Arsenicum is often useful when diarrhea has been caused by spoiled or tainted food. It may also be helpful for diarrhea that occurs when a person gets overheated, then drinks a lot of cold water. Symptoms often are worse in the morning. The person's mouth may be very dry. Children who need this remedy will often seem extremely angry, and scream or hit.
Adults are irritable and hypersensitive.
Cutting and cramping pains in the abdomen precede the diarrhea when this remedy is indicated. The person feels relief from doubling over, or from putting hard pressure on the abdomen. This remedy is often indicated if trembling and weakness accompany diarrhea, especially when nervousness, fear, or emotional upset is the cause. Gelsemium is also useful during flu with diarrhea, droopy lethargy, fever, chills, and headache. If a person has diarrhea accompanied by extreme or constant nausea, this remedy may bring relief.