient's unique symptoms. The following are common anti-diarrheal remedies specific to certain presenting symptoms.

Aloe

Diarrhea that is accompanied by gas. There may be gurgling and rumbling in the abdomen before bowel movements. The person may have involuntary stools while passing gas.

Arsenicum Album

Symptoms of burning diarrhea accompanied by extreme tiredness, anxiety, restlessness, nausea, and vomiting suggest this remedy. Arsenicum album is the main homeopathic remedy for diarrhea caused by spoiled or tainted food and traveler's diarrhea, which also called "Montezuma's Revenge." The person may be thirsty for small sips of water and feel better with hot packs to the abdomen. The person may also have cramping abdominal pain and feel worse with cold drinks or food. The stools are watery.

Ipecacuanha

Ipecacuanha may be recommended for severe diarrhea accompanied by nausea or vomiting. There may also be sharp pains and frequent bowel movements with stools that may look slimy, frothy, or green.

Phosphorus

This homeopathic remedy may be recommended for someone with diarrhea that leaves the person exhausted, but is usually not accompanied by pain. The rectum has a loose sensation. There is usually thirst and a marked weak and empty feeling in the abdomen. The person may feel better with sleep and cold drinks or food.

Podophyllum

A homeopath may suggest Podophyllum for watery, urgent, profuse, and explosive diarrhea accompanied by much gas. The person feels worse with heat, movement, and after drinking and eating. After having a bowel movement, the severe cramping and rumbling may be relieved, but the person is left feeling faint, weak, and empty until the next urging.

Sulfur

Sulfur is often used for diarrhea with marked urgency that is usually worse in the morning. The person often has rectal burning, itchiness or soreness and passes stools that feel hot and may have a very offensive smell.

Using Homeopathy for Diarrhea

Due to a lack of supporting research, it's too soon to recommend homeopathy as a treatment for diarrhea.

The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician. It is not meant to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, circumstance or adverse effects. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.