Colon parasites, including tapeworm, pinworm and whipworm, are parasitic worms that spend part of their life cycle in the large intestine. You can pick up these parasites from dirty water and contaminated food. Since the colon is the organ that absorbs nutrients from food, parasites that interfere with this process can cause nutrient deficiencies and other health problems, such as fatigue, nausea and diarrhea. Conventional treatment includes drugs like mebendazole and albendazole, but they can have unpleasant side effects. Herbs that kill colon parasites may be useful for infestations. Consult a health care provider before starting herbal treatment for colon parasites.
Herbal Actions
Herbs that kill colon parasites are called anthelmintics. These herbs work in different ways. Some herbs contain potent chemicals that can paralyze parasites, causing them to detach from intestinal walls and die. Others can destroy the cell membranes, causing death. Herbs for parasites can be toxic in high dosages, so consult a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about dose and preparation.
Wormwood
Wormwood, or Artemisia absinthium, is a perennial herb with tiny yellow flowers native to Europe. Traditional healers use the leafy parts to treat poor appetite, gallbladder problems and skin disorders. The active ingredients include volatile oil, flavonoids and phenolic acids, and the plant has antimicrobial, bitter and anthelmintic actions. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann states that the plant is a powerful remedy for worm infestations --- especially pinworm and roundworm. Consult a knowledgeable practitioner about dosage, since wormwood contains a chemical called thujone, which may be toxic in high doses. Avoid this plant if you are pregnant or nursing.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin, or Cucurbita pepo, is a creeping herb that produces a large orange fruit. The seeds and seed oil are rich in fatty acids, sterols and an amino acid known as cucurbitine. Pumpkin seeds have a long history of treating worms, especially tapeworms. Herbalists differ about how the seeds work. In their 2000 book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, state that the seeds contain zinc, which expels the tapeworm. But botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink note in their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," that cucurbitine is the active ingredient against tapeworm. They recommend eating the raw seeds every day for several weeks. If you are taking a diuretic drug, check with your doctor before using pumpkin seeds.
Garlic
Garlic, or Allium sativum, is a perennial herb that produces underground bulbs containing numerous cloves. Herbalists have used garlic cloves for centuries to treat colds, infections, flu, asthma, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster recommend raw garlic cloves or powdered garlic for roundworm, pinworm, tapeworm and hookworm. Do not combine garlic with insulin or anticoagulant medicines like warfarin. Raw garlic may cause mild stomach irritation.
References
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
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