One of the best remedies for treatment of an intestinal infection is a homemade saline solution made with water, sugar and salt. This mixture helps to replenish minerals and water lost from diarrhea, which a common symptoms of an intestinal infection.
Although this homemade saline solution may not fully relieve symptoms, it can help to prevent dehydration to ensure that the body has all the minerals it needs to fight off the microorganisms causing the infection. This can result in a faster recovery.
Home remedies can be used to relieve mild symptoms, however if you do not notice any improvement within 2 days, you should see a doctor for assessment, as further treatment may be necessary. Learn more about the symptoms of an intestinal infection and what can cause them.
Home remedies
8 ways to naturally relieve symptoms of a stomach or intestinal infection include:
1. Ginger root water
Ginger root contains strong medicinal properties which can be used to get rid of bacterial infections or parasitic infections in the intestines. It works as both an antiviral and antibacterial agent that can help the body eliminate foreign invaders and fight off infection. It can also regulate the intestinal flow and relieve any inflammation of the intestinal lining. This can reduce pain and abdominal swelling.
Ingredients
- 1 ginger root
- Honey
- 1 glass of mineral or filtered water
How to prepare
Place 2 cm of the peeled and crushed ginger root in a blender, along with a few drops of honey and the water. Blend until well-combined and with a consistency. Then strain the mixture through a mesh sieve. You should drink this at least 3 times a day.
2. Peppermint tea
Peppermint tea relieves inflammation and soothes any irritation of the intestinal walls, which makes it a great option for the treatment of an an intestinal infection. This tea also absorbs excess intestinal gas and has antispasmodic properties which can greatly relieve abdominal discomfort.
Many intestinal infections can cause gastric symptoms like nausea or vomiting, and peppermint tea is also known to soothe the stomach. Check out the other health benefits that peppermint tea can provide.
Ingredients
- 6 leaves of fresh peppermint
- 1 cup of boiling water
How to prepare
Place the leaves in the cup with boiling water and cover. Let the leaves soak for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain the infusion through a mesh sieve. You can drink this several times throughout the day.
3. Water with lemon juice
Lemon juice is a great natural remedy to detox any impurities of the intestine and get rid of bacteria, fungus, viruses or parasites causing a stomach infection. Lemon juice also stimulates regular intestinal flow, which can relieve symptoms like abdominal pain, cramps, loss of appetite and diarrhea.
Ingredients
- Half a lemon
- 1 glass of warm water
How to prepare
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a glass of warm water and drink once a day, in the morning before breakfast.
4. Homemade electrolyte solution
A homemade electrolyte solution is a great home remedy, as it is rich in mineral salt and sugars, which maintain normal body functions. It also prevents dehydration associated with diarrhea and vomiting.
Ingredients
- 1 liter of filtered water, boiled water, or bottled mineral water
- 1 heaping tablespoon of sugar (about 20 g)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (about 3.5 g)
How to prepare
Stir all ingredients together until well-combined. Drink 2 to 3 liters per day in small sips throughout the day.
5. Garlic tea
Garlic tea is rich in allicin and saponin, which contain anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial action. These help to combat bacteria that cause intestinal infections, like Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This tea can also strengthen the immune system to fight the infection.
Ingredients
- 1 clove of garlic, chopped
- 100 to 200 mL of water
How to prepare
Boil the water and pour over a cup containing the garlic. Mash the garlic in the water, and soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and allow to cool.
To improve the taste of this tea, you can add 1 teaspoon of honey to it. However, honey should not be added for people with a known allergy to honey, pollen or propolis.
6. Fennel tea
Fennel tea contains antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and digestive properties, as it contains substances like anethole, estragol and camphor. This tea can reduce cramping, gases, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting associated with intestinal infections.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds
- 1 cup of boiling water
How to prepare
Add the fennel seeds to the cup of boiling water. Cover and wait for it cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Then strain and drink 2 to 3 cups per day. Another option is to use a premade fennel tea bag.
Fennel tea should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Learn more about the contraindications for fennel and the other health benefits that it can provide.
7. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea, made with the medicinal plant Matricaria recutita, is rich in phenolic compounds like apigenin, quercetin and patuletin. These contain anti-inflammatory and soothing properties which reduce gastrointestinal tract stimulation and relieve cramps from intestinal infections.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers
- 250 ml of boiling water
How to prepare
Add the dried chamomile flowers to a cup with the boiling water, allow to stepp for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain before drinking.
This tea can be taken 3 times per day and sweetened as desired with a teaspoon of honey.
You can also purchase premade chamomile tea bags, which can be found in supermarkets and pharmacies.
8. Purple loosestrife tea
Purple loosestrife tea, made with the medicinal plant Lythrum salicaria L., is rich in castalagin, vescalagin and salicarinins that contain antibacterial anti-diarrhea properties.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of purple loosestrife
- 1 liter of water
How to prepare
Boil the water, remove from heat and add the purple loosestrife. Allow to steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain and wait for the tea to cool. Drink 1 cup of tea 3 times per day.
Purple loosestrife tea should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
What to do for a speedy recovery
During an intestinal infection, consider the following tips to speed-up your recovery:
- Drink plenty of fluids (e.g. water, coconut water and natural fruit juices);
- Stay at home to rest. Avoid going to work or school
- Eat light meals with foods like fruits, boiled vegetables and lean meat;
- Avoid hard-to-digest and greasy foods;
- Avoid alcohol or sodas;
- Don’t take medication to stop the diarrhea.
You should seek medical attention if the intestinal infection does not resolve within 2 days. Depending on the microorganism causing the infection and severity of your symptoms, admission to the hospital for intravenous antibiotic treatment may be necessary.
