Natural Cures for Intestinal Parasites

People mistakenly think that intestinal parasite infections only happen to people who live in third world countries or to animals, but this is not the case. Every day people wind up in the hospital with parasite infections. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there are two main types of intestinal parasites: helminths and protozoa. Helminths are worms that include pinworms, tapeworms and roundworms. Protozoa are single celled creatures that can include giardia and cryptosporidium. Some of the warning signs of a parasite infection are having a worm in your stool, diarrhea, bloating, excessive gas, nausea, abdominal pain and fatigue. If you have any of these symptoms, you should get checked out by a doctor. If you happen to have an intestinal parasite you could try some natural cures with the approval of your doctor.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal is good to use against protozoa. Buy it in capsule form from a health food store or online and follow recommended dosages. Avoid goldenseal if you are pregnant because it could cause a miscarriage.

Papaya

Papaya is good for treating both worms and protozoa. Chew the seeds to release intestinal parasite fighting properties.

Elecampane

This herb is useful against protozoa. Buy this herb from a health food store or online and add a teaspoon to boiling water to make a tea. Let the tea simmer for at least 15 minutes. Drink three cups of tea a day for your parasite infection.

Ginger

Ginger is a good herb to fight intestinal worms and it can fight nausea. Drink ginger tea, which can be found at most grocery stores, or buy ginger in the produce section and grate it over your food.

Turmeric

Turmeric is another good natural cure for intestinal parasites, particularly worms. Sprinkle over some of your favorite dishes or eat foods that contain curry in which turmeric is found.

Pumpkin seeds

Eat pumpkin seeds daily to help rid yourself of intestinal parasites. Sprinkle the seeds with ginger or turmeric to increase the parasite fighting properties.

Garlic

Garlic can be used to treat worms and giardia. Take it fresh by eating cloves or adding cloves to your food. Garlic is especially good in Italian pasta dishes.

References

• University of Maryland Medical Center
• The Green Pharmacy, Dr. James A Duke, 1997