Grandma’s Trusted Remedies for Soothing Diarrhea

Diarrhea is often the body’s way of clearing out toxins. According to traditional Jewish healing wisdom, this process should not be suppressed, but gently supported through food choices and natural remedies. The Rambam, Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon (Maimonides), a great Torah sage and physician taught that healing comes from working with the body, not against it.

If you or someone in your family is dealing with diarrhea, here are some gentle and effective remedies Grandma recommends, based on generations of experience and Torah-rooted care.

Prickly Pear
This unique fruit is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It’s best consumed as juice, especially during recovery. It helps the body fight toxins and replenish strength.

Vegetable Water
Drinking the water left from cooking vegetables is simple but very effective. It’s gentle on the stomach and full of nutrients, offering quick relief and hydration.

Carrots
Carrots are full of vitamins and minerals. They soothe the digestive system and help calm diarrhea. Strained carrot juice (without the fiber) is especially helpful for sensitive stomachs.

Myrtle Leaf Infusion
Myrtle leaves, known for their healing properties in Jewish tradition, are excellent for calming inflammation in the intestines. Soak the leaves in water to make a tea and drink as needed.

Pomegranate Peel
Pomegranate is mentioned throughout Jewish texts as a fruit of blessing. Eating the fruit along with some of the inner peel, or boiling the peel and drinking the liquid, helps firm the stool and heal the intestines.

Carob Syrup
Carob is a natural gift, full of protein and gentle natural sugars like fructose. Carob syrup has long been used to support digestion and is known to help with diarrhea.

Cooked Quince
This fruit, rich in iron, potassium, and vitamin C, supports the healing of digestive issues when cooked. It’s soft, tasty, and healing all at once.

Bananas, Lentils, and Fava Beans
Bananas are high in potassium and easy to digest, making them perfect during bouts of diarrhea. Lentils and fava beans are also rich in fiber and nutrients that help the digestive system regain its strength.

Cornmeal Porridge
Simple and nourishing, cornmeal porridge is comforting and effective. It helps absorb excess fluid in the intestines and brings the body back into balance.

Lemon Water
Let’s not forget the humble lemon, so rich in vitamin C and minerals. It helps purify the blood and gently remove toxins. A warm cup of water with fresh lemon juice, especially first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, supports the body’s natural cleansing process.

These remedies remind us of the deep connection between body and soul, and the Torah’s emphasis on health as a foundation for serving Hashem with strength and joy.

To your health—refuah shleimah (a full and gentle healing)!

Note: These natural suggestions are supportive in nature and not a replacement for professional medical care. Please consult your doctor for any ongoing or serious symptoms.