The stomach flu, otherwise called Gastroenteritis, is a condition that can prove dangerous to the elderly. Symptoms associated with the condition include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and abdominal cramping. This condition can lead to dehydration, and the elderly, who have less efficient immune systems, are at higher risk of experiencing complications from Gastroenteritis. Thankfully, there are herbal remedies that can be used to treat the condition.
Probiotics During and After Gastroenteritis
The stomach flu is treated with herbal remedies that offer anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the digestive tract, and with herbs that have antimicrobial agents to promote healthy immunological functioning. It is recommended that an elderly individual consume probiotics for seven days as well to help rebalance the microflora within the colon. Probiotics can be derived from several food sources including tomatoes, bananas, honey, barley, garlic and wheat. If foods are intolerable while you have Gastroenteritis, you can begin taking probiotics as soon as you begin to recover to restore the natural balance of healthy bacteria within your intestinal tract.
Echinacea
Echinacea is non-toxic and can be used to help stimulate the immune system in the elderly. The elderly also can benefit from this herb's antiviral agents. Echinacea has polysaccharides that help stimulate one's immunological functioning. This herb can help diminish the abdominal pain associated with the stomach flu, as well as diminish the inflammation of the stomach lining. If it can be tolerated, echinacea can be consumed as a tea two to three times a day. You can brew one to two grams of the dried root in hot water for consumption. If your stomach is too upset, you can also consume this herb in capsule form. Take echinacea at a dosage of 400 milligrams, three times daily to improve your immune system and to relieve stomach flu symptoms.
Marshmallow
Marshmallow is an herb that is traditionally relied on to ease stomach inflammation and irritation. This herb is safe for the elderly to consume, provided that they do not have diabetes. Marshmallow may lower blood sugar levels and should be avoided by diabetics. Marshmallow also promotes proper immunological functioning and contains anti-inflammatory agents, which can ease any inflammation in the digestive tract. As a tea, this herb can be consumed at a dosage of three cups a day. To make the tea, you can brew two to five teaspoons of marshmallow in a cup of hot water. You can also take marshmallow in capsule form at a dosage of two to six grams each day until your symptoms subside.
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