FOOD POISONING
BENEFICIAL HERBS
- At the first sign of food poisoning, take alcohol-free goldenseal extract. Repeat this every four hours or one-day. Goldenseal is a natural antibiotic and helps to control acute diarrhea brought on by intestinal bacterial infections. Caution: Do not take goldenseal on a daily basis for more than a week at a time, and do not use during pregnancy. Do not give goldenseal to children under two. Do not use goldenseal without consulting a physician if you have had heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma, a stroke, or high blood pressure.
- Ginger tea helps to settle the stomach and sooth the bowels
- Diarrhea caused by parasites can be treated with barberry, Oregon grape, and goldthread
- Slippery elm mixed with bananas or applesauce or taken by capsule may help diarrhea
- Dill water inhibits the growth of intestinal bacteria
- Marshmallow root soothes the mucous membranes of the lower intestinal tract
- Garlic can help kill any bacterial or viral infection that may be causing diarrhea
- Milk thistle and red clover aid in liver and blood cleansing
- Catnip tea is an herbal remedy recommended for children due to its mildness.
DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS
- Drink plenty of water.
- Follow the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Apples, and dry Toast) for 48 hours
- Avoid all dairy products, alcohol, citrus juices, and high-fiber foods
In some cases, herbal products can interact negatively with other medications. Such interactions can be dangerous. Herbal remedies are not regulated and their quality is not controlled. Moreover, while there is an abundant supply of information circulating about herbs, not much of it has been scientifically proven. Consult your physician. Informing your doctor and pharmacist of what herbal products you are using is just as important as letting them know what drugs you are taking. Your physician and the pharmacist on duty at your pharmacy can assist you in deciding which herbs
are safe.