Herbal Treatments for Intestinal Worms

Human intestinal parasites can be small, single-celled protozoa or larger, multi-segmented worms. In either case, you want to get rid of them--fast. Symptoms of an intestinal parasite infection include diarrhea, nausea, gas, lethargy and weight loss. While parasitic infections are more common in other parts of the world, you're not immune if you live in the US. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Giardia intestinalis, a "flagellated protozoa" is the most common intestinal parasite in the United States. There are several effective herbal treatments to prevent and treat intestinal parasites; many are available at your local health or nutrition center.

Wormwood

• Artemisia or wormwood is a bitter herb that stimulates the digestive tract. It is often combined with citrus seed extract to combat intestinal parasites. Sesquiterpene lactones, a compound believed to weaken parasite membranes, is also responsible for toxic reactions in grazing livestock. Allergic reactions are possible at high doses.

Garlic

• Garlic has a variety of antifungal, antiviral and antimicrobial uses. For pinworms, roundworms and giardia, herbalists suggest consuming two crushed cloves twice a day. According to researchers at The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, garlic destroys certain enzymes needed by parasites to invade cells. In their study, the team exposed Entamoeba histolytica parasites to allicin, an active ingredient in garlic--the parasites died in minutes.

Goldenseal

• Goldenseal contains berberine, a substance used in over-the-counter parasite preparations in Mexico. In a study of children in India (see References), clinical trials "showed berberine administration improved gastrointestinal symptoms and resulted in a marked reduction in Giardia-positive stools." Other herbs that contain berberines include Oregon Grape and Barberry.

Black Walnut

• Fresh black walnut shells are a traditional remedy believed to expel worms and parasites. Teas and tinctures are made from hulls, bark and leaves. Black walnut contains a substance known as juglone, a toxin that prevents undergrowth around the root zone of the tree. When used at doses recommended by health care practitioners, black walnut is safe. But, as with all of the preparations discussed here, consult with a qualified health care practitioner before use.

Pumpkin Seed

• Pumpkin seeds are a traditional tapeworm treatment. A study in Taiwan (see References) showed that pumpkin seeds, combined with areca nuts, expelled tapeworms. Side effects were seen in four of the 32 patients. One patient experienced a serious side effect--coma--but the results of the study did not elaborate. Herbalists in Europe and the U.S. recommend crushing pumpkin seeds and mixing them with cold water.

Oregano Oil

• Used in Mexico to kill water-borne parasites such as giardia, oregano oil has shown promise as a vermicide. A small trial conducted by the Biotics Research Corporation (see References) examined 11 Blastocystis hominis-positve participants who had taken a six-week course of oregano oil. Of the 11, "eight were completely free of the parasite and the remaining three participants had a reduction in parasitic presence and symptoms."

Cautions

• When treating any parasitic infection, consult with a qualified health care practitioner. An accurate diagnosis is necessary to obtain the safest and best results. If you are pregnant, nursing or immune compromised, always consult with your doctor before beginning an herbal regimen of any kind.