Loose motion or diarrhea is a very distressing ailment. However, this condition can be eased with the help of some home remedies.
We all suffer from loose motion every now and then. Sometimes it was the party food or sometimes it was nothing unusual.
Diarrhea refers to the condition of having loose and watery stools three to four times a day, or sometimes even more [1].
Loose motion causes unpleasant symptoms. These are: having an urgent need to go to the comfort room, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloating [2].
This condition commonly happens due to a viral or bacterial infection. But it can also be a sign of an underlying disease such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [3].
There are some research-backed and affordable home remedies for loose motion or diarrhea that you may rely on.
The remedies use only natural ingredients, hence have no side effects. Some scientific literature confirm the efficacy of these home remedies for loose motion.
14 Home Remedies for Loose Motion
1. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds are one of the world’s oldest herbal remedies. People in India, China, and Rome have been using it since ancient times for various medicinal applications [4].
Some of its practical purposes include aiding in digestion, inducing labor, boosting metabolism, lowering blood sugar, stimulating lactation and reducing swelling [4].
In the Middle East, it is a popular folk remedy for diarrhea and abdominal cramps [5].
It may help alleviate the symptoms and make you feel better.
Fenugreek seeds have high mucilage content. It can help bulk up the stool and reduce the severity of diarrhea [6].
Mucilage is the gluey gelatinous secretion from plants and seeds. It may make it easier for you to pass the stool.
How to use fenugreek seeds for loose motion remedy:
Mix 1 cup of yogurt and 1/2 cup of fenugreek seeds. Chew the seeds mixed with yogurt throughout the day. Repeat as needed.
2. Banana
How often have the doctor advised you to eat a banana when you’re having diarrhea?
Banana is one of the most effective home remedies for diarrhea in babies.
A banana tree is highly medicinal [7].
In fact, all of its parts have therapeutic purposes. The flowers may treat bronchitis and ulcers. The sap may alleviate fever and hemorrhoids. The leaves are effective in soothing burns and other skin injuries.
The fruit meanwhile can be eaten to relieve loose motion [7].
It works because a fully ripe banana is a natural antibiotic. It may kill the source of infection causing diarrhea.
A Bangladeshi study involved 62 boys ages 5 to 12 months with persistent diarrhea. They ate either cooked banana, pectin, or rice diet once a day for seven days [8].
The result showed that bananas were just as effective as pectin. The fruit reduced the frequency of bowel movement and vomiting [8].
In another study that probed 65 cases of diarrhea in infants.
It revealed that banana therapy may maintain proper weight during the course of disease [9].
This is important as babies and children tend to lose a lot of weight due to vomiting and frequent passing of stool [9].
Similar to other studies yielded positive results. All suggesting that bananas are useful in the treatment of loose motion [10, 11, 12].
Recommended directions of using banana for loose motion in babies:
Eat 2-3 ripe bananas throughout the day. Do this remedy until loose motion stops.
3. Yogurt
As it turns out, yogurt is more than just a healthy alternative to ice cream.
It has many other benefits for health. It is full of probiotics and other essential nutrients.
Many studies have also proven yogurt’s efficacy as a cure for diarrhea [13, 14, 15, 16, 17].
In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 24 HIV patients with moderate diarrhea took 100 ml of yogurt or placebo per day for 15 days [13].
Those who took probiotics experienced a reduction in diarrhea, nausea, and flatulence after two days [13].
A 1990 study reports that children suffering from diarrhea who received yogurt instead of milk recovered more quickly from the disease [14].
This remedy also works for diarrhea caused by antibiotic therapy, reports a 2003 study [15].
A total of 202 patients with antibiotic-associated diarrhea took either yogurt supplement or a placebo for eight days [15].
Results show that the yogurt takers improved in their condition more than those who took a placebo [15].
Yogurt is beneficial for various cases of diarrhea involving babies, children, healthy adults, people with antibiotic resistance, and HIV/AIDS patients [13, 14, 15, 16, 17].
How to use yogurt for treating loose motion naturally:
Add 1 sliced banana to a cup of yogurt. Eat two to three times a day until symptoms improve.
4. Ginger
Escherichia coli, a type of bacteria is one of the common causes of loose motion. You may inhibit it using ginger [18].
This was the result of an animal trial featured in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry [18].
The active component zingerone is responsible for ginger’s anti-diarrhea effects [18].
Not only does ginger get to the bottom of the problem, but it also helps alleviate diarrhea symptoms.
It has antispasmodic effects. Thus ginger can relieve abdominal pain. Its antiemetic properties that prevent vomiting [19, 20].
Researchers from Pakistan observed that ginger has the ability to stop contractions in the abdominal area [19].
Contributing to these actions are flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins [19].
How to use ginger for diarrhea treatment:
Grate 1 piece of ginger root. Boil water in a pot. Add grated ginger. Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add 1 teaspoon of honey to brewed ginger. Drink ginger tea two to three times a day until you feel better.
Related: 20 Great Ways Of Using Ginger To Fight Your Acne
5. Chamomile Tea
Tunisian healers have been using chamomile for treating digestive problems for many years [21].
To establish its efficacy and safety in scientific literature as a treatment for diarrhea, a group of scientists from Tunisia and France examined the effects of chamomile in rats with castor oil-induced diarrhea [21].
Findings reveal that chamomile has positive effects on this condition. It may alleviate the symptoms and shortening the duration of infection [21].
Several other studies confirm chamomile has potent anti-diarrheal effects [22, 23, 24].
In one German study, apple pectin and chamomile preparation were compared with a placebo in treating diarrhea in children [22].
The therapy took place for three days. By the end of the treatment, those who consumed apple pectin and chamomile felt better than the other group [22].
About 80 percent of the patients expressed positive feedback regarding the treatment [22].
Home remedy for loose motion using chamomile:
Pour 2 cups of water into a pot. Bring water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of chamomile flowers and peppermint leaves each. Remove from heat. Drink tea three times a day for up to three days.
Related: 14 Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea (Backed by Science)
6. Homemade Oral Rehydration Salts
Some of the dangerous effects of diarrhea are dehydration and reduction in electrolytes [25].
Diarrhea causes frequent passing of stool. It makes the body lose a lot of fluid along with essential electrolytes and minerals. Your body needs these minerals and electrolytes to maintain important processes [25].
Extreme dehydration could lead to death.
Experts have proven a glucose and electrolyte solution to be effective in replacing lost water and electrolytes during episodes of diarrhea [26].
The 10 patients in the trial could maintain the levels of fluid and electrolytes until the infection was finally resolved [26].
This indicates the effectiveness of this remedy. It may prevent dehydration during the course of this disease.
You can make your own at home using this simple recipe.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 liter of drinking water
- 6 teaspoons of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Recommended Directions:
Add salt and sugar to water. Mix well. Drink solution several times a day until diarrhea subsides.
7. Peppermint
Sometimes, loose motion can happen due to irritable bowel syndrome.
One way to relieve this condition is with peppermint.
Peppermint oil has always been the top remedy used for this particular condition.
Results of various clinical trials serve as proof that peppermint oil is an effective solution for IBS and diarrhea [27, 28, 29].
In a 2016 study peppermint was highly effective in relieving the symptoms among the 72 patients diagnosed with IBS [27].
The patients experienced a 40 percent improvement in the condition within four weeks of treatment [27].
In 2013, 74 patients with IBS received either peppermint oil or placebo [28].
Once again, the oil proved superior to placebo in combating the disease [28].
Researchers explain that the menthol in peppermint has potent antispasmodic properties. It enables to block the calcium channel of smooth muscles in the intestine [28].
Then there’s this experiment conducted in West Virginia. In which IBS patients took either a peppermint oil capsule or a placebo [29].
As expected, the capsule worked better in relieving abdominal distension and pain. It reduced stool frequency as well [29].
However, two patients experienced mild side effects, skin irritation and heartburn [29].
How to use peppermint oil for loose motion remedy:
Stir in 3 drops of peppermint oil into 1 cup of hot water. Drink throughout the day. Repeat two to three times a day for one week.
8. Lavender Oil
Lavender is a fragrant shrub that originated in the Mediterranean region. Romans, Greeks, and Arabians used Lavender for centuries due to its medicinal purposes [30].
It is highly potent as a medicinal herb. Lavenders use has spread to many other parts of the world.
Right now, lavender is being grown in southern Europe, the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom [30].
Experts have long discovered its significant analgesic properties. It may be useful for people suffering from diarrhea [31].
As you know, abdominal pain is one of its most common symptoms.
In this laboratory experiment, mice induced with acetic acid and formalin were given lavender oil for pain alleviation [31].
It was found that lavender gives quick-acting relief for pain [31].
How to use lavender oil for loose motion symptoms:
Mix 6 drops of lavender oil with 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil. Gently massage the abdominal area with the mixture. Use this remedy several times a day.
Related: 11 Health Benefits of Lavender Oil That You Should Know
9. Bergamot
Another useful remedy for diarrhea is bergamot.
It is high in antioxidants. It strengthens the body’s immune defense to fight bacterial infection more efficiently [32].
A study in the Clinical Nutrition Journal reports of the beneficial properties of bergamot and its flavonoids in diarrhea-causing colitis [32].
Rats demonstrated significant improvement in their condition after four days of using bergamot [32].
There was also a dramatic reduction in the inflammatory responses in the colon [32].
That’s not all. Bergamot is also helpful in treating irritable bowel syndrome [32].
Method of using bergamot for loose motion remedy:
Add 1 tablespoon of bergamot juice and 1 teaspoon of honey to a glass of water. Mix well.
Drink the juice two to three times a day until you get relief from diarrhea.
10. Basil
An annual herb that can be found in many countries, basil belongs to the Lamiaceae plant family [33].
It has important usage in perfumery and culinary. Traditional healers and modern scientists confirm of Its medicinal powers too.
It is a strong antibacterial agent, working with many types of bacteria, including E. coli [33].
As mentioned previously, E. coli is a pathogen typically linked to diarrhea.
Research suggests that basil is a practical natural remedy for loose motion [33].
How to use basil for the loose motion:
Boil 1 teaspoon of basil leaves in water. Simmer and then remove from heat. Add a teaspoon of honey to it. Strain mixture. Drink the tea two to three times a day for one week.
11. Black Tea
If you’re like most tea drinkers, you also probably feel better after drinking a cup of hot tea.
Black tea, for instance, seems to have a soothing effect on the stomach. It’s a common practice for the Chinese to drink this beverage after every meal.
They believe that it helps facilitate digestion, and prevent flatulence and bloating.
According to research the flavonoids in black tea may reduce inflammation and fight the bacterial infection.
These two are important benefits for anyone who’s suffering from diarrhea [34].
Its other compounds such as phenols, catechins and alkaloids are also active in combating pathogenic microbes [35].
Recommended directions for using black tea as loose motion remedy:
Boil a cup of water in a pot. Remove from heat. Add 1 teaspoon of black tea leaves or black tea bag to the water. Let it steep. Strain mixture or remove tea bag. Drink the tea twice a day for one week.
12. Mustard Seeds
Mustard seed or brassica nigra is a strong aromatic spice that comes from the mustard plants. People grow the cruciferous mustard plants as crop and vegetable in the temperate regions of Europe, North Africa, and Asia.
From ancient time onward mustard seeds are vital home remedies for many health problems.
These tiny aromatic seeds potent are rich in antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus mustard seeds may relieve joint pains, stiff muscles, chest congestions, eczema, ringworm, respiratory disorders, diarrhea or loose motions, etc. [36]
How to use mustard seeds for diarrhea:
Soak a ¼ teaspoon of mustard seeds in a glass of water for an hour. Consume the potion thrice daily to inhibit loose motions quickly.
13. Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a royal fruit in the East. The aesthetic fruit contains fiber, vitamins such as K, and C and minerals like potassium. These active nutrients make pomegranate a must eat fruit for your well-being. [37]
The components of pomegranate have antibacterial qualities to relieve loose motions. It’s not just the red and tart juice but the seeds of pomegranate are medicinal as well. Let’s get to know how to eat pomegranate as an effective home remedy for loose motion.
Recommended directions:
Simply eat two pomegranates a day to relieve loose motions. You can blend pomegranate and consume the juice at least three glasses a day. The fiber content of the fruit will stop loose motion in no time.
Related: 16 Health Benefits of Pomegranate (Backed by Evidence)
14. Honey
People who prefer natural remedies for different illnesses know the importance of honey. Honey is not just a natural sweetener but also a superfood.
Raw honey is one of the valuable ingredients in Ayurveda medicinal practice. Honey may relieve the symptoms of loose motion at the earliest. [38]
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of raw honey
- 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder
- 1 glass of warm water
Recommended Directions:
Add honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon powder to a glass of mildly warm water. Consume this potent antibacterial potion thrice daily. It’s advisable that you begin your day consuming this drink on an empty stomach. Repetition of the natural treatment will relieve the problem in two days’ time.
Related: The Benefits of Honey and Cinnamon for Weight Loss
When to See Your Doctor
Loose motion or diarrhea has terribly harmful effects. Its worst effect on the body is dehydration. Dehydration can be of several types:
- mild dehydration
- moderate to severe dehydration
In such a situation you should seek the help of a doctor. Often the cause of diarrhea may be an infection. It may put your health into risk.
Consult a professional and do proper diagnosis and treatment if you notice the following: [39]
- Loose motion persisting for more than 2-3 day.
- Abdominal and rectum pain
- High fever
- Passing stools more than 6 times a day
- Bloody black and tarry stools with pus
- Vomiting and severe dehydration.
Medicine for Loose Motion
In case your loose motion is persistent for three days you should reach for some over the counter medications. It is better to talk to a doctor and get some prescribed OTC drug to stop loose motion fast. Some of the traditional antidiarrheal medications include bismuth subsalicylate and loperamide. Follow the guidance of a medical professional for proper dosage.
Some Q&A About Loose Motion
What are symptoms of dehydration due to loose motion?
Dehydration due to the loose motion has multiple symptoms.
For mild dehydration, symptoms include:
- A flushed face
- A feeling of extreme thirst which is more than the usual urge
- Inability to drink
- Both dry and warm skin
- Inability to pass urine
- Concentrated urine, having a dark yellow color
- Dizziness which gets worse when standing
- Weakness all over the body
- Muscle cramps in arms and legs
- Irritable with an uneasy feeling of sleepiness
- A headache
- A dry mouth with little and thick saliva production
For severe dehydration symptoms include:
- Very low blood pressure
- Fainting due to the low blood pressure
- Severe convulsions
- Bloated stomach
- Heart failure
- Dry and sunken eyes
- Wrinkled body skin
- Rapid breathing, with a feeling of breathlessness
- Weak pulse rate
What are the types of diarrhea or loose motion that one may have?
There are several types of loose motion that a person can have. They are:
- acute watery diarrhea
- acute bloody diarrhea
- persistent diarrhea
What to do if I am passing blood with my stools?
If you have loose motion and are passing blood, then contact your physician immediately.
I think I have a lot of mucus in my stools. What do I do?
As you already know, loose motion or diarrhea can be a symptom of a greater disease. Mucus in the stool, a great amount to be precise, means that you may have a gastrointestinal problem. If that is the case then you must consult a doctor immediately!
Conclusion
Loose motion can cause great discomfort, and even put you at risk of further health complication.
It’s a good idea to treat loose motion with natural and chemical-free home remedies such as the ones featured here.
The natural remedies may reduce the unpleasant symptoms of a loose motion to a great extent. In case your condition doesn’t improve, consult a doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Read More: 11 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Stomach Ache That’ll Actually Work
