Home Remedies and Herbs for Melena (Black Stool)
What is Melena (Black Stool)?
Melena is the term used to described black and/or bloody stools that have a tar-like substance. Healthy stools should range in color from brown to light brown and are the result of the digestive system eliminating bilirubin from the body.1 2 If you pass a black or bloody stool instead of a healthy stool, then it is usually a sign of a problem within the digestive tract. Problems with the digestive tract that cause melena can range from internal or external factors.2
What Causes Melena (Black Stool)?
Melena is a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a condition in itself. Melena causes range depending on the underlying condition. Any form of bleeding that takes place in the esophagus, stomach or at the beginning of the small intestine can cause your stool to appear black and tarry.2 Some of the possible melena causes that start in the upper part of digestive tract can include:2
- A ruptured and bleeding stomach ulcer
- A tear in the esophagus caused by heavy vomiting
- Abnormalities in the blood vessels
- A cutoff in blood flow in the small intestine
- Gastritis—inflammation in the stomach lining
- Widened veins in the stomach and esophagus
- Undergoing trauma of invading foreign substances in the body
A change in diet can also be a possible melena cause. This can happen due to eating foods that are dark in color like black licorice, blackberries, blueberries or a lot of chocolate. Foods that are black, green or dark blue can produce melena stools.1 Having an increase in iron or lead can also cause melena. Taking medications like pepto bismol can also lead to darkened stools.1
Melena (Black Stool) Symptoms
Melena symptoms can be seen in the stool. Some melena symptoms may include:1
- Very black, darkened stools that can be as dark as the color of charcoa
- May include blood in the stool
- A tar-like or thick substance
- Distended stomach
- Palenesss
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- High blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
Melena symptoms may pass on their own depending on the cause. There are many melena natural treatments that can help improve digestive health and produce regular stools.
References
Home remedies, herbs, and food supplements for Melena (Black Stool)
Buttermilk is the most effective natural product for Melena (Black Stool) CuresDecoded worldwide community recommends
Buttermilk Product 1 of 8
Effectiveness Score
Method of use: Oral
Buttermilk can help improve stools and stop bleeding. Drink 1 glass of buttermilk daily until stools return to normal.
Sesame Seed Product 2 of 8
Effectiveness Score
Method of use: Eat
Sesame seeds can help treat black stool and stop bleeding. Eat ½ teaspoon of sesame seeds in water of buttermilk daily until stools return to normal.
Spinach Product 3 of 8
Effectiveness Score
Method of use: Eat
Spinach is a remedy for helping improve digestion and preventing melena. Eat 1 cup of clean, organic spinach daily until stools return to normal.
Ginger Product 4 of 8
Effectiveness Score
Method of use: Eat
Senna Product 5 of 8
Effectiveness Score
Method of use: Oral
Pantothenic Acid Product 6 of 8
Effectiveness Score
Method of use: Oral
Pantothenic acid is also known as vitamin B5, which can help regulate blood flow and prevent bloody or black stools. Pantothenic acid is available as a supplement to take daily. Follow the dosage instructions on the product label.
Flaxseed Product 7 of 8
Effectiveness Score
Method of use: Oral
Flaxseed can help regulate digestion and stop melena. Take 2 tablespoons of flaxseed mixed into cereal or yogurt daily.
