I have two aims here. Really, the first one is a crafty way to accomplish the second, so – I have one aim here. I am writing to share a quick and effective, natural diarrhea remedy. Because that is uncomfortable and gross (even though most people, in their lives, will experience the dreaded Montezuma’s Revenge, the trots, the “Ring of Fire” if spicy food is the culprit), I aim to ease us into it with some pretty pictures of springtime, which is in full blast around my home and garden, and in the Pacific Northwest. Here you go:

Now we come inescapably – like the changing of the tides, like mortality, like April 15 – to the point.

Everyone has had diarrhea. If you’re a sufferer of chronic diarrhea, like I used to be with my big, bad, intestinal disorder, this remedy may provide some relief, but I urge you to seek the help of a physician who is willing to get to the root of it. I had to make my way through several medical professionals before finding the collection that was right for me.

I am absolutely worlds better than in my sick days of the past. My intestines are happy, as a rule. But they are still a bit fragile – years of irritation and inflammation will do that to you. I ate some takeout this week that was delicious, but had the unfortunate effect that is leading me to share with you today.

This home remedy does not taste good; I’m very sorry. The good news, though, is three-fold: you don’t need very much of it; you probably either have the ingredients or can get them easily; and it helps. It really helps.

This is a mixture in which all four ingredients contribute to intestinal health. Yogurt, for its abundance of good bacteria. Ginger, which helps treat food poisoning, and the cramps, nausea, and abdominal pain that come with it. Fenugreek seeds, for their high mucilage content – a strong antidiarrheal aid. And honey, because a spoonful of it helps the medicine go down, which is what Mary Poppins would have sung instead, had she lived in an age with refined sugar.

The fenugreek seeds are most likely to be absent from your cupboard, but can be found in the bulk spice section of most grocery stores. They are a primary ingredient in curry, and are fantastic medicinally. Herbs and spices are not to be played with; they are powerful, so educate yourself, especially if you are pregnant or nursing. (Fenugreek is fabulous for lactation. [I digress.])

All you need to do is mix a small amount (1/4 C max) of full-fat, natural-as-possible plain yogurt with a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds and 1/2 teaspoon or more grated ginger. Dip your spoon in honey (preferably raw and local), mix it all up, and eat it as quickly as possible. Those fenugreek seeds are not super tasty.

Also a great idea are high-quality probiotic capsules, ripe bananas, and shots of apple cider vinegar in glasses of water. All the best to your colon!

28 Mar This entry was published on March 28, 2015 at 2:56 pm and is filed under Collection. Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post.