home remedy for motions
I am feeling pretty overwhelmed right now because my kid has been dealing with terrible stomach issues. Like, it all started after we went out for pizza, and maybe it was undercooked or something. Anyway, he was running to the bathroom every few minutes, just awful! I’m worried about how dehydrated he might be, and of course, the whole thing is stressing us out. We’ve tried some over-the-counter stuff, but I really want to know if there’s any home remedy for motions that actually works quickly. I googled a bunch of things and saw stuff about ginger tea and rice water, but I’m not sure what’s the best or if there are other home remedies for motions that you guys recommend. Oh, and he’s only 8, so whatever I try has to be safe for kids. I feel a bit lost on what to do. Is there a specific home remedy for motions you all believe has worked the best? Should I be looking out for any specific signs to get him to the doctor? I just want to help him feel better, and fast!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.
Doctors' responses
When your child is experiencing frequent motions, it’s crucial to focus on maintaining hydration as a first step. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration quickly, especially in children, so using oral rehydration solutions (ORS) is a safe and effective approach. You can buy ORS packets at the pharmacy or easily make a homemade version: simply mix 6 level teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 level teaspoon of salt into one liter of clean water. Offering small sips frequently is usually tolerated well by kids—aim for a few ounces every 15 to 30 minutes as long as he can keep it down.
Beyond hydration, the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is often recommended for acute diarrhea. It’s bland, easy to digest, and helps bind stools. Rice water in particular can help, just cook some white rice, strain the water, and offer the liquid. It’s soothing for the digestive tract and may help firm up the stool a little. Avoid sugary drinks and foods, milk, and fried or fatty foods as they can exacerbate symptoms.
If there’s interest in natural remedies, ginger tea can be used cautiously if your child can handle it in mild amounts. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and may help with nausea, though its effectiveness on diarrhea is limited; steep a few slices of fresh ginger in hot water, sweeten slightly if needed.
Keep an eye out for signs of dehydration or worsening symptoms: dry mouth, lack of tears, sunken eyes, lethargy, and very scant urination are reasons to seek prompt medical care. Also, if the diarrhea persists for more than a couple of days, is accompanied by vomiting, if there is blood in the stool, or fever, it’s advised to consult a pediatrician to rule out more serious conditions like infections or specific intolerances. Balancing home remedies with vigilance is key.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.
