herbs for parasites

Click to view images

Parasites

General characteristics

The word parasite refers to the type of organism that is dependent on a host for its survival and continued existence whilst not necessarily contributing anything of value to its host, often actually weakening or sickening its host with its toxic waste products. It could need a host to provide it with food, ideal living conditions or protection. It is estimated that over half of the worlds population is infected with some form of parasite at any one time.

Examples of human parasites include roundworms, tapeworms, flukes, protozoa, bedbugs, lice, scabies and bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Parasites can be picked up from a wide variety of sources including the handling of animals (including pets), water supplies, foods such as meat and animal produce, unwashed fruits and vegetables, insect bites (e.g. filaria), from contact with infected humans (public swimming, sharing cups etc) and from travelling to exotic foreign countries. Not all cause severe symptoms or ill health and it is possible to have certain parasites and not be aware of it. Some parasitic infections such as malaria, toxoplasmosis, giardia and the like can have quite detrimental effects and need to be treated promptly.

Parasites can affect virtually anywhere in the body including the blood, intestines, liver, skin, lungs, genitals, feet, hands, chest and stomach.

Symptoms of parasitical infestation vary widely depending on the type of organism. Parasites can cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting/nausea, blood in the stools, itching around the anus, weight loss, tiredness, bloating and gas and abdominal pain, skin rashes, itching, anaemia, joint and muscle pains, teeth grinding, sleep disturbances, weight loss or gain, lowered immunity, irritability, nervousness or depression and allergies.

A healthy immune system and general all round good health will go a long way towards dealing with a parasitic infection but obviously some parasites are dangerous to health. Identifying the type of parasite is important to ensure treatment can be targeted specifically towards its speedy elimination. As parasites release harmful toxins on their death, it may be wise to go slow and ensure that the body is not overburdened with toxins as parasites are killed off.

Diet and lifestyle

Avoid eating processed foods especially those rich in refined carbohydrates and sugars as these will make the body a more hospitable host for many parasites.

Eat organic foods wherever possible to eliminate the immune lowering effects from pesticides, fungicides and the like.

Foods that encourage the growth of beneficial gut bacteria such a raw milk and live unsweetened yoghurt, will help to enhance the body's immune response and ultimately help to rid the body of parasites. Other useful foods include fermented foods like saurkraut and fermented whey drinks (such as Bioforces 'Molkosan') and also foods containing insoluble fibre such as flax and psyllium seeds.

Certain fruits such as grapefruit, papaya, pineapple, pomegranate and fresh coconut flesh and oil should be eaten regularly for their anti-parasitic effects.

Garlic and all other onion like foods (chives, leeks, shallots etc) are helpful against many parasites if eaten in large quantities. Eat at least 3 cloves of raw garlic daily, chew a raw garlic clove up with meals to avoid having to cook it.

Nuts and seeds, in particular unprocessed organic pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, walnuts and almonds can all be eaten regularly to help the body get rid of parasites.

Many warming culinary spices such as chilli, horseradish, cinnamon, turmeric, cardamon, cloves, coriander seeds and black pepper will deter and slowly help to eradicate parasites.

Useful herbs

Black walnut husks and/or leaves have a good reputation for ridding the body of parasites, especially when accompanied with poor skin conditions.

Thyme, rosemary, fennel seed and oregano will combine to make an anti-parasite tea. Use equal parts of each and use a teaspoon per cup, up to 3 cups daily.

Angelica root (50ml), barberry root (50ml), holy thistle (50ml), vervain (50ml), goldenseal (5ml), myrrh (10ml) and echinacea (50ml) tinctures can be a useful formula against parasites. Take a teaspoon in water 3 times daily.

A tea made from equal parts of neem leaves and nettle will also asisst the body against parasites. Add a small pinch of asafoetida powder and turmeric powder to each cup taken.

Cascara bark tea may also help fight parasites when they are in the digestive tract.

Elecampagne root can also be used to treat parasaites.

Natural healing

Most essential oils are anti-parasitic especially thyme, rosemary, oregano and cinnamon. Dilute a few drops of each into 100ml of carrier oil for example and apply to the skin around the affected area.

A teaspoon or two of cider vinegar in water each day can help the body deal more effectively with parasites and their toxic waste products.

Many people report having good anti-parasitic results using colloidal silver.

Coconut oil (extra virgin, cold pressed, organic) is useful in the treatments of parasites and candida overgrowth.

Grapefruit seed extract is also useful against many types of parasites.