Intestinal Parasites

Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider.

      Contaminated food and water, raw or inadequately cooked meat or fish and physical contact are the most widespread sources of intestinal parasites. These invaders are frequently one-celled organisms and worms or, less commonly, flukes and leeches. Some can lead to the formation of abscesses, break through the intestinal walls or invade the bloodstream and infest other parts of the body, such as the lungs and urinary or reproductive tract.
      Typical symptoms of parasites include headaches, colicky diarrhea, rectal itching, rumbling in the abdomen or chronic digestive problems and abdominal pain with recurrent diarrhea. Other symptoms might also occur - depending on the parasite. Tapeworms, for instance, will cause extreme hunger pangs and weight loss despite binge eating. The foremost defense against parasites is very strict hygiene and care during food preparation. If you suspect an infestation, you must see a physician, as parasites can be life-threatening. Your medical treatment can be supported with natural healing methods.

Pumpkin seed regimen
      The seeds of Cucurbita pepo, or pumpkin, are a remedy for intestinal worms, particularly tapeworm. Eat 1 handful of raw, unhulled pumpkin seeds 2-3 times a day in fruit puree or milk, for a period of about 2 weeks. Approximately 1 hour after each dosage, take ½ tsp. of castor oil. Throughout the treatment regimen, be sure to eat copious amounts of raw foods, especially pineapple.

What You Can Do
      Strict hygien can help prevent intestinal parasites, especially when traveling abroad. If you think you have an infestation, see a doctor to confirm that your symptoms are caused by parasites and to begin any necessary treatment. Natural and homeopathic remedies can support medical treatment and relieve side effects, such as nausea and digestive problems.

Preventive measures
      An essential rule, especially in countries where the sanitary conditions are inadequate, is "peel it, cook it or forget it." This means you should peel all fruit before eating it, eat only cooked food and refrain from drinking tap water. Drink springwater and other beverages from bottles that have their original seals, and skip the ice.
Pets, especially dogs, that spend a lot of time outdoors can be worm carriers. Give your dog regular worm treatments.

Hygiene
      Proper sanitary measures are crucial during the treatment for intestinal worms. After all bowel movements, scrub your hands - even under your fingernails - with soap and water. Change your sheets, towels and pajamas every day. Do not share utensils or bites of food with others.

Nausea and vomiting
      If the infestation is accompanied by vomiting, nausea and diarrhea, you must drink as much as possible to compensate for fluid loss. The best beverages for this purpose are herbal teas, mineral water and boiled water with salt.


Home Remedies

Pineapple
      Raw pineapple is high in acids and enzymes, including bromelain, that digest the soft bodies of parasites such as pinworms. Consume 1 cup or more of fresh pineapple chunks (canned or dried are less effective) several times each day. Do this at least 3 times in a 1-week period. As an alternative, drink 2 cups of fresh pineapple juice daily.

Garlic milk
      Garlic milk eliminates intestinal worms. In the morning, bring 1 chopped clove of garlic to a boil in ½ cup of milk. Drink the mixture on an empty stomach. Other forms of garlic are also effective, including fresh cloves, garlic tablets and garlic-oil capsules. Eat plenty of fresh garlic and take 2-3 tablets or capsules 2-3 times daily, on an empty stomach.

Chamomile wraps
      Diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain respond well to warm chamomile tea. Dip a linen cloth in the tea, place it on the painful abdominal area and cover it with a dry woolen cloth.

Black Alder Tea
      Black alder tea helps empty the bowels and promotes the elimination of worms. Place 2-3 tbsp. of the bark in 1 cup of cold water and steep for 12 hours; strain. Drink the tea lukewarm before bedtime. As an alternative, 2-3 tbsp. of black walnut hulls may be substituted for the black alder bark to make an effective tea.

Homeopathic Remedies
      Consult a homeopath for recommended dosage and administration instructions.


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Sources:
      All information provided in this article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing, Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White; Natural Beauty from the Garden, Janice Cox; Nature's Prescriptions, Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, and The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies, Joe Graedon and Theresa Graedon, Ph.D