Diarrhea is often manageable with home remedies, and one commonly available remedy is bitter tea. But does bitter tea actually help alleviate diarrhea? Read on for a closer look.

Benefits of Bitter Tea for Diarrhea

Tea has been renowned for its health benefits for centuries. Among its many advantages, tea is thought to help with treating diarrhea. Here's how tea works to ease diarrhea symptoms:

Has Antibacterial Properties

Tea contains tannins, a type of polyphenol found in tea, coffee, and chocolate. These compounds give tea its characteristic bitter taste and also have antibacterial effects, which can help combat diarrhea-causing bacteria like E. coli.

Has Antispasmodic Properties

Certain teas, like peppermint tea, possess antispasmodic properties. These properties help relax the muscles of the digestive tract, which can relieve diarrhea and soothe irritated intestines, a common trigger for diarrhea.

Types of Tea That Can Relieve Diarrhea

Several types of tea are known to help reduce the symptoms of diarrhea, including:

Green Tea

Green tea has long been linked to the relief of various digestive issues, including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. A study suggests that green tea can shorten the hospital stay of children suffering from stomach flu.

However, drinking green tea on an empty stomach can sometimes cause nausea. It’s best to consume it after eating or with a light snack to avoid discomfort.

Black Tea

Research indicates that black tea may help regulate stool volume, frequency, and consistency. One study showed that black tea extract reduced the incidence of diarrhea in piglets infected with E. coli by up to 20%. While promising, more research is needed to confirm its effects on humans.

Ginger Tea

Ginger is widely recognized for its ability to reduce nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Drinking ginger tea can help soothe stomach discomfort caused by diarrhea.

To make ginger tea, peel and crush ginger, then boil it in water until the aroma is released. Alternatively, you can grate ginger and steep it in hot water for 10-20 minutes. Adding honey or lemon can enhance the flavor and provide additional soothing effects.

How to Relieve Diarrhea

While bitter tea can be a natural remedy to relieve diarrhea, further research is necessary to fully understand its benefits and potential side effects.

For most cases of acute diarrhea, symptoms will improve on their own over time. However, if diarrhea is accompanied by bloating, hardness in the abdomen, nausea, or vomiting, it’s important to consult a doctor. Medications like antibiotics may be prescribed to treat underlying causes.

Doctors often recommend staying hydrated during diarrhea by drinking fluids or oral rehydration salts, and in more severe cases, IV fluids. It’s also best to avoid high-fiber foods during diarrhea as they can slow down the recovery process.

If diarrhea persists for more than 2-3 days or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention. For further health inquiries, you can use the consultation feature on the Ai Care app, available for download from the App Store or Play Store.

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