What are some effective home remedies for treating diarrhea?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Diarrhea can often be managed at home by staying well-hydrated with water, broths, or oral rehydration solutions, and by eating gentle, binding foods such as cooked green bananas, plain rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet). Avoiding dairy, caffeine, and fatty or spicy foods can also help your digestive system recover more quickly.

However, diarrhea can have many underlying causes—ranging from mild viral infections to food intolerances or more serious conditions—and home remedies aren't always enough. If your symptoms persist, worsen, or come with warning signs like fever, blood in stool, or dehydration, it's important to understand what may be driving them. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights and clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what’s causing your diarrhea Discover if diarrhea needs medical care See if symptoms suggest a serious infection Find OTC relief options for diarrhea Find a diarrhea specialist near you Understand medically valid home remedies for diarrhea Check if diarrhea needs urgent evaluation

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Explanation

Diarrhea can often be managed at home with simple remedies. It is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water, clear broths, or oral rehydration solutions. This helps replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

One effective food remedy is eating cooked green bananas. According to research, cooked green bananas can help reduce diarrhea symptoms in children. They are easy to digest and provide essential nutrients that can help the digestive system recover.

Additionally, traditional practices from rural areas emphasize the importance of using locally available foods and fluids to manage diarrhea. These include rice-based solutions and other bland foods that are gentle on the stomach.

Remember, if diarrhea persists or is severe, you can check your symptoms with a free online assessment to better understand what might be causing your condition and when to seek medical advice.

(References)

Chandra KA, & Wanda D. (2017). Traditional Method of Initial Diarrhea Treatment in Children. Comprehensive child and adolescent nursing, 29166193.
Islam K, Konar MC, Roy A, Biswas B, Nayek K, & Middya S. (2022). Role of cooked green banana in home management .... Journal of tropical pediatrics, 36692306.
Sood AK, & Kapil U. (1990). Knowledge and practices among rural mothers in Haryana .... Indian journal of pediatrics, 2286409.

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