Herbal Defense for ParasitesAn Exploration of the Importance of Anthelmintic Herbs for Wellness

By Jackie Christensen, MS, HHP, NC, MH

Parasites-The Unwanted Guests

Medical research has estimated that 85-95% of the North American adult population is infected with at least one form of parasite.

Humans can play host to over 100 different kinds of parasites, ranging from microscopic ones to tapeworms that can grow to be several feet long.

Parasites are most frequently found in the colon, but can also reside in other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, muscles, joints, skin, blood, and even the brain.

Common Sources of Parasite Infection Under cooked meats (beef, pork and

raw fish, especially) unwashed fruits and vegetables travel to third-world countries contaminated water mosquitoes pets walking barefoot outdoors

Symptoms of Parasite Infection

Bloated abdomen Inability to lose weight Dark circles around or under

the eyes Diarrhea or chronic

constipation or a combination of both

Persistent acne and skin eruptions

Teeth grinding Insomnia (especially waking

between 2-3 a.m.) Cravings for sweets Moodiness Depression

Chronic fatigue Anemia PMS Bad breath Bad body odor Food allergies Sinus congestion Constant abdominal

discomfort Digestive problems Anal itching Water retention

Physical Effects of Parasites Deteriorate the immune system, making the

body more vulnerable to infections. Consume the most nutritious part of our diet

and nutrients. Irritate the tissues of the body, causing

inflammation. Produce toxic waste products into the body. Destroy cells faster than the body can

reproduce them, leading to an imbalance. Damage the intestinal lining. Obstruct the intestine and pancreatic bile

ducts.

Anthelmitic Herbs Defined The anthelmitic herbal category

includes herbs that kill or expel parasites from the body. It is a blanket term for both vermicides and verifuges.

Vermicides: herbs that kill parasites Vermifuges: herbs that expel

parasites

Note: Anthelmintic herbs should be used with purgatives to help expel parasites from the body.

Dietary Considerations & Cleansing

Parasites thrive in an environment that is created by too much sugar and processed foods, therefore it is important to avoid sweets, sugar, juices, fruit, greasy foods and white flour if a parasite is assumed.

Fecal buildup on the walls of the colon provide an ideal atmosphere for parasites, so colon cleansing is recommended along with herbal therapy.

Dietary Considerations & Cleansing

Fasting is recommended during treatment.

It is recommended to cleanse around a full moon because that is when parasites are more active.

Consuming 2-3 tablespoons of uncooked brown rice first thing in the a.m. is a remedy that has been used in the treatment and prevention of parasites.

Common Human Parasites

1. Hookworm A parasitic nematode worm that

originates externally, but can be transmitted internally via contaminated water, unwashed fruits and vegetables.

Once inside the body the hookworm larvae attach to the wall of the intestine and consume the host’s blood.

Symptoms: weakness, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, anemia 

Human Parasites Continued2. Roundworm

Largest nematode known to affect the intestinal tract.

May grow to be as large as 15-35 centimeters . Transferred through consumption of unsanitary

food or water. Eggs hatch, pierce the intestinal wall, enter the

blood stream and relocate to the lungs. Where they are expelled via coughing, if swallowed they may reenter the digestive tract.

Symptoms:  fever, lethargy, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, nerve problems, difficulty breathing, coughing 

Human Parasites Continued3. Flatworm blood fluke

The flukes live in the blood stream and infiltrate the people who come into contact with the tainted water.

They live in the bloodstream of the host. Cause inflammation of internal organs, notably

the liver. May reside in the host for years without any

signs of symptoms. May be excreted in the feces. Symptoms:  fever, aching, cough, diarrhea,

swollen glands, lethargy

Human Parasites Continued4. Tapeworm

Some common varieties tapeworms include beef tapeworm, bladderworm, pork tapeworm, broad fish tapeworm, dog tapeworm, dwarf tapeworm and rat tapeworm.

Cattle and pigs consume tapeworms through contaminated fecal matter and are transmitted to humans upon consumption of the animals.

The tapeworm has a hook on its head which it uses to attach itself to the host’s intestine.

Within 3-4 months the tapeworm will mature and start to reproduce.

They can survive for up to 25 years in a host. Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, inflammation of the

intestine, diarrhea, weight loss, dizziness, fits, malnutrition

Human Parasites Continued5. Pinworms

Common human parasite. Named from their long pin shaped body. Live in the host’s intestinal tract, but do not

enter the bloodstream. They lay their eggs outside the human

body, more often at night, which causes intense rectal itching.

Scratching the area can encourage the larvae's spread via hand contact. 

Symptoms: rectal irritation and irritation

Human Parasites Continued6. Whipworm

Gets its name from the characteristic whip-like shape.

Reside in the large intestine and insert their anterior end into the intestinal lining.

Worms can live for several years. Heavy infections in children can cause mental

and physical retardation. Diagnosis can be determined by appearance of

eggs in the feces. Typically asymptomatic, but symptoms may

occur in heavy infections. Symptoms: diarrhea, dysentery, and anemia

Human Parasites Continued7. Lymphatic Filariasis

Adult parasites live in the lymph nodes of humans. Contamination is transmitted via infected mosquito. Causes “elephantiasis” Repeated infections can result in blockage of the

lymph nodes and ducts, which results in swelling of the tissues.

The adult parasites generally prefer the lymph nodes that drain the lower abdominal cavity and legs, so “elephantiasis” is often marked by disfigurations of the external genitals and legs.

Symptoms: swollen lymph nodes

Actions of Anthelmintic Herbs Vermifuges: cause worms to expulse

from the body Vermicides: destroys worms in the body Taeniafuges: expels tapeworms from

the body Taenicides: kills tapeworms from the

body

Anthelmintic Herbs1. Wormwood

Part used: herb, oilActions: tonic, anthelmintic, stomachic, stimulant, febrifuge, hepatic, aromatic, antiseptic, nervine, anti-venomous, carminativeCommon Preparations: fluid extract, infusion oil, powders, tincturesFor roundworms take 2 ounces to 1 teacup of an infusion in the evening and morning.

Wormwood Formulas1. Dr. Shook’s Anthelmintic Vermifuges½ ounce wormwood½ ounce tansy½ ounce satonica ½ ounce chamomile flowersInstructions: Boil 1 quart of water and pour over herbs and cover for 2-3 minutes, strain and keep in a dark cool place.Dosage: 1-2 ounces, 2 times daily

Wormwood Formulas2. Round worm formula

1 ounce wormwood1 ounce rue1 ounce peach leavesInstructions: Pour one quart of boiling water over the herbs and steep for 1 hour, strain and bottle. Infusion may be sweetened if preferred.Dosage: 6 ounces, 3-4 times daily on an empty stomach

Anthelmintic Herbs2. Pumpkin seeds

Parts used: ripe seeds, the fresher the betterActions: anthelmintic, diuretic, nutritiveUses: tapeworms, round worms, renal issuesCommon preparations: decoction, crushed seeds. To make a decoction, boil one ounce of seeds in one pint of water for 15-20 minutes. Dosage: up to one pint daily

Pumpkin Seed Formula1. Four Great Cold Seeds Remedy

1 part pumpkin seeds, crushed1 part ground seeds, crushed1 part watermelon seeds, crushed1 part cucumber seeds, crushed

Instructions: Triturate with water into an emulsionDosage: 6 ounces, 3-4 times daily

Anthelmintic Herbs3. Kousso

Parts used: fresh or dried flowersActions: anthelmintic, cathartic, astringentUses: tape wormsCommon Preparations: fluid extracts, infusion, powderDosage: 1-4 teaspoons, works more effectively while fasting and drinking lemon juice before and after the dosage.

Kousso FormulaAnthelmintic Infusion of Kuosso

¾ ounce kousso flowers1 pint of purified water

Instructions: Boil the water and pour over the herb, steep covered for 10 minutes, do not strain, stir wellDosage: drink the entire mixture is 3 doses, 10 minutes apart

Anthelmintic Herbs4. Tansy

Parts used: herb, seedActions: anthelmintic, tonic, emmenagogue, diaphoretic, stimulant, diuretic, nervine, vulnerary, carminativeUses: expels worms, also good for menstrual issuesCommon Preparations: decoction, infusion, tinctureDosage: 3-6 ounces of an infusion at night and in the morning

Tansy Formula1. Potter’s Vermifuge

1 part tansy herb or seed1 part wormwood herb1 part santonica1 part chamomile flowersInstructions: steep herbs one teaspoon of herbal combination in a tightly covered pot with 6 ounces of water for 10-15 minutes.Dosage: 2 ounces, 3 times daily

Anthelmintic Herbs5. Hyssop

Parts used: herbActions: anthelmintic, diuretic, diaphoretic, stimulant, expectorant, carminative, vulnerary, pectoral, febrifuge, aromaticUses: expelling worms, sore throat, inflammation, colds, coughsCommon Preparations: fluid extracts, powder, tinctureDosage: ½-2 teaspoons fluid extract

Anthelmintic Herbs6. Pink root

Parts used: root, herbActions: anthelmintic, commonly combined with senna for its purgative effectUses: tape worms and round wormsCommon Preparations: infusions, powders, tinctures, extractsDosage: ½-1 teaspoon for tincture, ½ -1 teaspoon for powders

Pink Root Formula1. Pink Root Anthelmintic Powder

for Children

2 teaspoons pink root powder2 teaspoons American wormseed, powder1.3 grams Cascara sagrada, powder

Instructions: mix powders and divide into 12 equal servings

Dosage: 1 dose 3-4 times daily for children, can be mixed with stevia or a sugar-free juice

Anthelmintic Herbs7. Pomegranate

Parts used: bark, root bark, peel of fruitActions: anthelmintic, astringentUses: kills and expels tape worms and round worms. The root bark is the most potent anthelmintic portion of the herb. The fruit is considered to be a blood tonicCommon Preparations: standard decoctionDosage: up to one pint daily

Pomegranate Formula1. Anthelmintic Decoction

4 ounces pomegranate root bark, cut3 pints distilled water

Instructions: Simmer the herb in water for one hour, strain, and simmer the liquid until reduced to 1 pint

Dosage: 3-4 ounces every 4 hours

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