Threadworms, slender roundworms about 8 mm in length, are a common parasitic infection in young children. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, or RCHM, states that threadworms live in the lower intestine but migrate down the digestive tract during the night to lay their eggs between the buttocks. Herbal remedies may be a helpful adjunct therapy in the treatment of threadworms, but you should only use herbs under the care and guidance of a qualified health care professional.
Threadworm Effects
Threadworms are spread when children scratch their anus and unknowingly transport the eggs back to their mouth. Threadworms may also be spread via food, dust and other agents. Threadworm eggs are hardy, surviving for as long as two weeks outside a host. Most threadworm infections are not serious, notes the RCHM, and are effectively treated with proper medication. However, recurrent infections are common, and this condition is easily spread from one child to another.
Herbal Treatments
Herbal treatments may be a helpful complementary alternative therapy in treating threadworms or other parasites, but more scientific research may be required to verify the efficacy of herbs for this condition. A classification of herbs known as anti-helmenthics may be most appropriate in treating parasitic infections, notes William Mitchell, a naturopathic physician and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice." Herbs that possess anti-helmenthic action include scammony, wormwood, bitter buttons, kamala, bromelain, butternut, marshmallow and bitterwood.
Featured Herbal Remedy
Scammony, also known as bindweed, is a powerful herbal anti-helmenthic that may be helpful in the treatment of threadworms. Scammony, a plant indigenous to the eastern part of the Mediterranean region, possesses both vermifuge and cathartic action. A vermifuge is a substance that helps expel intestinal worms, while a cathartic is a substance that promotes drastic bowel evacuation. The root of this plant contains numerous medicinal ingredients and is used in herbal preparations.
Considerations
Threadworms may be difficult to treat and may require a multipronged treatment approach that incorporates both conventional medical therapies and complementary alternative therapies. Although herbs may be a helpful adjunct therapy in treating threadworms, their use does not guarantee a cure. Before using herbal remedies to help treat threadworms, visit a naturopathic physician or a medical doctor trained in herbal medicine for more information about appropriate herbs, dosage and potential side effects.
References
- Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne: Threadworms
- "Plant Medicine in Practice;" William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
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