By Leen Randell

Updated: Nov 13, 2024

10 Best Herbal Teas For Diarrhea

Herbal teas for diarrhea are plant-based infusions that help alleviate gastrointestinal issues by soothing the digestive system and promoting regular bowel movements.

The best herbal teas for diarrhea include Zingiber officinale, Foeniculum vulgare, Aloe barbadensis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Cinchona officinalis, Peumus boldus, Mentha x piperita, Althaea officinalis, Rheum officinale, and Rheum palmatum.

If left untreated, diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and energy loss, impacting daily life and productivity, causing fatigue, and disrupting social and work schedules.

1. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale teas helps with diarrhea because of its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to regulate digestive function.

The active compound gingerol in ginger tea stimulates digestive enzymes and improves nutrient absorption, which can alleviate symptoms of diarrhea. Additionally, ginger tea has natural antispasmodic properties that can help reduce cramping and spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, promoting a more balanced and regular bowel movement.

This can lead to a faster recovery from diarrhea and a more comfortable digestive experience.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with diarrhea.

• Gingerols: These compounds help to slow down the movement of gut muscles, thereby reducing the frequency of bowel movements and alleviating diarrhea.
• Shogaols: Shogaols have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation in the gut, which can contribute to diarrhea, and also have antimicrobial properties to prevent infections that can cause diarrhea.
• Zingerone: Zingerone is an antioxidant that helps to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, which can contribute to diarrhea, and also has anti-diarrheal properties by inhibiting the activity of gut enzymes that contribute to diarrhea.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for diarrhea.

• Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are used to make teas for diarrhea because they are rich in compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate digestive issues.
• Roots: Roots are used to make teas for diarrhea because they contain bioactive compounds that help to reduce inflammation and promote digestion in the gut.
• Leaves: Leaves are used to make teas for diarrhea because they have anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe the digestive system and reduce symptoms of diarrhea.

2. Foeniculum vulgare

Foeniculum vulgare teas helps with diarrhea because of its unique properties and active compounds.

The tea contains a high concentration of volatile oils, particularly anethole, which has been shown to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and relax intestinal muscles, thereby alleviating symptoms of diarrhea. Additionally, the tea's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help to soothe the gut and prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria that can contribute to diarrhea.

This makes Foeniculum vulgare tea a popular natural remedy for digestive issues.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Foeniculum vulgare teas that help with diarrhea.

• Foeniculin: It helps to alleviate diarrhea by exerting a calming effect on the gastrointestinal tract and reducing inflammation.
• Anethole: It aids in reducing diarrhea by inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria and reducing inflammation in the gut.
• Sesquiterpene: It helps to ease diarrhea by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to soothe the gastrointestinal tract and prevent infections.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Foeniculum vulgare used to make teas for diarrhea.

• Seeds: Foeniculum vulgare seeds are commonly used due to their high content of volatile oils, particularly anethole, which helps to ease digestive issues.
• Leaves: Foeniculum vulgare leaves are often used in teas because they contain a significant amount of flavonoids and phenolic compounds that aid in soothing the digestive system.
• Roots: Foeniculum vulgare roots are used in teas due to their rich content of essential oils, including fenchone and anethole, which help to reduce inflammation and alleviate diarrhea symptoms.

3. Aloe barbadensis

Aloe barbadensis teas helps with diarrhea because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

The gel extracted from the Aloe vera plant contains compounds like aloin and aloe-emodin, which have been shown to slow down bowel movements and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. This helps to firm up loose stools and reduce the frequency of diarrhea.

Additionally, Aloe vera has been traditionally used to support the health of the gut lining, promoting a balanced digestive system and reducing discomfort associated with diarrhea.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe barbadensis teas that help with diarrhea.

• Aloin: Aloin acts as a gentle laxative, helping to regulate bowel movements and reduce diarrhea episodes.
• Anthraquinones: Anthraquinones help to slow down the movement of food through the digestive system, allowing for proper absorption of nutrients and reducing the frequency of diarrhea.
• Polysaccharides: Polysaccharides in Aloe barbadensis teas help to soothe and protect the intestinal lining, reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy gut environment that can help alleviate diarrhea symptoms.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Aloe barbadensis used to make teas for diarrhea.

• Leaves: The most commonly used part, as they contain high concentrations of gel and latex that help soothe and calm the digestive system.
• Rhyzomes: Utilized for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and alleviate diarrhea symptoms.
• Stems: Sometimes used in combination with leaves to create a tea that can help regulate bowel movements and provide relief from diarrhea.

4. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with diarrhea because its active compounds, such as glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, possess anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

These compounds help to calm the gastrointestinal tract, reducing inflammation and irritation that can cause diarrhea. Additionally, glycyrrhizin has been shown to have a stabilizing effect on the gut lining, preventing excessive fluid loss and helping to normalize bowel movements.

As a result, Glycyrrhiza glabra teas can provide relief from diarrhea and promote overall digestive health.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with diarrhea.

• Glycyrrhizin: It helps with diarrhea by inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria in the gut that can cause diarrhea, and also by reducing inflammation in the gut lining.
• Liquiritin: It helps with diarrhea by stabilizing the gut lining, reducing inflammation and preventing excessive water loss in the stool.
• Licoricidin: It helps with diarrhea by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing gut irritation and inflammation that can contribute to diarrhea.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for diarrhea.

• Roots: The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra are the most commonly used part to make teas for diarrhea due to their high concentration of glycyrrhizin, a compound known to help alleviate digestive issues.
• Leaves: The leaves are also used to make teas for diarrhea, as they contain less glycyrrhizin than the roots but still have some beneficial properties.
• Stems: The stems of Glycyrrhiza glabra are sometimes used to make teas for diarrhea, although they are less commonly used than the roots or leaves.

5. Cinchona officinalis

Cinchona officinalis teas helps with diarrhea because of its unique alkaloid properties, particularly quinine and quinidine, which have been traditionally used to treat various gastrointestinal issues.

These compounds help reduce inflammation and soothe the digestive tract, alleviating symptoms of diarrhea. Additionally, Cinchona officinalis contains flavonoids and anthraquinones, which have astringent and antimicrobial properties, helping to regulate bowel movements and promote a healthy gut environment.

This natural remedy may provide relief for individuals experiencing diarrhea.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cinchona officinalis teas that help with diarrhea.

• Quinovic glycosides: These compounds have astringent properties, which help to reduce the frequency and looseness of stool by slowing down the movement of food through the digestive system.
• Quinic acid: As an astringent and anti-inflammatory agent, quinic acid may help to reduce the inflammation and irritation in the gut that can contribute to diarrhea.
• Quinine: Quinine has been traditionally used to treat diarrhea due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea episodes.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Cinchona officinalis used to make teas for diarrhea.

• Leaves: The leaves of Cinchona officinalis contain alkaloids like quinine, which have a bitter and astringent effect that helps to reduce diarrhea.
• Barks: The barks of Cinchona officinalis contain quinine and other alkaloids that help to alleviate diarrhea symptoms by reducing inflammation and regulating bowel movements.
• Stems: The stems of Cinchona officinalis contain compounds that help to slow down bowel movements and reduce the frequency of diarrhea episodes, making them a popular choice for herbal teas.

6. Peumus boldus

Peumus boldus teas helps with diarrhea because it contains compounds that slow down bowel movements, allowing the body to reabsorb water and electrolytes.

The tea's astringent properties also help to reduce inflammation and ease cramping in the intestines. Additionally, its anti-spasmodic properties can help to relax the muscles in the digestive tract, reducing the frequency and urgency of bowel movements. These actions help to alleviate diarrhea symptoms and promote a return to normal bowel function.

The tea can also help to regulate bowel movements and improve overall digestive health.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Peumus boldus teas that help with diarrhea.

• Boldine: Acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and alleviating symptoms of diarrhea.
• Flavonoids: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the permeability of the intestinal lining and alleviating diarrhea caused by inflammation.
• Terpenoids: Exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the growth of pathogens that can cause diarrhea and alleviating inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Peumus boldus used to make teas for diarrhea.

• Leaves: The most commonly used part of Peumus boldus in teas for diarrhea treatment due to its high content of boldine, a compound that has been shown to have anti-diarrheal properties.
• Barks: Peumus boldus barks are also used in teas for diarrhea as they contain boldine and other compounds that can help alleviate symptoms.
• Stems: Some teas for diarrhea treatment use the stems of Peumus boldus due to their ability to absorb and store boldine, making them a potential alternative to leaves and barks.

7. Mentha x piperita

Mentha x piperita teas helps with diarrhea because of its soothing and calming properties, which ease digestive discomfort and inflammation.

The peppermint oil in the tea helps relax the muscles in the intestines, reducing spasms and promoting a smooth flow of bowel movements. This, in turn, reduces the frequency and urgency of diarrhea episodes.

Additionally, mentha piperita tea has anti-inflammatory compounds that help heal and protect the lining of the digestive tract, further alleviating symptoms of diarrhea.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita teas that help with diarrhea.

• Menthol: Helps with diarrhea by reducing gut spasms and inflammation, thereby alleviating the symptoms of diarrhea.
• Menthone: Contributes to the antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects of Mentha x piperita teas, which can help to alleviate the symptoms of diarrhea.
• Rosmarinic acid: Exhibits antioxidant properties and can help to reduce inflammation in the gut, which can contribute to the relief of diarrhea symptoms.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Mentha x piperita used to make teas for diarrhea.

• Leaves: Leaves are commonly used due to their high content of menthol and menthone, which have carminative properties that help soothe the digestive system and alleviate diarrhea symptoms.
• Stems: Stems are used in some teas due to their similar chemical composition to leaves, which helps to calm digestive issues and reduce diarrhea.

8. Althaea officinalis

Althaea officinalis teas helps with diarrhea because it soothes and calms the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and irritation.

The mucilagous properties in the plant create a protective barrier, allowing the gut to heal and recover. This natural barrier also helps to slow down bowel movements, giving the body time to reabsorb fluids and electrolytes.

As a result, the frequency and severity of diarrhea are reduced, promoting a return to normal bowel function and overall digestive health.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis teas that help with diarrhea.

• Mucilages: These complex carbohydrates help soothe and protect the lining of the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and irritation that can contribute to diarrhea.
• Flavonoids: These plant compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and alleviate diarrhea symptoms.
• Glycosides: These compounds can help regulate bowel movements and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, making them beneficial in treating diarrhea.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Althaea officinalis used to make teas for diarrhea.

• Roots: The roots of Althaea officinalis are used to make teas because they contain high amounts of mucilage, a thick, protective substance that helps soothe digestive issues.
• Leaves: The leaves are used to make teas because they retain some of the mucilaginous properties found in the roots, making them beneficial for treating diarrhea and other digestive issues.
• Stems: The stems of Althaea officinalis are sometimes used to make teas, but it's less common than roots and leaves, as they may contain lower amounts of mucilage.

9. Rheum officinale

Rheum officinale teas helps with diarrhea because of its soothing and astringent properties.

The tea, made from the rhubarb plant, contains anthraquinones, which help to slow down bowel movements and reduce the frequency of diarrhea episodes. Additionally, Rheum officinale has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to calm the digestive system and reduce irritation in the intestines, providing relief from diarrhea symptoms.

Its effectiveness in treating diarrhea has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rheum officinale teas that help with diarrhea.

• Anthraquinones: Help reduce water secretion in the intestines and increase water absorption, thereby reducing the frequency and urgency of bowel movements.
• Triterpenoids: Exert anti-inflammatory and soothing effects on the intestinal lining, reducing inflammation and irritation that can contribute to diarrhea.
• Phenolic acids: Act as natural antimicrobial agents, reducing the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the gut that can cause diarrhea and promoting a healthy gut microbiome.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Rheum officinale used to make teas for diarrhea.

• Roots: The roots are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of anthraquinone glycosides, which have a laxative effect.
• Leaves: The leaves are sometimes used to make teas, although less frequently than the roots or rhizomes, as they still contain some anthraquinone glycosides and are used for their mild laxative properties.

10. Rheum palmatum

Rheum palmatum teas helps with diarrhea because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

The saponins and tannins present in the plant have a gentle astringent effect on the gut, helping to reduce inflammation and slow down bowel movements. This can provide quick relief from diarrhea by reducing fluid loss and helping the body to reabsorb essential nutrients.

Additionally, the antispasmodic properties of Rheum palmatum can also help to calm the digestive system and prevent further episodes of diarrhea.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rheum palmatum teas that help with diarrhea.

• Anthraquinones: These compounds help to reduce inflammation and slow down the movement of food through the intestines, thereby reducing the frequency and urgency of diarrhea.
• Tannins: By forming complexes with bacterial toxins and reducing their absorption, tannins help to alleviate diarrhea caused by bacterial infections.
• Saponins: Saponins help to reduce inflammation and regulate the balance of gut bacteria, which can become disrupted and contribute to diarrhea.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Rheum palmatum used to make teas for diarrhea.

• Roots: Used to make teas due to their high anthraquinone content, which helps to stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation.
• Leaves: Employed in teas for their mild purgative properties, which help to stimulate the digestive system and relieve diarrhea symptoms.