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Coconut Macaroon Cookies Are a Favorite Home Remedy for the Runs

Q. My favorite People’s Pharmacy cure? Archway Coconut cookies for diarrhea. Normally one small cookie does the trick for me, small children and, oh yes, even my dogs.

I gave one to my daughter’s beagle when she had a bout of the runs, and it did the trick. Her vet didn’t approve and said I had given Josie (the beagle) more sugar than she needs in her whole life, but it stopped the problem immediately. It was super easy to administer and had no discernible side effects.

A. We first learned about this remedy from the late Donald Agar in Pittsfield, MA, who discovered it through self-experimentation. We have since heard from many readers who have found coconut helpful, in cookies or alone.

Another reader has also found this remedy helpful for a canine patient:

“My wonderful dog hasn’t soiled in the house for over twelve years, since she was a little puppy. So I was alarmed last week when she developed diarrhea and soiled our brand-new carpet.

“I was upset, but remembered the people who have written about Archway Coconut Macaroons. I bought the cookies and gave her some, and she did not have another accident. It may be coincidence, but I am convinced these cookies work wonders.”

CDM has suggested that people who are avoiding sugar and carbs might still be able to benefit from Mr. Agar’s discovery:

“If it’s the lauric acid in the coconut that helps stop the diarrhea, then why not just eat a spoonful of pure organic coconut oil that is tasty and healthy in so many ways and can be used for baking, frying or even as a moisturizer.”

We don’t know for sure whether it is the lauric acid, but plain unsweetened coconut seems to work as well as coconut macaroon cookies. There are more details on this and hundreds of other remedies in our book, Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy.

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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