There are several types of worms that can live in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. Symptoms vary, or there may be no obvious symptoms. Generally parasites impair absorption of nutrients and may cause anemia from bleeding. Some experts warn that parasitic worms are behind many cases of inflammatory bowel disease and that they are common in people with HIV, candida, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Natural remedies can kill and eliminate intestinal worms.
Worms Are All Too Common
Pinworms infest millions of small children every year. They cause intense anal itch, particularly at night when they migrate outside the rectum to lay eggs. Hookworm infestations cause itching on the soles of the feet and can cause lung inflammation, coughing, fever, and loss of appetite. Threadworms may also be associated with bronchitis as well as diarrhea and gas. Tapeworms may cause weight loss, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Ascarids, which are transmitted by raw fish, cause symptoms of pain, bloating, vomiting and difficulty breathing. Untreated microscopic roundworms can damage muscles, including the heart.
Some Foods Fight Parasites
A high fiber diet of mostly whole grains and fresh vegetables inhibits infestation by parasites. Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and figs are rich in zinc and cleanse the bowel. Eat them three times a day with black walnut extract on an empty stomach to eliminate parasites. This regimen is ideal for children; the black walnut extract is a traditional remedy that does not taste bad. Grapefruit seed extract is also effective.
Garlic, cayenne pepper, and tumeric can be used against intestinal worms. The following herbs, chamomile, gentian root, mugwort, parsley, pau d'arco, rhubarb root, slippery elm, thyme, valerian, and wormwood all have anti-parasitic properties.
Cascara sagrada is a very effective herbal laxative.
Warm Baths and Enemas Treat Worms
Epsom salts baths should be taken daily for three days. Coat the anus with zinc oxide ointment to prevent reinfestation of worms as they leave the body. High, hot, soapsuds enemas (use 1 Tbsp Castille soap per bag of water) eliminate parasites from the lower bowel. Hold as much water as possible for ten minutes before expelling the enema on the toilet. Alternatively, colon irrigation done by a professional is very effective even when infestation is severe.
Infestation with intestinal parasites is common and can range from mild to severe. Zinc-rich high fiber foods, herbal medicines and laxatives, Epsom salts baths and enemas or colonics can eliminate worms and restore good digestive health.
References:
Phyllis Balch, CNC, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Avery, 2004
Kucic, C., et. al.,Jacksonville Naval Hospital, Florida, "Common Intestinal Parasites," American Family Physician, March 1, 2004
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