How to treat intestinal worms in adults naturally

Diarrhea, fatigue, gas, abdominal pain and swelling, itching in the anus, nausea or weight loss may be symptoms that we have intestinal parasites, although they may also not give any discomfort... until, if it is about worms, one day we are scared and see them!

There are different types of intestinal parasites. The roundworms or “helminths” are the most common, especially pinworms (small and white, like threads or pins) and the roundworm (round, like a string). The tapeworm is more infrequent but requires special attention and it is necessary to go to the doctor as soon as possible once it is detected, so that the appropriate treatment can be established.

Other common intestinal parasites are protozoaas the Giardia lamblia. Sometimes giardia is behind pictures like irritable bowel syndrome.

Pinworms: causes and symptoms

We tend to think that we contract parasites in travel to tropical countries or drinking untreated waterand so it can be.

However, It can also happen from eating contaminated food., or in daily contact with children, who are very vulnerable by touching everything and putting their hands to their mouths. The elderly or people with immunodeficiencies are another vulnerable group and can also be a source of transmission.

Apart from causing discomfort such as those mentioned (diarrhea, fatigue, gas, pain, itching or nausea), parasites can reduce nutrient absorption and, in some cases, such as that of the tapeworm or some protozoa, lead to complications.

In addition, in the case of some parasites, for example pinworms, it is easy to infect other people if extreme hygiene measures are not taken. For this reason, although some intestinal parasites can disappear in a few weeks, when suspected It is always a good idea to consult your doctor for a correct diagnosis.

On the other hand, knowing what parasite we have is importantWell, not all antiparasitics are good for everything, nor are natural ones.

The most common tests to determine which intestinal parasite we have are a stool examination (both the case of earthworms and protozoa) and the placement of gummed tape in the anus that allows detecting the presence of possible eggs.

Pinworms: Natural Treatment

As treatment reinforcement or alternative for people for whom conventional therapy does not quite solve the problemcomplementary medicine proposes different measures ranging from some changes in diet to the use of medicinal plants and supplements that act against parasites or strengthen immunity. Many of them have been used traditionally against worms and other parasites, but some have been the subject of in vitro scientific studies that have confirmed their antiparasitic action.

In any case, it must be taken into account that the treatments, both with the majority of drugs and with medicinal plants, they only act on the parasites but not on the eggsso always, after a first
treatment for 24 to 48 hours, it should be repeated after three days to remove the
new parasites that have been able to hatch from the eggs.

1. Food against intestinal parasites

Although there is no specific diet against worms and other intestinal parasites, in general it is advisable to follow a high fiber diet, because the fiber can help to drag them. It is also advised:

reduce the sugar consumption. Promote the consumption of certain foods with antiparasitic action, including garlic, onion. Pumpkin pulp and pumpkin seeds, cabbage juice, pomegranate or beetroot. Support the immune system with a diet rich in vitamin C and zinc.Take probiotics and digestive enzymesas they help to restore the state of the intestines.

2. Phytotherapy: the best antiparasitic plants

Plants can be another great support. Some attack the nervous system of parasites or prevent them from adhering to the intestinal walls.

“Treatment with medicinal plants is effective,” says the Dr Berdonces. “However, treatment should not be extended beyond 15 days, especially if we use wormwood or tansy. Also, these plants can have side effects and should never be given to children.”

According to Dr. Josep Lluis Berdonces, an expert in phytotherapy, the most effective for the treatment of intestinal parasites are:

Artemis (Artemisia annua): Mugwort, traditionally used as an antiparasitic in traditional Chinese medicine, suffocates parasites through peroxidation. Its use is safe and it can be prepared as an infusion or taken as a powder in doses of 500-100 mg daily.Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium): This plant reduces the adherence of parasites to the intestinal wall and helps expel them, but it has side effects and should be used with great caution, always with medical advice. It is very bitter and is used as an infusion (very concentrated, 1 gram per cup), especially in roundworm infestations. It should be avoided in children and pregnant women.Tansy (tanacetum vulgare): Another plant that requires caution, with insecticidal action. It has been used against tropical infestations such as schistosomes. It is used in joint infusion with the previous plants, in powder or infusion

other plants with scientific studies behind them that support their antiparasitic action are garlic, black walnut, papaya seeds, myrrh or berberine extract.

versus giardia (Giardia lamblia), which is usually treated with aggressive drugs such as metronidazole, in naturopathic medicine a plant that is often used is guava (Psidium guajava). Several in vitro studies, such as this one from the National Institute of Pediatrics in Mexico City, and this other one, from the universities of Damanhur and Alexandria, corroborate its antiparasitic effect.

Can be found natural supplements with these and other plantssuch as cloves, pomegranate or grapefruit seeds.

In any case, always check with your doctorsince some can interfere with other medications and studies in people on their efficacy and possible generation of resistance are limited.

How to prevent contagion and reinfection of worms

extreme hygiene It is essential to avoid reinfecting ourselves or infecting others. The worms lay eggs that are shed through the anus and can survive for 2-3 weeks in underwear, sheets, towels, toilet seat, or fingernails. For all this it is essential:

avoid scratching around the anus and, even so, brush the nails well. One can scratch unconsciously in the morning, so it is important when getting up to insist on cleaning. Wash daily the underwear and bedding with hot water.wash the anus well in the morning (females lay eggs at night).disinfect the toilet daily, and better after each use.