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Just like fever and cold, loose motions are a difficult phase for the mother to handle. There are plenty of reasons which cause loose motions or diarrhoea in children, such as teething, intake of strong antibiotics, the introduction of new foods, improper digestion, change in temperature, etc. Most mothers with infants and toddlers are often searching for homemade remedies for loose motion. Diarrhoea which causes common symptoms like frequent watery stools, irritation, abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, weakness in the body, and vomiting. Scroll down to check out some Indian home remedies for diarrhea.
Indian home remedies for loose motions in kids (tried and tested):
1. Home-based probiotic
Fresh yogurt diluted with water helps to cure loose motions in kids immediately. Curd is the best home based probiotic. Add a pinch of roasted cumin powder, sugar or salt, so that the baby drinks comfortably. Curd also helps to keep the stomach cool. So in summers or if you are feeding some antibiotics to the kid, you can give this kid as a precaution too. It is an easy and effective home remedy for loose motion which will help cure diarrhoea.
2. Lentil water (aka Dal Ka Pani)
The boiled lentil water or commonly known as ‘dal ka pani’, can be offered to the infant to heal the loose motions and relax the tummy. Ideally, this can be served to babies of 5 months and above. This home made remedy for loose motion is also a good source of protein. In certain societies, family members do suggest to give the kid lentil water instead of baby food.
3. Tender coconut – Best medicine for loose motion immediately
One of the best Indian home remedies for diarrhea or loose motions! A small portion of tender coconut water in regular intervals can also be the best trick to stop the loose motions or diarrhoea. This cools down the body temperature of the baby and helps in the digestion process.
4. Juices and soups
Juice and soups for children more than 8 months can also be tried. For example, carrots are a bomb of energy source during loose motions or diarrhoea. Boil and puree a few carrots with a pinch of salt and sugar. Give them once or twice a day. Vegetable soups which are clear soups can be offered as home made remedies for loose motion. Vegetable soups can be easily digested and absorbed by the body and relax the tummy of the baby. Ensure not to add hot spices such as green chilies or pepper powder. Click here to learn recipes of potato based soup. Also, find out when to introduce fresh juice to your child.
5. Honey
If your toddler is a year old or more, giving honey can be the best way to effectively stop the loose motions. One teaspoon of honey with cold water can be a trick to trap the bacteria causing the uneasiness of the child.
There are hundreds of other homemade remedies for loose motion as well, such as a mashed banana with a small portion of curd, sago water, Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), pomegranate juice, nutmeg paste with water, arrowroot powder with porridge or milk, buttermilk, etc. Avoid milk products which might cause discomfort to the tummy. Consult a doctor, if this doesn’t work in a day or two.
Disclaimer: Each child is unique. There may be some of the above-listed remedies which might not suit him/her. So, do consult your doctor before introducing any new food item to his/her diet. If the case of loose motions is extreme, don’t rely on the home remedies and consult your child’s pediatrician on an immediate basis.
by Ila Asthana
Ginger is a quintessential spice that is used in numerous food preparations and also for medicinal purposes. It is excellent for relieving indigestion and stimulating appetite. It also helps in alleviating stomach aches.
Very informative post. Thank you for sharing. My baby is 1.4 months old and I gave honey to him when he had diarrhea.