The stomach virus, commonly called the "stomach flu" is characterized by symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Often the stomach flu only last 24 hours, though ocassionally it last for several days or up to a week. Fortunately, there are an number of natural remedies that can ease symptoms and speed healing. You may have something in your kitchen cabinet right now that will be helpful to stomach flu symptoms, including black tea, apple cider vinegar or honey.
Many Earth Clinic readers report that black tea helps with vomiting from the stomach flu. Simply brew a mug of tea and sweeten if desired. Since honey is reported to help with the stomach flu, that would be a first choice sweetener. It is best to not add cream to tea while you have the stomach flu! If you do not have black tea on hand, peppermint tea, ginger tea or chamomile tea are some great alternatives. Each of these herbal teas is helpful for digestive problems in general. Tea is actually preferrable to water when dealing with the stomach flu. Drinking plain water is reported by many to induce vomiting. Whenever vomiting and diarrhea are present, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, which is not an uncommon complication of the stomach flu. Taking small sips often is also better than guzzling a lot of fluid at once. Drinking fast is more likely to induce vomiting. Popsicles, made from tea or juice, are wonderful for the stomach flu and are especially comforting if fever is present. They help with hydrating the body without the risk of taking in fluids too quickly.
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar has helped countless people with typical stomach flu symptoms. It has helped with vomiting, diarrhea and fever for many people over the years. You can try it hot or cold, depending on what suits you when you are not feeling well.
Turmeric is a high ranking natural cure for diarrhea (second only to Apple Cider Vinegar.) Earth Clinic readers add 1/2 -1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of water or juice and drink it slowly. It can also be added to applesauce or other food. 2-4 capsules could be tried instead.
Charcoal capsules, or 1 teaspoon activated charcoal powder mixed into a glass of water is another popular natural remedy for symptoms of the stomach flu.
Once acute symptoms of the stomach flu are over, it is best to re-introduce your normal diet slowly. Eat light meals. Dairy products and high protein meals will be harder to digest initially. If some digestive distress continues, try the BRAT diet - bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. A probiotic, water kefir, or milk kefir may also be helpful for the recovery stage of the stomach flu.
Continue reading interesting testimonials from our readers below who have tried various home remedies to cure their stomach bugs. Please be sure to share your story if you have have a natural remedy for the stomach flu!
Additional Pages of Interest:
Norovirus Remedies
Vomiting Remedies
Diarrhea Remedies
