Home Remedies for Loose Motion – Natural Ways to Stop Diarrhea


Loose motion, also known as diarrhea, refers to passing frequent, loose, or watery stools. It can be mild or sometimes lead to dehydration if ignored. Causes include infections, food intolerance, or stress. While serious cases need a doctor, mild ones can often be managed at home with simple remedies that calm the stomach and help you feel better. In this blog, we’ll share easy home remedies for loose motion, prevention tips, and more.
What Causes Loose Motion?
Knowing what causes loose motion can help you find the best way to treat it. Some common triggers are:
- Bacterial or viral infections (food poisoning, gastroenteritis)
- Consuming contaminated or spicy food
- Food intolerance or allergies
- Stress and anxiety
- Medications such as antibiotics
- Digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Time-Tested Home Remedies to Stop Loose Motion
1. Jeera (Cumin) Water
Cumin seeds are widely used in Indian kitchens and have excellent digestive properties. Boil 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds in a cup of water for about 10 minutes, then strain and sip it warm. This helps reduce intestinal cramps and controls diarrhea.
2. Buttermilk (Chaas)
Buttermilk is a natural probiotic and hydrates the body while soothing the stomach. Drink some chilled buttermilk with just a little jeera powder and black salt added to it; this will ease loose motion.
3. Moong Dal Khichdi
Khichdi made with moong dal and rice is gentle on the stomach, easy to digest, and helps restore lost energy. It’s a staple Indian comfort food, perfect during digestive upsets.
4. Amla (Indian Gooseberry) Juice
Amla is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Fresh amla juice diluted with water can help strengthen the digestive system and improve immunity.
5. Fennel Seeds (Saunf)
Chewing a teaspoon of fennel seeds or boiling them in water to make fennel tea can help reduce stomach spasms and improve digestion.
6. Banana (Kela)
Banana is a widely available fruit in India and helps restore potassium levels lost during diarrhea. It’s also gentle on the digestive tract.
7. Curry Leaves (Kadi Patta) Decoction
Boil some fresh curry leaves in water, strain the liquid, and drink it warm to help relieve diarrhea. Curry leaves have antimicrobial properties that support gut health.
8. Stay Hydrated with Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)
Frequent diarrhea causes loss of water and essential electrolytes, increasing the risk of dehydration. ORS, a mixture of water, salt, and sugar, replenishes lost fluids and salts quickly.
9. Tulsi Tea
Tulsi is highly regarded in Indian homes for its natural healing benefits. Brew tulsi leaves in hot water and drink as tea to calm the stomach and fight infections.
10. Ginger Tea
Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Drinking warm ginger tea can help reduce nausea and calm intestinal irritation. Simply boil ginger slices in water for 10 minutes, strain out the ginger, and sip the warm water slowly.
Preventive Tips to Avoid Loose Motion
- Wash your hands well before eating or cooking
- Drink clean, filtered water
- Avoid eating stale or contaminated food
- Manage stress through meditation or yoga
- Maintain good gut health with a balanced diet and probiotics
When to Seek Medical Help
Most cases of loose motion improve on their own, but there are times when medical help is necessary. If symptoms last over two days or you notice blood or mucus in your stool, seek medical advice. You should also seek medical attention if you have a high fever, severe stomach pain, or feel extremely weak and dizzy. These could be signs of a more serious condition that needs proper treatment.
Conclusion
Loose motion can be uncomfortable and affect your daily routine, but in most mild cases, it can be managed at home with a few simple steps. Staying well-hydrated, eating light, easily digestible foods, and maintaining good hygiene can help you recover faster and prevent it from coming back. If symptoms get worse or don’t improve, it’s important to seek medical help on time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Is it okay to eat curd during loose motion?
A. Plain yogurt (dahi) contains beneficial probiotics that help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
Q. Can I drink milk if I have diarrhea?
A. It is best to avoid dairy products if suffering from diarrhea because they can worsen the symptoms.
Q. Which home remedies can be given to children in case of loose motion?
A. For mild cases, children can be given ORS, mashed bananas, rice water, or light khichdi. However, if symptoms persist or the child shows signs of dehydration, seek medical attention promptly.
Q. What to do for quick hydration in diarrhea?
A. For quick hydration, you can drink ORS, lots of fluids like water, clear soups, and herbal teas.