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What Elements Can Kill Parasitic Worms?

Parasitic worm infections do not always cause symptoms, but the most common worm infections in humans can cause anal itching or visible worm fragments in the stool. In some cases, other intestinal symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea may arise. Pets infected with worms may have unexplained weight loss, visible worms in stool or anal symptoms. Regardless, upon confirming a worm infection, you'll likely want to get rid of the worms.

  1. Anti-worm Medication

    • If you suspect a family member or pet is infected with parasitic worms, the best bet is to contact your doctor or veterinarian and ask about de-worming medication. For pets, anti-worm medicines may be available over the counter in your local pet store or drugstore. Your doctor or veterinarian may want to run tests or examine a stool sample in order to determine the type of worm causing the infection, as this may help in choosing the drug most likely to target that particular type of worm.

    Carrots

    • Although not measured in a scientific setting, some natural healers recommend eating raw carrots as a way to flush out pinworms. The claim is that the pinworms either find the carrots aversive or that the fiber aids in intestinal cleansing. It might not be a good idea to rely solely on carrots if you know you have a worm infection, but since they're a healthy food, it can't hurt to add them to your diet anyway.

    Wormwood

    • The wormwood plant, Artemisia absinthium, is among the most commonly recommended herbal remedies for parasitic worm infections. Wormwood hasn't been measured extensively for efficacy in a scientific setting, but if you wish to try it, you can probably obtain wormwood from an herbal supply store or natural health store. Use caution in dosing the wormwood and contact an expert in herbal medicine, such as a naturopathic physician, for advice if questions arise.

    Garlic

    • Long recommended by traditional and alternative healers, garlic is one natural remedy that does have scientific backing for some uses, including the treatment of intestinal worms. According to a study published in 2000 in the "Journal of Parasitology and Applied Animal Biology," garlic oil as an anti-worm agent appears to be harmful to worms without causing significant side effects for the host, except possibly bad breath. Ask a natural health practitioner for a good protocol plan if you plan to try to use garlic to treat intestinal worms.

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