Diarrhea refers to the frequent passage of watery unformed stools. It is commonly known as loose motions. It can cause dehydration that in severe cases leads to death. It can be both acute and chronic. The intestine absorbs the water secreted by stomach, liver, and pancreas and from the diet. In case of diarrhea the water is not absorbed properly or sometimes there is excess water secreted by the organs. As a result the intestine is not able to absorb excess of water. People of every age can suffer from diarrhea. Diarrhea for prolonged periods can lead to complications like general weakness due to loss of various vitamins from the body.

Causes of Diarrhea
-- Chronic Pancreatitis
-- Overeating
-- Incomplete digestion of the food consumed
-- Putrefaction in the intestinal tract.
-- Viral and bacterial infections
-- Food allergies
-- Bowel disorders

Home Remedies for Diarrhea
Buttermilk:
Buttermilk is one of the most useful home remedies in the treatment of diarrhoea. Buttermilk is the residual milk left after the fat has been removed from curd by shaking. It helps overcome destructive intestinal flora. The acid in the buttermilk also struggle germs and bacteria. Buttermilk may be taken with a bit of salt three or four times in a day for controlling this disease.

Carrot Soup:
Carrot soup is another useful home remedy for diarrhoea. It gives water to combat dehydration; refills sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, and magnesium; supplies pectin; and coats the intestine to allay irritation. It also ensures the growth of harmful intestinal bacteria and prevents vomiting. Half a kilogram of carrots may be cooked in 150 ml of water until they become spongy. The pulp should be strained and sufficient boiled water added to it to make a litre. Three-quarters of a tablespoon of salt may be added further. This soup must be given in small amounts to the patient each half an hour.

Fenugreek:
Fenugreek leaves are helpful in diarrhoea. One teaspoon of seeds which have been boiled and fried in butter should be taken with a cup of buttermilk two times daily. They are priceless in allaying biliousness. The seeds are also useful in the treatment of this disease.

Ginger:
In case of diarrhoea caused by indigestion, dry or fresh ginger is very helpful. A piece of dry ginger should be powdered along with a crystal of rock salt, and quarter of a teaspoon of this powder must be taken with a small piece of jaggery. It will bring fast relief as ginger, being carminative, aids digestion by stimulating the gastrointestinal tract.

Mint:
Mint juice is also helpful in the treatment of diarrhoea. One teaspoon of fresh mint juice, mixed with a teaspoon each of lime juice and honey, can be given thrice daily with brilliant results in the treatment of this disease.

Bottle Gourd:
The juice of bottle gourd is a precious medicine for excessive thirst due to severe diarrhoea. A glass of plain juice with a pinch of salt should be taken every day in treating this situation.