Black colored stools, also known as tarry stools, black tar poop, bloody stools, Hematochezia or Melena are often indicative of an injury or disorder in the digestive tract. The term melena is used to describe black colored, foul smelling stools while the term hematochezia is used to describe reddish or maroon colored stools.

Any injury or infection in the digestive tract that results in internal bleeding can cause black or reddish stools. The bleeding could come from anywhere between the mouth and the anus. This could be a small amount that cannot be detected except by a fecal occult blood test. If the bleeding is in sufficient quantities, it will change the color of your stools. The color of your stools can provide clues as to the location of the bleeding. A diagnosis can then be confirmed using imaging tests such as an x-ray or an endoscopy.

Causes of Black Colored Stool
Melena may occur due to an overdose of certain drugs, like specific anti-coagulants, such as warfarin
Cancer is another important cause for tarry stools. Tumors of the esophagus, stomach or the small intestine
Gastritis or stomach inflammation
Esophageal varices
Peptic Ulcer
Mallory-Weiss syndrome

Home Remedies for Blood in Stool
Ginger and Senna – Take some dry ginger powder and dry senna leaves powder. Take a glass of lukewarm water and mix 5 grams of the mixture. Drink this before going to bed.

Buttermilk – Add some salt and black pepper in a glass of buttermilk and then drink it. Take this combination daily till the problem is cured.

Sesame seeds – Eating ? tsp of sesame seeds with little amount of butter is a good home remedy for blood in stool.

Rose petals – Ground 10 rose petals with half a cup of water and take it for three days on an empty stomach. This is also a good home remedy for blood in stool or hemorrhoids.

Diet for Preventing Blood in Stool

Fiber Rich Diet – To avoid chronic constipation, the diet must be rich in fiber. So increase your intake of green vegetables, fruits etc.

Water – Drink one liter of water as the first thing in the morning. This helps to clear the stomach.