Diarrhoea and dysentry - Ayurvedic / herbal medicines

What is diarrhea

Diarrhoea is a condition of gastrointestinal system where the frequent passage stools with loose, watery consistency and soft stools with abdominal bloating, abdominal pressure, and cramps.

Causes for Diarrhoea

There are many causes for Diarrhoea such as Viral infections, such as rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus and Bacterial infections such as Campylobacter, shigella, salmonellae, E coli, Yersinia, or listeria, parasites, and other intestinal disorders due to water and food, and improper toilet habits may lead to Diarrhoea. Other intestinal disorders can cause diarrhea such as IBS or irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, colitis, celiac diseases etc. Even certain reactions with medications may cause Diarrhoea such as using blood pressure medications, cancer drugs, antibiotics etc.

Other causes for Diarrhoea is intolerance to foods such as lactose or artificial sweeteners may cause Diarrhoea. Diarrhoea can be chronic or acute enteritis, gastroenteritis, dysentery may lead to Diarrhoea.

In ayurveda, this condition is called as Granhani.

What is Dysentery

Dysentery is explained as bloody stools due to infective condition, where patient suffers from loose stools, and watery stools. The etiology is almost similar to Diarrhoea such as bacterial infections, viral, and poor sanitation measures and may get through contamination also. Though dysentery can be treated with antibiotics and anti-parasitic medications it may become serious if proper diagnosis is not made and there may be electrolyte imbalance, and dehydration. In ayurveda, Dysentery is called as “Samgrahani.”

Diarrhoea Symptoms

Loose or Watery stools, with any color abnormalities such as red color stools which may suggest intestinal bleeding and shows some possibilities of severe infections, and passage of thick or tarry black stools may show bleeding in upper gastric parts. There will be abdominal cramps, fever, Dehydration, dry mouth, dry skin and sometimes behavioral changes and confusion may happen.

Diarrhoea Diagnosis

Though Diarrhoea may happen as a symptom and with proper laboratory examination of blood and stools may reveal cause for Diarrhoea. Even colonoscopy or endoscopy may done for further diagnosis. In ayurveda, based on appearance of stools, and frequency, and color, types of diarrhoea are divided into VATA type or PITTA type, or KAPHA type.

Treatment for Diarrhoea and Dysentery

• The line of treatment is to prevent symptoms of loose stools in Diarrhoea, and dehydration, and further to treat infections, hence one should consume plenty of fluids, however avoid milk which may worse the condition.
• One should follow BRAT diet which contains Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. One should avoid beverages particularly alcoholic those who have habits of alcohol.
• One should avoid strenuous exercises which is very important.
• However Pregnant women, children, and Infants need to consult physician for closer monitoring, however, BRAT diet is indicated for them too.

Diarrhoea Medical Treatment

Though IV fluids and antibiotics are recommended for the same illness, and must have close monitoring for any viral, bacterial, and other infections, and appropriate treatment is given. Though there Over-the-counter medicines are available, one should take precautions and at the same time, one can prefer Natural remedies and ayurvedic medicines which are safer.

Natural Remedies for Diarrhoea and Dysentery

As treatment goal in natural remedies and even in ayurveda is to manage dehydration and prevent Diarrhoea which is very essential and there are certain natural herbal leaves such as leaves of blueberry, raspberry, blackberry which can be prepared as infusions as they contain tannins which are helpful to prevent Diarrhoea and in the same way herbal teas are good for preventing Diarrhoea and pregnant women must avoid high doses of tannins.

Ayurvedic medicines for diarrhoea and dysentery

There are certain medicines which help to prevent Diarrhoea and dysentery and to maintain bowels such as Ambimap Tablets, Baidyanath Amoebica, Diarrhoea, Dysentry, Toxic byproduct Package Medicine which contains powdered medicines such as Divya Gangadhar Churna,Divya Bilvadi Churna, Divya Shankh Bhasm, Divya Kapardak Bhasm, Divya Mukta-Shukti Bhasm, Divya Kutajaghana Vati and Divya Chitrakadi Vati are helpful medicines. Other choice of medicines such as Divya Kutaj Ghan Vati, Isabbael for Diarrhoea or Isabgol are useful medicines which are helpful.

Diarrhoea Prevention

• As some infections may be contagious, one should have aware of bowel care and using toilets, and personal hygiene is very important, and be aware of consuming foods and while consuming raw foods, one should wash with clean water and fruits should be washed thoroughly.
  
• Well-cooked food is recommended, and consumption of boiled-cooled water is recommended.
• Usage of Unpasteurized milk may be contaminated with bacteria and hence boil milk before consuming it.