Home Remedies for Loose Motion: 12 Natural Ways to Stop Diarrhea Fast

Loose motion or diarrhoea, is frequent watery bowel movements, can be triggered by various factors, ranging from infections to dietary choices. 

The most common ones are viral infections and rotavirus being the common culprit in infants and children while in adults it could be contaminated sandwiches or any food or recent intake of antibiotics could be the reason. It is short lived and can be handled by home remedies.

It’s also important to know that Dysentery is severe loose motions or diarrhoea with blood and mucus.

In infants and children, loose motions can worsen quickly, leading to dehydration and can be fatal in some cases.

It is important to consult a doctor immediately if symptoms persist or worsen. 

The mainstay of treatment is rehydration, which replaces the fluids and electrolytes lost. 

Let’s look at what can be done at home, without visiting the clinic or hospital.

12 Best Home Remedies to Stop Loose Motion Instantly

1. Drink ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution)

ORS is a lifesaver in preventing dehydration. You can prepare it at home, by taking proper hygienic precautions, by mixing:

• 1 liter of clean water
• 6 teaspoons of sugar
• ½ teaspoon of salt .

Sip this throughout the day to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.

Note: Lemon is not added to this by WHO as to keep it simple, safe, and effective, especially in emergencies or areas with limited access to clean ingredients. For flavour you may add it and it taste better and people drink more of it.

How to Make ORS at Home

1. Take 1 liter of clean water, boil it and then cool it.
2. Add 6 teaspoons of sugar and ½  teaspoon of salt.
3. Stir well until completely dissolved.
4. Drink small sips frequently throughout the day to prevent dehydration.

Prepare it fresh and if left over, don’t use it the next day, Prepare Fresh again.

How to prepare using an ORS sachet from the pharmacy?

1. Boil clean drinking water and let it cool until it is safe to drink
2. Check the instructions on the ORS packet carefully for the correct amount of water. It would be according to the sachet size. Typically, one packet of ORS is mixed with exactly 1 liter of water.
3. Mix the ORS packet into the 1 litre of water and stir it until it’s completely dissolved.
4. Use it for the day and discard the left over ORS solution.
5. Don’t add extra sugar or salt as it already contains the exact amount.
6. Sip it all day

2. Consume Yogurt & Probiotics

Yogurt is rich in probiotics, which restore gut-friendly bacteria and help control diarrhea. You could choose plain yogurt without added sugars for the best results.

There is always confusion between Yogurt and Curd, especially in India.

They are both dairy-based probiotic foods, but they differ in their bacterial composition. Curd is made by fermenting milk with natural bacteria, while yogurt is cultured using specific probiotic strains like Lactobacillus. 

Yogurt is generally considered more effective for gut health due to its higher probiotic concentration. It is rich in probiotics, which restore gut-friendly bacteria and help control diarrhea. Choose plain yogurt without added sugars for the best results.

3. Eat a BRAT Diet (Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast)

The BRAT diet helps firm up stools and is easy on digestion. Bananas are especially effective due to their high pectin content. 

Pectin is a type of soluble fibre which absorbs excess water in the intestines to make the stools firm.

4. Sip on Ginger Tea

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that aid digestion and soothe the stomach. Boil fresh ginger slices in water, strain, and drink warm.

5. Use Lemon and Honey

Lemon’s acidic properties help kill bacteria in the stomach. Mix a teaspoon of lemon juice with honey and warm water to aid digestion.

6. Try Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate has astringent properties that help reduce stool frequency. Drinking fresh pomegranate juice can help control loose motion.

7. Fenugreek Seeds (Methi) Paste

Fenugreek seeds are rich in mucilage, which helps absorb excess water in the intestines. Swallow a teaspoon of fenugreek powder with water.

8. Drink Coconut Water

Coconut water is a natural electrolyte replenisher. It helps prevent dehydration and balances stomach acids.

9. Have Buttermilk with Black Salt

Buttermilk is a probiotic-rich drink that aids digestion. Add a pinch of black salt and cumin powder to enhance its effectiveness.

10. Chew on Dry Toast or Crackers

These absorb excess stomach acid and firm up stools, making them a simple yet effective remedy.

11. Eat Steamed Carrots

Carrots are rich in pectin, which helps bind stools and ease digestion. Steamed or boiled carrots are best during loose motion.

12. Drink Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea reduces gut inflammation and soothes an irritated digestive system. Sip it warm to ease discomfort.

What to Eat & Avoid During Loose Motion

Best Foods to Eat

• BRAT diet (Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast)
• Plain yogurt
• Coconut water
• Boiled potatoes
• Herbal teas

Foods to Avoid

• Spicy and oily foods
• Dairy products (except yogurt)
• High-fiber foods (e.g., raw vegetables)
• Caffeine and alcohol
• Artificial sweeteners

FAQs on Loose Motions

Loose motion can be uncomfortable but is usually manageable with the right home remedies. Staying hydrated and eating the right foods can speed up recovery. However, if symptoms persist for more than 48 hours or worsen, consult a doctor immediately.