How to Stop Diarrhea With Rice Water

Author:
Justin Choo
Updated:
Mar 16, 2022 11:37 AM EDT

My contacts constantly forward me emails whenever they find useful and beneficial health tips and information. One of these emails prompted me to write this article on stopping diarrhea. I have taught this method a long time ago as a small boy and have recently had the opportunity to try it. I'm happy to share this valuable information with you.

My late parents were both Chinese physicians, practising traditional Chinese medicines (TCM). Whenever a patient consulted my parents about how to stop diarrhea, I overheard their prescription a hundred times over. Below is the method my parents advised their patients when it came to stopping diarrhea.

What You'll Need

125ml (1/2 cup) of rice
2L (8 cups) of water

How to Stop Diarrhea With Rice Water

This brings us to the method I learned from my parents. The magic "potion" is rice water. By drinking plenty of rice water, your diarrhea will stop. Here's how to prepare the rice water:

Rinse the rice.
Put the rice in a large pot.
Add water to the pot and boil. (Stir the rice to prevent it from sticking to the pot.)
Boil the water and rice on medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes. The rice does not need to be fully cooked. The rice water should be very diluted and not starchy. If the rice water is starchy, it is too thick, and more water should be added until it is thin and watery.
Separate the rice from the water. It is only the rice water that you want.
Cool the rice water by placing the pot on a basin or sink filled with ice cubes.

A glass of rice water.
Photo by author Good Guy

Drinking the Rice Water

The effectiveness of drinking rice water depends on the liquid reaching every part of the digestive system, including the entirety of the intestine and the stomach. It is therefore essential that the patient drinks large amounts of rice water. Drink as much as you can before you are full, and fill up on the rice water as frequently as possible.

The Dangers of Diarrhea

Diarrhea, if prolonged, can cause dehydration and even death. Apart from the loss of important bodily fluids, a person suffering from diarrhea also loses important electrolytes, which are essential for the body to function normally. Babies and small children are especially susceptible to the dangers of diarrhea. It is important that we know how to stop diarrhea as fast as possible, which is why I am happy to share this effective method.

It is very important that a person suffering from diarrhea drinks plenty of liquid to replace the lost fluids. Plain water is not the best fluid to drink during diarrhea. Rice water is excellent because it hydrates and stops the constant discharge. Other fluids to drink are tea, chicken soup, ginger ale, soda, isotonic drinks, and pure coconut water.

The History of Using Rice Water to Treat Illnesses

In 1981, the Singaporean pediatrician Professor Wong Hock Boon from the National University of Singapore successfully used rice water to rehydrate babies. Babies who did not respond well to conventional rehydration solutions responded favorably to the rice water treatment.

Realizing the importance of his discovery, Professor Wong wrote an article titled, “Rice water in treatment of infantile gastroenteritis” in the British Scientific Journal, where he expanded on the benefits of rice water.

Other articles have been published on the management of child diarrhea with rice water as well.

One explanation for the effectiveness of rice water is that starch-like sugars, which are present in rice, draw less fluid out of the body when compared to simple sugars like glucose. Another explanation is that diluted rice water is better equipped than most fluids to penetrate the digestive system, including the full length of the intestine, thereby preventing further diarrhea.

My Experience With Using Rice Water to Stop Diarrhea

Two days after publishing this article, I woke up with a case of mild diarrhea. This gave me another opportunity to personally experiment with drinking rice water. I prepared the rice water and drank a big mug late in the morning. My diarrhea stopped for the rest of the day.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Comments

Patricia f Beard on September 07, 2019:

How ma y carbs in a 8 oz . I am diabetic a d only allowed a certain number of carbs. I also have chronic diarrhea

Destiny on September 28, 2018:

Dictor Can Rice Water Cure Pale

Shannonc115 on April 27, 2018:

Trying it on a dog I'm permitting for. Thank you so very much for your wisdom. Fingers crossed.

Aoife Fitzpatrick on April 05, 2018:

Thank you so much I I’ll try it now xxxx

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on February 06, 2018:

Hi Kb, I suppose you can.

Kb on February 04, 2018:

Can you use basmati or jasmine rice

Karen on November 26, 2017:

Trying this right now after realizing that chia seeds are NOT for me. Not a fun morning. Thanks for the unique treatment. I’m using black rice because that’s all I have, hopefully that will work too.

Dusana1234 on February 26, 2013:

Great post, very useful, thank you.

Dusana :-)

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on September 13, 2012:

Hi His princesz

Thanks for comment and vote.

His princesz on September 13, 2012:

Yah diarrhea, such a nasty illness. That is just very good to know goodguy. :) Thanks for sharing. Vote up and useful ;)

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on September 13, 2012:

Hi jpcmc

Thanks for the suggestions.

Hi sandrabusby,