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.
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