Herbal Remedy for Pin Worms

Pin worms (Enterobius vermicularis) are tiny white worms that account for the most common parasitic infection in humans. Virtually anyone can get them. In fact, all it takes to become infected is to come into contact with an egg, usually from contaminated bedding, clothing or food. Fortunately, pin worms are more unpleasant than they are dangerous. Equally fortunate is the fact that an herbal remedy for pin worms may safely and effectively get rid of them.

Observe Proper Precautions

• Before you start using an herbal remedy for pin worms, make sure you actually have them. Symptoms vary between individuals, but the most common signs that these little critters are present include gas, bloating, constipation, fatigue, and unexplained itching around the anus. However, these symptoms can also be attributed to something else, like irritable bowl syndrome or allergies. So, call your doctor to make an appointment for examination and testing.

  Consult with a qualified health care practitioner if you have a medical condition or are taking medications of any kind before attempting a parasitic cleanse. Diabetes, kidney disease, cardiovascular or anticancer medications are just a few of the things that can interact with herbal therapies.

  You should not take any herbal remedies internally if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, herbal formulations should generally not be given to young children without the supervision of a physician or certified herbalist.

  In the world of phytomedicine, an herbal remedy for pin worms is classified as a vermifuge. However, just because botanical therapies are natural, more of a good thing is not necessarily a good thing. So, don’t be tempted to take large doses of an herbal remedy, or to combine remedies. Just stick to one and give it time to work. The exception to this rule is using an herbal formulation prepared by a certified herbalist.

Meet Your Herbal Allies

• Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is probably the most traditional anti-parasitic herbal remedy. As an added bonus, black walnut reputedly helps to cleanse the blood as well.

  Omphalia (P. mylittae) is a type of mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is more commonly known as lei wan, to treat parasitic infections. It is also known as “thunder ball.” According to Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac., A.H.G., the active constituent likely responsible for the worm-expelling ability of this mushroom is proteinase.

  Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is an effective herbal remedy for pin worms due to the presence of tannins in the leaves and stems of this shrub-like plant. On a scale of 1 to 5, the Plants For a Future database gives this herb a rating of 5 to indicate its medical efficacy.

  Garlic is one of the oldest known herbs used to get rid of intestinal parasites, including pin worms. If you love the flavor, this is an exceptionally easy medicine to swallow. Nothing to measure, no instructions to follow; just use fresh garlic liberally in your cooking.