What do diarrhea and vomiting have in common? They’re both disgusting, embarrassing and uncomfortable conditions that can affect anyone, from babies to the elderly. Diarrhea and vomiting are also commonly caused by food poisoning or a stomach bug.

Generally, if you’re suffering from diarrhea and vomiting, you’ll feel better after several days. It is best to rest and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Most of the time, a virus is to blame if you have diarrhea or start vomiting. If the cause isn’t viral, symptoms may be due to certain medical conditions and medications.

Detailed below are common causes of the two conditions and natural remedies to relieve your discomfort.

Food poisoning

Food poisoning occurs when your gut is infected by bacteria, parasites or viruses. This usually happens after you consume contaminated food that wasn’t prepared or cooked properly.

You will experience food poisoning symptoms several hours after you consume contaminated food. You should recover after a couple of hours or several days.

Common symptoms of food poisoning include watery diarrhea and vomiting, as well as abdominal cramps and pain, bloody diarrhea, fever and nausea. To prevent food poisoning, wash your hands properly before cooking and preparing food.

Viral gastroenteritis

Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection caused by a virus. While the condition is often called stomach flu, influenza viruses don’t cause this infection.

Viruses that often cause gastroenteritis include adenovirus, astrovirus, norovirus and rotavirus. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) cautions that while these viruses can affect anyone regardless of age, adenovirus, astrovirus and rotavirus commonly infect infants and toddlers.

The viruses are transmitted from person to person via infected stool and vomit. If you have viral gastroenteritis, wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom to avoid spreading the infection.

Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis may include abdominal pain and cramping, fever (occasional), nausea, vomiting and watery diarrhea.

Vomiting and diarrhea without fever

If you’re not feverish, diarrhea and vomiting may be caused by other factors, such as:

• Medications, such as certain antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin, chemotherapy drugs or metformin
• Overeating or consuming too much alcohol
• Pregnancy
• Stress and anxiety

Sometimes, a mild case of viral gastroenteritis can cause diarrhea and vomiting without fever.

Natural remedies for vomiting and diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea may be resolved within several days even without medical treatment. Stay hydrated and take some of the remedies detailed below to relieve your symptoms.

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum)

Cumin is a small aromatic plant that bears seed-like fruits. Cumin belongs to the parsley family and is a culinary spice with medicinal uses.

To relieve nausea and vomiting, drink cumin tea. Cumin encourages the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, which helps relieve nausea caused by digestive problems.

To make cumin tea, add half a tablespoon of ground cumin seeds to warm water. Let the mixture steep for about five minutes, then filter the liquid. Drink cumin tea once or twice a day.

Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare)

Fennel seed has anti-microbial properties and certain anesthetic substances that can relieve nausea and vomiting caused by indigestion.

To make fennel tea, crush a tablespoon of fennel seeds. Add the seeds to a cup of boiling water. Let the mixture steep for ten minutes. Strain the tea and drink it at least once or twice a day.

Alternatively, you can chew fennel seeds instead of drinking tea.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

In a study published in the Journal of Reproduction and Infertility, researchers found that taking peppermint oil significantly reduces the intensity and number of vomiting cases among pregnant women.

Peppermint’s refreshing scent and volatile oil also help relieve bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, indigestion, nausea and other stomach problems.

To make peppermint water, add a tablespoon of dried leaves to a cup of hot water. Let the mixture steep for 10 minutes. Strain the solution to get peppermint water. Sip peppermint water slowly at least once a day.

You can also chew fresh peppermint leaves to relieve vomiting. Rinse fresh peppermint leaves in water then dry them off. Chew the fresh peppermint leaves directly at least once a day.

If you have diarrhea or are vomiting, you could be suffering from a stomach bug. It should clear up on its own after a day or two. When caring for infants and toddlers, watch out for signs of dehydration.

Consult a physician if you or your child has severe symptoms or symptoms that last more than several days.

Stay hydrated, follow a bland diet, rest and take natural remedies like fennel tea to relieve diarrhea and vomiting.

Sources:

Healthline.com

TrueRemedies.com