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How to stop diarrhea naturally

How to Stop Diarrhea Naturally

Introduction

Let’s face it – nobody wants to talk about diarrhea, but when it strikes, you want solutions fast!

In this brief article we’ll look at not only how to solve your symptoms rapidly but how to stop diarrhea naturally. Mother Nature has some incredibly effective remedies, which are well documented in the clinical records of East Asian Medicine.

Whether you’re dealing with a bout of traveler’s diarrhea, got the stomach bug, or ate something that didn’t agree with you, these gentle yet powerful natural approaches will help get your digestive system back on track.


How to stop diarrhea naturally

Ready to discover some time-tested, natural ways to restore harmony to your digestive system?

Let’s dive into the world of natural digestive relief!


East Asian Herbal Medicines for Diarrhea

herbal medicine for diarrhea treatment

Poria–(茯苓FuLing)

Poria (Fu Ling) is a medicinal fungi that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years to treat various digestive disorders, including diarrhea. This white fungus, which grows on the roots of pine trees, contains several bioactive compounds including triterpenes, polysaccharides, and beta-glucans that contribute to its therapeutic effects. Poria is considered to have gentle yet effective properties that help strengthen the spleen and stomach systems while promoting healthy fluid metabolism in the body. These actions make it particularly useful for diarrhea that is accompanied by digestive weakness, fatigue, and loose stools.

Poria is rarely used alone but is typically combined with other herbs in formulas tailored to specific patterns of digestive imbalance. Common companion herbs include white atractylodes (Bai Zhu), coix seed (Yi Yi Ren), and ginger (Sheng Jiang), which work synergistically to enhance its therapeutic effects. The recommended dosage varies based on the preparation method and individual needs, but typically ranges from 6-15 grams daily in decoction form. Modern research has begun to validate Poria’s traditional uses, suggesting prebiotic effects that can help modulate gut microbiota and support healthy digestive function. Additionally, its mild nature makes it suitable safe for a variety of situations.

Atractylodes–(白术BaiZhu)

Atractylodes (Bai Zhu) is one of the most important herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine for strengthening digestive function and addressing diarrhea. This aromatic root contains active compounds including atractylone, butenolide, and various sesquiterpenes that contribute to its therapeutic effects. Like poria, atractylodes is also a key herb for strengthening the Spleen Qi – the energy system responsible for healthy digestion and nutrient absorption. And additionally its warming and drying properties make it particularly effective for diarrhea associated with digestive enzyme deficiencies, poor appetite, irregular gastrointestinal motility, and fatigue. With modern research confirming its anti-inflammatory properties and regulating action on gastrointestinal motility.

Clinical applications of Atractylodes typically involve combining it with complementary herbs to enhance its therapeutic effects. Common combinations include pairing it with Poria (Fu Ling) for dampness with fatigue, ginger (Sheng Jiang) for cold-type diarrhea, or codonopsis (Dang Shen) for cases involving significant fatigue and weakness. The typical dosage ranges from 6-12 grams daily when used in traditional decoctions.

To read more about how atractylodes is used to stop diarrhea and for the treatment of a slew of digestive health conditions, please read the article “The Root (rhizome…) of Your Gastrointestinal Health–Atractylodes for IBD, IBS, General GI Health and More” on the FHC Clinic blog.

Kudzu Root–(葛根GeGen)

kudzu is a natural remedy for diarrhea and other conditions
The Kudzu Flower–Its root is used for diarrhea and other conditions

Kudzu root (Ge Gen) holds a significant place in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a versatile herb that can address various digestive disorders, including certain types of diarrhea. This robust climbing vine, often considered invasive in many parts of the world, contains valuable compounds including isoflavones, saponins, and puerarin that contribute to its therapeutic effects. Kudzu root is particularly noted for its ability to treat diarrhea associated with acute conditions, especially when accompanied by neck tension, fever, or thirst; in classical diagnostics this is known as wind-heat or wind-cold pattern. In other words, it simultaneously clears heat from the body’s surface while harmonizing the digestive system making it especially valuable when diarrhea is accompanied by cold or flu-like symptoms.

Kudzu root is often prescribed in combination with other herbs to enhance its therapeutic benefits and address specific symptom patterns. Common herbal partners include mint (Bo He) for heat-type digestive issues, cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi) for cold-type conditions, or ginger (Sheng Jiang) when additional warming properties are needed. The typical dosage ranges from 10-15 grams daily when prepared as a traditional decoction. Modern scientific research has begun to validate many of the traditional uses of Kudzu root, with studies suggesting it possesses anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate smooth muscle contractions. Therefore influencing and stabilizing gut motility and secretions.

Coptis–(黃連HuangLian)

coptis is an anti-inflammatory herb which can be used for diarrhea treatment

Coptis (Huang Lian) stands as one of the most potent bitter herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, particularly valued for its powerful effects in treating inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract and beyond. It contains berberine, a well-researched alkaloid compound, along with other active constituents that contribute to its strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Coptis is specifically indicated for diarrhea characterized by heat symptoms – including loose stools with a strong odor, burning sensations, abdominal pain, thirst, and possible fever. Its intensely bitter nature and cold properties make it especially effective at clearing heat and toxins from the digestive system, making it a go-to herb for acute infections, food poisoning, and other digestive inflammatory conditions.

Coptis is typically combined with other herbs to balance its cold nature and enhance its therapeutic effects while minimizing potential side effects. Common combinations include pairing it with Scutellaria (Huang Qin) for intense heat conditions, ginger (Sheng Jiang) to moderate its cold properties, or licorice root (Gan Cao) to harmonize its effects and protect the digestive system. The dosage range is relatively small compared to other herbs, typically 3-9 grams daily in decoction form, due to its potent nature. Modern research has extensively studied Coptis and its main constituent berberine, confirming its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiarrheal effects. Studies have shown it can help regulate gut bacteria and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, though its strong nature means it should be used with caution and under professional guidance.

Alisma–(澤瀉ZeXie)

Alisma (Ze Xie) is a fascinating aquatic herb that has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine, primarily for its ability to regulate fluid metabolism and support urinary function, though it also plays a role in certain digestive conditions including diarrhea. The tuber contains active compounds including alisol A and B, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. Alisma is gentle, yet very powerful in draining dampness from the digestive tract. Therefore it is specifically indicated for conditions where there is an accumulation of dampness in the intestines, often manifesting as loose stools, sensations of heaviness, bloating, and fluid retention.

Alisma is typically prescribed in compound herbal formulas rather than used alone, these strategic pairings enhance effectiveness. Common pairings include Poria (Fu Ling) for strengthening its dampness-draining properties, atractylodes (Bai Zhu) for stabilizing motility and enhancing digestive function, or coix seed (Yi Yi Ren) if dampness accumulation is more severe or chronic. The typical dosage ranges from 6-15 grams daily when prepared as a traditional decoction. Modern research has begun to validate some of Alisma’s traditional uses, with studies suggesting it possesses diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-regulating properties. Its ability to address dampness accumulation makes it valuable as part of comprehensive formulas for certain types of diarrhea, particularly when fluid metabolism is impaired.


natural remedies for diarrhea that work fast

How to know which is your best option

The five herbs above are effective options and good examples of how to stop diarrhea naturally. They are gentle and generally safe. But to be most effective they must be matched to your specific symptom pattern. These five are demonstrative of the basic diarrhea pattern types and the assigned solutions.

Coptis for heat pattern type. Poria for spleen and stomach qi deficiency type. Alisma for dampness type. Atractylodes for dampness/qi deficiency type. And Kudzu for wind-heat pattern type.

Each pattern has a unique set of symptoms. An evaluation by a trained herbalist who can correctly diagnose your condition will be the fastest, most effective, and safest option to diarrhea relief and digestive harmony.


New Gut Rx

Dr. Marc created New Gut Rx to decrease GI tract inflammation, regulate motility, and restructure the microbiome. In lieu of a personalized prescription, it is the best approximation for broad use.

Or to schedule a telehelth consultation with Dr.Marc and discuss a custom formula specifically created for you, please click here to schedule.

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