If you suddenly feel unwell, lose your appetite, feel nauseous and have an episode of diarrhea, you are probably developing gastroenteritis, which is colloquially known as a «intestinal flu», caused by a virus, usually a norovirus.

It is an infection, generally mild, that develops and spreads rapidly through the stomach and intestine. Viruses are usually responsible, but similar symptoms can be triggered by food and drinks in poor condition or contaminated, certain drugs or an allergic reaction.

To prevent it is important to wash your hands When handling food, refrigerate fresh foods – especially if it is hot –, avoid expired foods and consume cautiously at mobile food stalls.

But once you have gastroenteritis, it is advisable to take measures. A common recommendation for stop diarrhea and give the digestive system a rest is to follow a soft diet.

Treat digestive viral infections with phytotherapy

Phytotherapy can also be of great help in relieving symptoms. Here we propose four plants with astringent propertieswhich stop diarrhea, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and help contain vomiting.

Good advice is have a small supply of these plants at home for emergency cases