Simple Home Remedies for Loose Motions: Natural Ways to Get Relief

Loose motions, also known as diarrhea, are very common and can affect people of all ages. They usually occur due to infections, food poisoning, digestive issues, or sudden dietary changes. While most cases improve on their own within a couple of days, home remedies can help control symptoms faster and prevent dehydration.

This guide explains effective, safe, and easy home remedies to soothe your stomach and restore normal digestion.

⭐ What Causes Loose Motions?

Before trying remedies, it helps to understand what may trigger loose motions:

• Contaminated food or water

• Viral or bacterial infections

• Food allergies or intolerance (like lactose intolerance)

• Overeating or eating too oily/spicy food

• Stress or anxiety

• Side effects of certain medicines

• Poor gut health

If symptoms persist for more than 2–3 days, a doctor’s evaluation is important.

⭐ Best Home Remedies for Loose Motions

Below are scientifically supported and traditional home remedies that provide quick relief.

1. ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) — Most Important

Loose motions cause dehydration quickly.
ORS helps replace lost salts and fluids.

How to take:
Mix 1 packet of ORS in 1 liter of clean water and sip throughout the day.

If the ORS pack isn’t available, make homemade ORS:

• 1 liter boiled/cooled water

• 6 teaspoons sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

Sip slowly every 10–15 minutes.

2. Banana (Especially Raw or Semi-ripe)

Bananas contain pectin, a soluble fiber that firms stools and reduces bowel movements.

How to take:

• Eat 1–2 small bananas per day

• Best combined with curd for faster relief

3. Plain Curd or Yogurt

Curd is rich in probiotics that restore healthy gut bacteria.

How to take:

• 1–2 bowls daily

• Curd + banana is ideal for kids and adults

• Avoid sugary flavored yogurt

4. Rice Water (Very Effective for Stomach Upset)

Rice water is easy to digest and helps soothe the intestines.

How to prepare:

• Boil rice in extra water

• Drain the water

• Drink warm rice water with a pinch of salt

5. Coconut Water

Keeps you hydrated and replenishes electrolytes naturally.

Benefits:

• Rich in potassium and sodium

• Gentle on the stomach

• Prevents dehydration

Drink 1–2 glasses per day.

6. Ginger Tea

Ginger reduces stomach cramps, nausea, and irritation in the intestines.

Recipe:

• Boil 1 cup of water

• Add ½ inch of grated ginger

• Strain and drink warm

Add honey if needed.

7. Fenugreek Seeds (Methi)

Methi seeds contain mucilage that absorbs excess fluid in the intestines.

How to take:

• Crush 1 teaspoon methi seeds

• Swallow with water

• OR mix into curd

8. Cumin (Jeera) Water

Jeera water supports digestion and reduces inflammation.

Recipe:

• Boil 1 teaspoon jeera in 1 cup of water

• Let it cool and drink 2–3 times a day

9. Pomegranate (Fruit or Juice)

Pomegranate is known for its anti-diarrheal properties.

How to take:

• Eat fresh seeds

• Drink ½ cup of juice 1–2 times daily

Great for children, too.

10. Chamomile or Mint Tea

Both calm the stomach and help reduce cramps and gas.

Peppermint tea helps with:

• Stomach pain

• Indigestion

• Loose motions caused by IBS

11. Apple (Preferably Stewed)

Apple contains pectin that helps thicken stools.

How to use:

• Peel and steam the apple

• Mash and eat warm

This is excellent for children.

12. BRAT Diet

A classic remedy recommended by doctors.

BRAT stands for:

• Banana

• Rice

• Apple sauce

• Toast

These foods are gentle on the stomach and help bind stool.

⭐ Foods to Avoid During Loose Motions

• Milk (except curd)

• Oily and fried foods

• Spicy foods

• Raw vegetables

• Coffee and alcohol

• Packaged juices or soft drinks

• Beans and cabbage (cause gas)

Stick to light, easily digestible meals until the stomach settles.

⭐ When to See a Doctor?

Seek medical help if you notice:

• Loose motions lasting more than 48–72 hours

• High fever

• Blood in stool

• Severe abdominal pain

• Signs of dehydration

• Vomiting that prevents fluid intake

• Loose motions in infants under 6 months

⭐ Final Thoughts

Loose motions can be uncomfortable but usually resolve quickly with the right home care. Staying hydrated and choosing soothing foods is key. If symptoms worsen or persist, medical evaluation is important to rule out infections or underlying digestive issues.