17 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Shigellosis

Shigellosis is a bacterial infection that impacts gut health. It is caused by the Shigella bacteria and around 500,000 people are diagnosed with shigellosis every year. [1] Shigellosis symptoms can vary from a mild infection to severe nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and cramps. Blood in stool and fever are also common. The symptoms appear three days after exposure and they may last between 2-7 days depending on the severity. [2] [3] Shigellosis is contracted from infected water or food and infection can also occur due direct contact with human feces. Children, who don’t wash their hands and those exposed to diaper changing are most at risk. If you want to know how to get rid of shigellosis, then don’t worry. Our home remedies for shigellosis will treat the infection and bring you back to health.

Home Remedies to Get Rid Of Shigellosis

Stay hydrated

The main problem to combat in gastrointestinal infections is dehydration. Most of the digestive problems drain the water from the body.

If you want just one remedy for how to get rid of shigellosis, then it is water. [4] The human body is largely comprised of water. Water is essential water for all the functions in the body. When a person is dehydrated, he is also at a risk of shut down of all the organ systems. [5]

Water is also needed to fight and recover from shigellosis and other related issues. It is suggested that you have at least 10-12 glasses per day as a part of shigella treatment.

Ginger tea

Drinking ginger tea is an excellent home remedy for shigellosis. Ginger is well-known for its benefits for the stomach and gut health. Consuming it is an effective way to soothe inflammation and distress in the stomach. [6][7]

For this remedy, you will need two small pieces of ginger and two cups of water.

Add water to a pan and heat it.
When the water begins to boil, add the ginger pieces and lower the flame.
Cover the pan and wait for 5-10 minutes.
Strain the water and pour the tea into cups.

You can also add honey for a stronger flavor. Have one cup of tea in the morning and one at night.

Another way to use ginger for shigellosis is by consuming it raw. [8]

Rest

Giving the body enough rest is important to recover from illness. People who have mild to severe diarrhea should stay in the bed.

When you have shigellosis, your body lacks some of the essential nutrients and water. This leads to slowing down of most of the processes in the body. [9]

Sleeping prevents this from happening as the body recovers and gathers strength.

Make sure to sleep at least 8-9 hours when you have shigellosis. It will give your body more time to repair itself. Consider using our home remedies for sleep if you are having trouble sleeping.

Consume bananas

Eating bananas is an excellent remedy to get rid of shigellosis. These fruits are a rich source of many nutrients including potassium. They can help boost the immune system. [10]

Bananas are also loaded with electrolytes. Electrolytes are an essential treatment for diarrhea and the dehydration that comes with it.

It is suggested that you have 2-3 bananas for breakfast to treat shigellosis. Reoccurring bouts of diarrhea in shigellosis can also be stopped with bananas. [11]

You can also add bananas to a small amount of yogurt and give it to children. Two small bananas and 2-3 tablespoons of yogurt are enough.

Peppermint leaves

Peppermint is often used for soothing an upset stomach and can be used to as remedy to get rid of shigellosis. The herb is not only an anti-inflammatory agent but also an antiseptic. Chewing on peppermint leaves can help ease the pain as well as fight the bacteria causing it.

To follow this method, chew on peppermint leaves every morning on an empty stomach before breakfast.

If you find it hard to chew on leaves, you can also make yourself a nice cup of peppermint tea. The tea can fasten the healing of the body and can improve the digestion.

To make peppermint tea:

Take one teaspoon of dried peppermint and one cup of water.
Heat the water and bring it to a boil.
Add the dried leaves and strain the water after 7-8 minutes.
Drink the tea twice a day for absolute benefits.

Eat Light Foods

It is harder for the body to digest food when yo have gastrointestinal infection. Eating light foods is essential to get rid of shigellosis.

Instead of eating oily, spicy, and processed foods, go for bland foods. Try eating simple whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These will provide electrolytes, water, and fiber and help add bulk to stools.

Foods with added sugars, fatty oils, and processed fats can worsen diarrhea. It is suggested that you go on a completely clean diet and avoid caffeine and alcohol for at least two weeks.

Also, some dairy products can aggravate diarrhea. Milk may be beneficial but it is hard for the body to digest if you have shigellosis.

Avoid eating any processed dairy and only consume cultured dairies such as yogurt. These items are rich in probiotics and can boost gut health and rebalance good bacteria in the digestive system. Better gut health makes it easier to recover from shigellosis. [12] [13]

Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe Vera is an excellent home remedy for shigellosis. The juice of this plant has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe inflammation of the gut. [14] [15]

For this remedy, you only need half a cup of aloe vera juice. Consume one tablespoon of the juice in the morning, afternoon, and evening. The juice will improve digestion and will also help with a stomach ache.

Be careful with diapers

If your toddler gets shigellosis, you have to be extra careful while changing diapers. Changing diapers can lead to skin infection and rashes in children if not done gently.

Use warm water and a washcloth to soothe the irritation. Avoid using dry soaps and wipes. Let the skin air dry and apply mild moisturizer before putting on another diaper. This will create a moisture barrier for extra protection.

It goes without saying that you should thoroughly disinfect your hands after the diaper change.

Coconut water

Coconut water is loaded with electrolytes and nutrients beneficial for gut health. This makes it one of the most effective home remedies to get rid of shigellosis. Coconut water can help in combating dehydration as well as soothing inflammation in the stomach.

To follow this technique, you can drink half a glass of coconut water before breakfast. You can also eat raw coconut as it is also a source of many essential nutrients and it is easy to digest.

Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds can be used to treat shigellosis. This is because of their high mucilage content.

Mucilage is a thick, gluey and edible substance produced by nearly all plants. It aids digestion and has a strong anti-diarrheal effect as it can block up your system.

All you need to do is chew one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds. Since the seeds are bitter, try adding them to a tablespoon of yogurt.

Consume this mixture three times a day. It will ease the discomfort in the stomach and fasten the process of recovery.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is another great way to get rid of shigellosis. It has antispasmodic properties that can help with stomach pains and discomfort. The tea is also helpful in reducing intestinal inflammation. [16]

To make chamomile tea,

- Take one teaspoon of chamomile flowers and one cup of water.
- Heat the water and add the flowers when it comes to a boil.
- After 8-10 minutes, strain the tea
- Drink 1-2 times a day.

If you do not have chamomile flowers, you can also make a simple green tea.

Black seed oil

Black seed oil is used in the treatment of various health issues. It can help with problems such as asthma, colic, constipation, and gas. It is a very effective treatment for shigellosis.[17] [18]

This is a simple remedy that only requires a teaspoon of black seed oil and a cup of yogurt. Add the oil to the yogurt and mix. Consume this mixture two times a day until the infection is completely gone.

Carrot soup

Carrot soup has anti-dyspeptic effects. It can help with diarrhea that comes with intestinal disorders. It is also one of the tastiest home remedies for shigellosis.

For this method,

Take 500g of carrots, a quarter cup of water, and salt to taste.
Wash, scrape, and chop the carrots.
Cook them with water for no longer than 15-20 minutes.
Drain the liquid after the carrots have been cooked and add salt to taste.
Liquidize and avoid adding any kind of sauces.

Consume this soup fresh during the infection to see improvements.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the simplest home remedies for shigellosis. It can soothe the inflammation as well as fight the bacteria causing it.

Add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and mix. Drink this mixture only once a day to get rid of diarrhea and discomfort that come with shigellosis.

Drink it on an empty stomach in the morning or before going to bed at night.

Clove oil

Cloves several different active compounds. Eugenol, found in clove oil is anti-bacterial and will help fight the shigellosis bacteria. Cloves have been tested for anti bacterial properties versus different bacterial types and have found to be effective. (19)

Eugenol works by suppressing the shigellosis bug in your gut. Add the oil to your cooking.

Black walnut

Black walnut is a herb that, taken in tincture form, is effective microbial infections of the gut such as shigellosis.

Black walnut contains juglone, a compound that is antibacterial and will kill the shigellosis bacteria as well as other parasites (20). It can be added to cooking.

Black walnut is, however, is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Turmeric

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities. The spice can be used to get rid of shigellosis (21). It is often seen as nature’s antibiotic.

You can add turmeric to your cooking or just consume a teaspoon of raw turmeric juice on a daily basis for one to two weeks.

Do’s

Drink a lot of clear fluids to manage dehydration.
Take electrolyte energy drinks
Eat small amounts of white rice, potato and other simple starchy foods to get rid of diarrhea.

Don’t’s