Although certain chemical medications exist throughout the world for cleansing the body of parasites, many cultures still rely on herbal remedies. Some newer natural treatments, such as anti-microbials like propolis, are somewhat effective, but herbs like ipecac, garlic, wormwood and myrrh are used as natural alternatives in treating parasitic infections.
Ipecac
Ipecac (Gillenia stipulata) contains emetine and other alkaloids that can kill pinworms, tapeworms, amoeba and other types of parasites, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Because the large amounts of emetine needed to kill parasites can produce severe side effects, ipecac and emetine are usually used only in cases when amoebae parasites prove resistant to the prescribed medications, according to the University of Michigan Health System. For an emetic and strong laxative effect, the entire ipecac plant can be boiled into a tea, according to the Herb Growing & Marketing Network.
Myrrh
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) has been used in powdered or tea form for a wide range of ailments, from stomach problems and cough to boils and wounds, according to the Herb Growing & Marketing Network. A clinical trial discovered that patients with a parasitic infection called schistosomiasis had an overall cure rate of 98.1 percent when they were treated with a combination of resin and volatile oil of myrrh, according to the University of Michigan Health System. The patients were given a rate of 10mg per 2.2 lbs. of body weight per day over the course of three days.
Barberry, Goldenseal and Oregon Grape
Berberine is a chemical substance extracted from several plants, including goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), barberry (Berberis vulgaris) and Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium). Berberine can successfully treat the parasitic infection giardia, according to preliminary clinical trials cited by the University of Michigan Health System. Berberine may also kill amoebae, as seen in test tube studies, but the high amounts needed (about 200mg three times per day) may cause side effects. In addition to killing giardia infections, berberine can also fight other microorganisms, such as staphylococci, streptococci, salmonella, dysentery, cholera, vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections, the Herb Growing & Marketing Network notes.
Garlic
In laboratory test-tube trials and animal studies, garlic (Allium sativum) has been found to kill amoeba, hookworm and other similar parasites, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Some laboratory studies have discovered that consuming large amounts of fresh garlic can provide anti-parasitic effects, especially against the common intestinal parasite the roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. No clinical studies on garlic's anti-parasitic qualities have been conducted in humans, however.
Wormwood
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) has also been used in traditional herbal medicine as a treatment for parasites, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Wormwood's leaves contain sesquiterpene lactones, properties that expel roundworms and threadworms from the body while increasing bile and stomach acid, according to the Herb Growing & Marketing Network.
Pumpkin Seeds
Seeds of the pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) can help to rid the body of tapeworms, but usually in combination with other treatments, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Pumpkin seeds are used to treat acute schistosomiasis in China, while in Germany pumpkin seeds are ground and taken with milk and honey to treat tapeworms. A dose of castor oil is taken about two hours after the 200 to 400 grams of pumpkins seeds, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
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