Astringent infusions to stop diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of the most frequent intestinal transit disorders and the causes that produce it are different. When the problem is specific and its origin is related to poor digestion or the stomach flu virus, astringent infusions can help to alleviate the symptoms and restore intestinal regularity.

Get to know the plants with an astringent effect and the mixtures for infusion that favor intestinal well-being.

The astringent properties of plants

Medicinal plants contain a series of chemical substances that produce certain effects in our body. For this reason, we speak of astringent plants, as well as expectorants, vulneraries or carminatives, among other types.

In general, plant species with astringent properties stand out for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities and for their high tannin content. The latter would be the main responsible for the antidiarrheal action of this type of medicinal plants.

Plants rich in tannins

Tannins are natural, water-soluble substances that have the ability to bind with protein molecules present in mucosal and skin cells. In practice, when this substance comes into contact with the intestinal wall, it exerts an astringent action that makes the mucosa more resistant and less permeable.

In this way, the tannins help create a barrier against toxins and bacteria that interfere with the intestinal balance and cause diarrhea.

We experience this astringent action of the tannins, for example, when we take an immature persimmon and it leaves us that rough sensation on the tongue and palate. In fact, this fruit contains large amounts of these substances when it is green.

Furthermore, one must remember that astringent plants also provide substances with an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect that help restore proper functioning by reducing the risk of infections.

Plants rich in mucilage

To stop the diarrhea Other types of plants are also used that present other properties and act in another way to attenuate this digestive disorder.

Carob and psyllium, for example, are plants rich in mucilage that have detox properties and the ability to absorb water. Unlike astringent plants, improve the consistency of stools.

How do infusions work to stop diarrhea?

astringent infusions take advantage of the action of the tannins of some herbs to attenuate the symptoms of diarrhea. However, the advantages of taking these herbal preparations when there are episodes of diarrhea go further.

The infusions are rich in water and help prevent dehydration, which is one of the potential side effects of diarrhea.

In addition, an astringent infusion can contain a combination of medicinal plants that not only help regulate bowel movements, but can relieve other possible symptoms of diarrhea such as bloating, gas, nausea, and abdominal cramps.

4 astringent infusions for diarrhea

Phytotherapy manuals and European drug agencies recognize the benefits of various plants rich in tannins to combat diarrhea.

Some of the most common are:

briar patch (Rubus sp.).Storm (erect potentilla)Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria L.), lion’s foot (alchemilla vulgaris)Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.).

To the above are added other species traditionally used as antidiarrheals such as:

loosestrife (Lythrum loosestrife L.)Rose hip (Dog rose L.)Tea (camellia sinensis)Alchemila (Alchemilla vulgaris L.)Guava leaf (Psidium guajava L.)Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.)Ginger (Zingiber officinale)Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.).

Some of these plants, in addition to containing high levels of tannins with an anti-diarrheal action, may have other properties that promote intestinal recovery. AND mixed with other herbs that reinforce the effect astringent and provide other properties that favor the relief of other symptoms associated with diarrhea.

Next, we propose examples of astringent infusions to combat diarrhea and other symptoms that can occur with this digestive disorder.

1. Astringent and antispasmodic tea

Ingredients: Dried blueberry fruits, rose hips, green tea, tormentilla root. Preparation: Mix the ingredients in equal parts and separate a spoonful of the mixture. Add 150 ml of water and boil for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before filtering. Dosage: Take 3 times a day for 2-3 days. Recommended: To alleviate the symptoms of gastroenteritis and diarrhea that occur with abdominal pain.

2. Anti-diarrheal and calming infusion

Ingredients: Flowering top of agrimony and loosestrife, thyme.Preparation: Mix the plants in equal parts and separate a tablespoon of the mixture. Add 150 ml of boiling water and let stand 10 minutes before filtering.Dose: Take 3 times a day for 2-3 days.It is recommended: For its antidiarrheal action and to relieve abdominal swelling and colic.

3. Astringent infusion and to reduce nausea

Ingredients: 2 slices of fresh ginger, a teaspoon of thyme leaves and two pieces of fresh lemon peel.Preparation: Mix the ingredients and place them in a pot with 150 ml of water. Let the mixture boil for 5 minutes over low heat, turn off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before filtering.Dose: Take 3 times a day for 2-3 days.It is recommended: For the relief of bad digestions with symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and abdominal swelling.

4. Astringent and carminative infusion

Ingredients: Chamomile, pennyroyal, anise, rosemary, rose petals.Preparation: Mix the ingredients in equal parts and separate a tablespoon of the mixture. Add 150 ml of boiling water and let stand 10 minutes before filtering.Dose: Take 3 times a day for 2-3 days.It is recommended: To combat diarrhea and relieve the feeling of intestinal gas and bloating.

When to take astringent infusions for diarrhea

Unlike constipation that occurs with difficulty in evacuating, increased intestinal transit and frequent and liquid evacuation are two characteristic signs of diarrhea. In the most serious cases, this intestinal alteration can cause dehydration and thus complicate health conditions.

For this reason, whatever the cause of diarrhea, one of the first steps is to drink fluids to prevent dehydration.

In second place, determination of the origin of the disorder is essential. In this way, the most appropriate measures can be applied for each case.

Another guideline will consist of reduce solid food intake for the first 24 hours and avoid caffeinated drinks.

The medicinal herbs, in the form of infusion or extractscan be used as a supplement to reduce the symptoms of this intestinal problem in its specific manifestations.

Anyway, if diarrheal symptoms do not improve and persist for more than three days It is advisable to consult a specialist for a correct diagnosis and treatment.