Rice water, ginger tea, oxidized apples and herbal tea are some home remedies that can compliment stomach flu treatment prescribed by your doctor. These possess properties that help to relieve diarrhea, control intestinal spasms and keep you hydrated.
Gastroenteritis, also referred to as the stomach flu, is characterized by an inflammation of the stomach. This swelling can be caused by a virus (like the norovirus), bacteria or toxic substance and can be accompanied by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
If your stomach flu lasts for over 2 days without any improvement, or if you also notice symptoms like fever, blood in the stool, dizziness or a racing heart, you should see a doctor for further assessment and possible testing to determine a cause.
Some home remedies for the stomach flu include:
1. Rice water
A great home remedy for gastroenteritis is drinking water prepared with rice. It helps to keep you hydrated and the starch from the rice adds bulk to the stool so that diarrhea is less loose.
Ingredients
- 30g of rice
- 1 liter of water
How to prepare
Place the rice and water in a pot and cook with the pot covered on low heat, so that the water does not evaporate. Once the rice is cooked, strain it out of the water, and set the water aside. You can add 1 teaspoon of sugar or honey, and drink throughout the day.
2. Oxidized apples
The pectin in apples is a great way to help with the treatment of gastroenteritis, as it also helps to solidify loose stools.
Ingredients
- 1 apple
How to prepare
Grate a peeled apple on a plate and wait for it to oxidize in the iar, until it turns brown. Eat this throughout the day.
3. Herbal tea
Catnip can help to relieve abdominal cramping and emotional tension that can be contributing to diarrhea. Peppermint helps to reduce gases and soothe gastrointestinal spasms, while raspberry leaves contain astringent substances (otherwise known as tannins) which soothe intestinal inflammation.
Ingredients
- 500 mL of water
- 2 teaspoons of dried catnip tea leaves
- 2 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves
- 2 teaspoons of dried raspberry leaves
How to prepare
Pour the boiling water over the dried leaves and allow to steep for about 15 minutes. Strain and drink about 125 mL every hour.
Check out other health benefits that peppermint tea can offer.
4. Ginger tea
Ginger is great for relieving nausea and supporting the digestive tract, making it a great option for treating gastroenteritis.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons of ginger roots, diced
- 1 cup of water
How to prepare
Boil the ginger roots in a covered pot for 10 minutes. Strain and sip throughout the day.
5. Anise tea
Anise is another great option for improving digestion in cases of gastroenteritis, as it helps to treat nausea and gas.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of dried anise seeds
- 1 cup of water
How to prepare
To prepare this tea, boil the water and add the anise seeds. Cover and allow to soak for 10 minutes. Strain and drink up to 3 cups per day.
6. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea contains digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps relieves symptoms like abdominal cramping, acid reflux, nausea, dizziness and gas.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flower
- 1 liter of water
How to prepare
Boil the water, and once bubbling, remove from heat. Add the chamomile flowers, cover and wait for it to cool. Strain and drink several times throughout the day.
See the other health benefits you can obtain from chamomile tea.
