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Page 68
| healing, although some parents may prefer to avoid use of this herb because of reports of its toxicity (p. 12). Bacteria in the feces can react with urine to produce ammonia and this can encourage fungal infections to develop, similar to vaginal yeast infection. These are best treated with ointments containing marigold or tea tree applied after each change. |
| Diarrhea |
| Causes of diarrhea can range from food poisoning and overeating to stress and anxiety. Diarrhea can also be a symptom of more serious disease, so persistent or recurrent diarrhea needs professional attention. |
| Sudden diarrhea is often caused by some sort of gastrointestinal infection or food poisoning (especially if others who shared the same meal are similarly affected) when there are also symptoms of nausea or vomiting. It is a common problem when visiting exotic locations (see p. 92), but it is the body's natural reaction to an infecting organism and is often the best way of getting rid of it quickly. Trying to stop this type of diarrhea can often cause more harm than good, and it is better simply to soothe the digestive tract with astringent herbs and let nature take its course. Strong cold Indian tea is rich in tannins and can ease an excessively overworked gut if nothing better is available; drink it without milk or sugar and add lemon juice and a pinch of cinnamon to ease the digestive tract and combat infection. You can eat raw, grated underripe apples and stewed cranberries or bilberries. A helpful herbal brew for diarrhea due to infection and gastroenteritis is given here. |
| Tummy Tea |
| 1 part each marigold petals and peppermint |
| 2 parts meadowsweet |
| Mix the herbs together and use 1 teaspoon to a cup of boiling water; drink 1 cup every 2 to 3 hours. |
| Severe diarrhea depletes body fluids, so drink plenty of liquids; this is especially important in children and in cases where the diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting. Carrot juice is also especially help- |
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