A tapeworm is often caused by eating undercooked meat from infected animals such as cows or pigs. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that adult tapeworms in your intestines can grow 12 or more feet in length and can live for many years. Tapeworms have numerous segments, and each segment is capable of generating eggs. Consider using herbal remedies to help treat your tapeworm, but first talk with your health care provider about herbs.
Tapeworm Information
Many people with a tapeworm infection experience few or no symptoms and may not even realize they are infected, reports MayoClinic.com. However, some people do experience symptoms that largely depend on where the larvae have traveled in your body. Common signs and symptoms of a tapeworm infection include nausea, weakness, decreased appetite, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, weight loss and the presence of worm segments in your feces. In some cases, tapeworm larvae may migrate from your intestines and form cysts in other parts of your body.
Useful Herbs
Numerous herbs may be helpful in treating tapeworms and other intestinal parasites, says Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Aloe vera juice has an alkalinizing effect and anti-inflammatory action in your intestines, while black walnut has been used to destroy many types of worms. Herbs that help cleanse your colon may be particularly helpful, including butternut bark, fennel seed, flaxseed, licorice root and senna leaf.
A Potent Herb
Black walnut is a potent herb in the treatment of tapeworm. Black walnut, states Balch, helps cleanse your body of various parasites, helps your digestive processes and acts as a natural laxative. This herbal remedy has also been used to treat bruising, fungal infections, herpes, poison ivy, warts, elevated cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Balch states that many parts of the black walnut plant may be used medicinally, including the husks, inner bark, leaves and nuts.
Warning
If you suspect you might have a tapeworm, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible for a full evaluation and treatment. In some cases, tapeworms can cause health complications, including intestinal blockage, growths in certain parts of your body and tissue damage in your brain, eyes and heart. Using herbs alone to treat your tapeworm is not recommended unless you have discussed this treatment approach with your health care provider beforehand.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Taeniasis
- MayoClinic.com: Tapeworm Infection
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
