Homoeopathic Remedies for Diarrhoea
Argentum nitricum: If a person has diarrhoea 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 diarrhoea may look green. Diarrhoea that occurs immediately after
eating or drinking, or after eating too much sugar, will often respond to Argentum
nitricum.
Arsenicum album: Diarrhoea 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 odour. Simultaneous diarrhoea and vomiting is another strong indication.
Arsenicum is often useful when diarrhoea has been caused by spoiled or tainted food.
Bryonia: This remedy is often helpful for diarrhoea during flu (especially when the
person feels grumpy and wants to lie still and be left alone). It may also be helpful for
diarrhoea 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 diarrhoea with abdominal pain and wind 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 diarrhoea 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 diarrhoea follows anger (especially
if the feelings were not expressed).
Gelsemium: This remedy is often indicated if trembling and weakness accompany
diarrhoea, especially when nervousness, fear, or emotional upset is the cause.
Gelsemium is also useful during flu with diarrhoea, droopy lethargy, fever, chills, and
headache.
Ipecacuanha: If a person has diarrhoea accompanied by extreme or constant nausea,
this remedy may bring relief. Cutting, clutching pains are worse around the navel, and the
diarrhoea looks frothy or green.
Phosphorus: This remedy can be soothing if a person has a weak or empty feeling in
the abdomen, followed by diarrhoea 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 diarrhoea that is usually not accompanied by
pain suggests the use of this remedy. The abdomen rumbles and gurgles before the diarrhoea
passes, and urging may soon be felt again. Bouts of diarrhoea are often worse in the morning,
and also in hot weather.
Pulsatilla: If diarrhoea occurs after eating rich and fatty foods, this remedy can
be helpful. Queasiness and abdominal pain are likely to occur, and the diarrhoea 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 diarrhoea 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 haemorrhoids
that burn and itch.
Homoeopathy 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 homoeopathic 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 Homoeopathy? and Understanding Homoeopathic Potencies.