6 Herbal Remedies to Treat Diarrhea

In addition to stopping diarrhea, these remedies help prevent dehydration, replenish the loss of electrolytes that often accompanies the condition, and treat diarrhea naturally.
6 Herbal Remedies to Treat Diarrhea
Maricela Jiménez López

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Maricela Jiménez López.

Last update: 30 May, 2022

When we suffer an episode of diarrhea, our body loses fluids and nutrients that are essential for the functioning of all its systems.

This problem, which is not a disease but rather a symptom, produces an imbalance that manifests itself through physical weakness, dizziness and abdominal pain.

For this reason, although it does not represent a serious condition, it’s essential to take certain remedies that help to stop it while counteracting the dehydration which accompanies it.

We want to take this opportunity to share 6 herbal solutions that are ideal for restoring lost fluids and salt and regulating digestion.

Do not miss out on trying them!

1. Thyme tea

treat diarrhea with thyme tea

Thyme is one of the most popular herbs in the catalog of alternative treatments for ailments that affect the digestive system. It is soothing and contains nutrients that help improve health in cases of diarrhea.

Its compounds help keep bowel movements and the digestive process in balance. In addition, it’s antimicrobial and prevents certain infections.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of water (250 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon thyme (5 g)

Preparation

  • Boil a cup of water and, when it reaches a boil, add the teaspoon of thyme.
  • Let it cool for 10 minutes and strain it.

How to consume

  • Drink a cup of tea when you have diarrhea.
  • If necessary, take it twice a day.

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2. Fennel tea

This digestive remedy is a good ally for controlling diarrhea. Its minerals help regulate electrolyte levels and prevent discomfort from dehydration.

It is easy on the stomach and serves as “food” for healthy bacteria that protect the intestine against infectious agents.

Ingredients

  • 1 spoonful of grated fennel (15 g)
  • 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

  • Add the fennel to a cup of boiling water and cover the beverage.
  • Let it sit for 10 minutes and filter it with a sieve.

How to consume

  • Drink 2 or 3 cups of tea per day until the diarrhea stops.

3. Cinnamon tea

cinnamon tea

Cinnamon has medicinal properties that help control loose bowel movements. It’s anti-inflammatory and does not cause irritation in the intestinal lining.

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (5 g)
  • 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

  • Add cinnamon powder to a cup of boiling water.
  • Let the drink sit until it is suitable for consumption.

How to consume

  • Drink 2 cups of cinnamon tea per day.
  • Take it for 3 days in a row.

4. Mint tea

mint green tea to lose abdominal fat

Peppermint is a digestive tonic that can stop many stomach symptoms. In addition to stopping diarrhea, it balances the bacterial flora and decreases the production of acidic juices.

These properties help keep the pH of the stomach in balance, avoiding inflammatory problems or recurrent pain.

Ingredients

  • A cup of water (250 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon mint leaves (15 g)
  • 1 tablespoon of honey (25 g)

Preparation

  • Boil a cup of water and add the mint leaves.
  • Cover the tea and let it steep for 10 minutes.
  • After this time, filter it with a sieve and sweeten it with a spoonful of honey.

How to consume

  • Drink up to 3 cups of tea per day to stop diarrhea.

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5. Sage tea

sage tea

Sage is an astringent plant which controls the stomach’s pH to facilitate the management of problems such as diarrhea. Its properties relieve inflammation and reduce the physical weakening caused by dehydration.

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon of sage leaves (5 g)
  • 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

  • Add a teaspoon of sage leaves to a cup of boiling water.
  • Let the drink stand for 10 minutes and strain it.

How to consume

  • Drink the beverage when you have diarrhea.
  • Take it up to 2 times a day.

6. Birch bark tea

This herbal remedy slows down the symptoms of diarrhea and replenishes liquids and minerals. Its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties regulate digestive health and prevent stomach issues resulting from excess acidity.

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon of birch bark (5 g)
  • A cup of water (250 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon of honey (25 g)

Preparation

  • Add the birch bark to a cup of boiling water and cover.
  • Let it sit for 10 minutes, strain it and sweeten it with a spoonful of honey.

How to consume

If you have diarrhea and you feel weak, do not hesitate to prepare any of the remedies listed here. However, if the problem persists, consult your doctor to determine if another type of treatment is necessary.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Rose, Janna L., “Ant-diarrheal Plants of Central Anatolia: Do They Inhibit Diarrhea-causing Bacteria?” (2011). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 430.
  • Salud Perez et al. (2014) “Evaluation of the anti-diarrheal activity of Salvia connivens”, Pharmaceutical Biology 52(11):1-4.
  • Alam MS et al. “Efficacy of Peppermint oil in diarrhea predominant IBS – a double blind randomized placebo – controlled study”, Mymensingh Med J. 2013 Jan;22(1):27-30.
    • Yan Shen et al. “Beneficial Effects of Cinnamon on the Metabolic Syndrome, Inflammation, and Pain, and Mechanisms Underlying These Effects – A Review”, J Tradit Complement Med. 2012 Jan-Mar; 2(1): 27–32.

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.