[pullquote]Other symptoms of intestinal parasites include abdominal cramps, bloating, and flatulence.[/pullquote]
If you’ve been experiencing loose stools, nausea, fatigue, or an itchy feeling around your anus, you might have intestinal parasites.1 And as the symptoms suggest, they can make it very difficult to get through the day. Often, making sure that your food is thoroughly cooked and that you avoid unfiltered water is all that’s needed to keep parasites away. Having stated that, if you are squirming in your chair looking for a way to get rid of them, here are a few that will help you do just that naturally.
1. Oregano Oil
One study has found that oregano leaf oil kills intestinal parasites. In it, 14 participants with parasites were given 600 mg doses of oregano oil every day. At the end of 6 weeks, all of them found that they’d gotten rid of the parasites or noticed a decline in them. They’d also experienced an improvement in their gastrointestinal symptoms. It is important to note that there haven’t been any studies to back up this study.2
How to use: Like the study, you could try supplementing with 600 mg of oregano oil but be sure to consult a professional before you do.
2. Turmeric
Tumeric’s antimicrobial properties make it a hit with most home remedies. And true to this, animal studies have found that turmeric can effectively kill intestinal parasites.3
How to use: Incorporate turmeric into your diet by consuming turmeric milk, turmeric health shots, or curries with turmeric in them. You could alternatively turmeric supplements but be sure to consult a professional before you do.
3. Wormwood
Ancient Egyptians used wormwood to treat intestinal issues. Even today, this bitter herb is used to treat gallbladder diseases, Crohn’s disease, and intestinal parasites. However, children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers are advised to avoid this herb since it can stimulate uterine contractions and can be toxic when taken in large amounts.4
How to use: You could try consuming wormwood tea for a few days. Be sure not to have it for any longer than a few days as that could lead to complications like abdominal cramping. Additionally, do not ingest wormwood essential oil as it can be toxic.5
4. Cloves
Traditional medicine has been using clove oil to treat parasites in the intestine for a long time now. It is believed that they also help in preventing episodes of infestation later on.6
How to use: Try having a few cloves every day. This might ease the symptoms of intestinal parasites. Do not ingest clove oil as it might be toxic. You could alternatively try supplementation but do so after consulting a professional.
5. Pomegranate
Traditionally, the rind of the pomegranate and the bark of its tree was used to treat intestinal parasites, more specifically tapeworms. It is believed that pomegranates contain alkaloids like isopelletierine which paralyze the parasites and, in turn, make it easy for our bodies to expel them.7
How to use: Have one pomegranate or one glass of its juice every day.
6. Papaya Seeds
The black seeds that we generally throw away after eating papayas might just be what you need to get rid of intestinal parasites. Studies have found that they paralyze parasites and kill their eggs, especially when combined with honey.8
How to use: Dry papaya seeds in the sun and pulse them in a grinder until they have a powder-like consistency. Add 20 grams of this to a teaspoon of honey every day for a week.
7. Pumpkin Seeds
New to the score of superfoods that have hit the health food industry by a storm, pumpkin seeds might also fight off intestinal parasites. Studies have found that they contain cucurbitins, a chemical compound, that paralyzes the parasites, much like papaya seeds. This prevents the parasites from holding on to the intestinal wall during bowel movements and hence aids in their removal.9 10
How to use: Incorporate a few tablespoons of pumpkin seeds into your diet by sprinkling them on your bowl of oatmeal or a salad.
8. Garlic
Garlic might enhance the flavor of pasta and curries but for parasites, it can be a nightmare. Traditional Chinese medicine, as well as ayurveda, believed that the antimicrobial properties of garlic can kill intestinal parasites.11 Animal studies have found that it can kill hookworms and roundworms although the exact mechanism behind this is still uncertain.12 13
How to use: Incorporate garlic into your diet or have slice up two cloves of garlic and have them in the morning on an empty stomach. You could also try supplements but be sure to consult a professional before you do.
9. Acapulco Plant
Acapulco plant is a shrub found throughout Phillipenes. Traditionally, it was used to treat fungal infections and insect bites. However, it also acts as a natural laxative, making it easy for the passage of intestinal worms.14
How to use: Some herbal stores sell acapulco tea which you could sip on every day for a week. If you experience any allergic reactions, do discontinue use.
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