Homeopathic Remedies for Diarrhea
Argentum nitricum: If a person has diarrhea when anticipating a stressful event
(such as giving a speech or a public performance, taking a test, or attending a party) this
remedy should come to mind. Bloating and flatulence are usually seen, pain may be felt in the
region of the groin, and the diarrhea may look green. Diarrhea that occurs immediately after
eating or drinking, or after eating too much sugar, will often respond to Argentum
nitricum.
Arsenicum album: Diarrhea accompanied by anxiety, restlessness, and exhaustion
suggest a need for this remedy. Burning pain is felt in the digestive tract, and the person
may be thirsty for frequent small sips of tea or water. The stools may be watery and have a
putrescent odor. Simultaneous diarrhea and vomiting is another strong indication.
Arsenicum is often useful when diarrhea has been caused by spoiled or tainted food.
Bryonia: This remedy is often helpful for diarrhea during flu (especially when the
person feels grumpy and wants to lie still and be left alone). It may also be helpful for
diarrhea that occurs when a person gets overheated, then drinks a lot of cold water. Symptoms
often are worse in the morning. The person’s mouth may be very dry.
Chamomilla: Hot, green, watery diarrhea with abdominal pain and gas suggests a need
for this remedy. The person’s face will be red and flushed (sometimes only on one side)
and problems may be worse from warmth. Children who need this remedy will often seem extremely
angry, and scream or hit. Adults are irritable and hypersensitive.
Colocynthis: Cutting and cramping pains in the abdomen precede the diarrhea when
this remedy is indicated. The person feels relief from doubling over, or from putting hard
pressure on the abdomen. This remedy is often helpful when diarrhea follows anger (especially
if the feelings were not expressed).
Gelsemium: This remedy is often indicated if trembling and weakness accompany
diarrhea, especially when nervousness, fear, or emotional upset is the cause.
Gelsemium is also useful during flu with diarrhea, droopy lethargy, fever, chills, and
headache.
Ipecacuanha: If a person has diarrhea accompanied by extreme or constant nausea,
this remedy may bring relief. Cutting, clutching pains are worse around the navel, and the
diarrhea looks frothy or green.
Phosphorus: This remedy can be soothing if a person has a weak or empty feeling in
the abdomen, followed by diarrhea that runs out “like an open faucet.” People who
need this remedy are often thirsty, and may be fearful when ill.
Podophyllum: Profuse, gushing, watery diarrhea that is usually not accompanied by
pain suggests the use of this remedy. The abdomen rumbles and gurgles before the diarrhea
passes, and urging may soon be felt again. Bouts of diarrhea are often worse in the morning,
and also in hot weather.
Pulsatilla: If diarrhea occurs after eating rich and fatty foods, this remedy can be
helpful. Queasiness and abdominal pain are likely to occur, and the diarrhea has a changeable
appearance. The person usually is not be thirsty, feels worse from being warm or in a stuffy
room, and is better in open air. A need for attention, sympathy, and comforting is a strong
indication for Pulsatilla (a very useful remedy for children).
Sulphur: Urgent, hot diarrhea that occurs in the early morning, making the person
rush to the bathroom, suggests a need for this remedy. Burning is often felt in the digestive
tract, and the anus can be itchy, red, and irritated. The person may also have hemorrhoids
that burn and itch.
Homeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where
self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X,
6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually
printed on the label.
Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and
wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If
improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The
frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be
required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and
in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.
For more information, including references, see What is Homeopathy? and Understanding Homeopathic Potencies.
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purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
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before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.