A parasite refers to an organism that depends on its host for food and survival [1].
As if this isn’t bad enough, it can also bring disease to the host [2].
Parasites that cause infectious diseases in humans include helminths, ecotoparasites and protozoa [3].
Infestation of intestinal worms can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, itching in the anal or vaginal area, weight loss, fatigue, anemia, sore muscles, and dehydration [4].
12 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Parasites
1. Garlic
The list of what garlic can do for your health is very long.
Since the ancient times, this herbal remedy has been used to treat infections, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, fight cancer, prevent blood clot, heal wounds, and reduce inflammation, among many others [5].
It also helps to inhibit parasites that can cause disease.
According to research, garlic can kill helminths such as Haemonchus contortus, Hymenolepis nana and Giardia [6, 7].
Garlic has been found to inhibit production of nitric oxide, which results in the starvation of parasites [8].
Researchers recommend this herb as a useful alternative treatment against nematodes not only in humans but also in animals [9].
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of milk
Recommended Directions:
- Boil garlic in milk.
- Drink solution on an empty stomach.
- Repeat everyday for one week.
2. Papaya
Papaya and its seeds are proven to have anti-amoebic and antihelminthic properties [10].
In a 2007 clinical trial, half of the 60 Nigerian children with intestinal parasites were given air dried papaya seeds [10].
After 10 days, microscopic examination of the stool showed no existence of parasites [10].
Various other studies confirm the efficacy of papaya seeds and its extract in treating parasitic infections [11, 12, 13].
Canadian researchers note that this remedy can work in as short as 10 hours [13].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of papaya seeds
- 1 cup of warm milk
Recommended Directions:
- Grind papaya seeds until powdery.
- Add powder to milk.
- Drink this concoction before eating anything in the morning.
- Repeat everyday for three days.
3. Coconut
There are many uses to coconut tree and its various parts.
Some parts of its fruit such as the kernel has many benefits for the health, as it works as an antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal, and antioxidant [14].
On top of all these, it’s also a potent antiparasitic that can wipe out the worms inside the intestine [14].
Other studies also conclude that coconut and its parts can be useful in controlling different types of parasites including nematodes [15, 16, 17].
The extract from the coconut husk fiber suppressed hatching of parasite eggs by 100 percent and inhibited the development of larva by 99.77 percent [16].
Researchers from Brazil explain that the anti-parasite effects of coconut are due to the presence of active compounds namely triterpens, saponnins and tannins [17].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of crushed coconut
- 1 glass of warm milk
- 2 tablespoons of castor oil
Recommended Directions:
- Eat coconut in the morning.
- Combine milk and castor oil.
- Drink milk mixture three hours after eating coconut.
- Do this everyday until symptoms disappear.
- People who have gastrointestinal problems should not use this remedy.
RELATED: Coconut Oil for Dandruff and Lice: 6 Natural Remedies
4. Pomegranate
Described as an “ancient mystical” fruit, pomegranate is typically grown in the Mediterranean region, United States and Southeast Asia [18].
It plays an important role in traditional medicine, fighting cancer, reducing inflammation, treating heart disease, controlling diabetes and killing antibiotic resistant bacteria [18].
In a 2009 study published in the Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, it was reported that pomegranate had a 100 percent death rate for Schistosoma mansoni within a 24-hour time frame [19].
Another study found that its extract can destroy parasites called Allolobophora caliginosa [20].
Pomegranate caused the paralysis and death of these worms at different concentrations [20].
After using pomegranate, there was a substantive decrease in body weight loss among the animal subjects [20].
As you probably know, parasitic infestation can cause weight loss since the parasites steal the nutrients that are supposedly for the use of the host.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 glass of pomegranate juice
Recommended Directions:
- Drink a glass of pomegranate juice daily in the morning.
- Do this everyday for one to two weeks.
5. Carom Seeds
In Ayurvedic medicine, carom seeds have been widely used for treating many diseases [21].
As it has been proven effective in scientific research, the use of carom seeds is now accepted in modern medicine [21].
Carom seed extract was evaluated by researchers for its efficacy as an antihelminthic, and found that it can prevent Haemonchus contortus from hatching [22].
Other studies echo these findings [23, 24].
Because carom seeds have an immediate effect on the parasites, it’s a quick and efficient way to get rid of these unwanted microorganisms before they negatively affect your health.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of jaggery
- 1/2 teaspoon of crush carom seeds
- 1 glass of water
Recommended Directions:
- Eat jaggery on an empty stomach.
- After 15 minutes, chew on some carom seeds.
- Drink water.
- Repeat remedy everyday for two weeks.
6. Pumpkin Seeds
The seeds of pumpkin are discarded and are considered waste products in some parts of the world [25].
What these people do not know is that pumpkin seeds are actually highly beneficial to the health with its dietary fiber, minerals, fatty acids and phytosterols [25].
Traditional healers use pumpkin seeds to get rid of tapeworm in the intestine [26].
Its efficacy as an antiparasitic and antihelminthic has been validated in several studies [27, 28].
What You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons of crushed pumpkin seeds
- 3 cups of hot water
Recommended Directions:
- Add pumpkin seeds to water.
- Wait for 30 minutes before drinking.
- Drink this on an empty stomach every morning for one week.
7. Neem
With its multiple pharmacological effects, neem can resolve a myriad of ailments including diabetes, viral and bacterial infections, and weak immune system, among others [29].
Aside from all these, neem also works to get rid of parasitic infections.
Researchers from India evaluated the antihelminthic activities of neem leaves, and found that this herbal remedy was effective in eradicating tapeworms and roundworms [30].
They reported that at a concentration of 40 mg/ml, neem leaf extract efficiently paralyzed and killed these parasites [30].
Its effects were similar to that of Piperazine citrate, a medication routinely described for problems of parasitic infestation [30].
Another study done this time on the seed extract of neem confirmed that it can kill the eggs and adult worms of Haemonchus contortus [31].
Its wormicidal effects killed 83 percent of adult worms after exposure for one hour [31].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of dried neem leaves
- 1 glass of warm milk
Recommended Directions:
- Add neem leaves to milk.
- Drink twice a day for one week.
8. Clove
The active compounds in clove, which include eugenol, phenolics and monoterpenes, contribute to its wide spectrum of biological benefits [32].
Clove is a strong anti fungal, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-cancer [32].
It also possesses anti helminthic and anti parasitic properties, as proven in various studies [33, 34, 35].
Its oil extract prevents worms from adhering to the intestinal tract, and at the same time, kills nearly 50 percent of the parasites within the first hour of use [35].
When they cannot attach themselves to the intestines, it’s much easier for them to get flushed out during bowel movement.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of powdered clove
- 1 cup of hot water
- 3 drops of clove oil
Recommended Directions:
- Add clove powder and oil to water.
- Let it steep for 20 minutes.
- Drink three times a day for one to two weeks.
9. Turmeric
Curcumin in turmeric doesn’t only give it its bright yellow color, it’s also responsible for its many biological actions [36].
It also contributes to turmeric’s antiparasitic effects [36].
This herbal solution has moderate effects on protozoan parasites that cause deadly malaria [37].
Turmeric has also been shown to have amoebicidal activity against Acanthamoeba castellanii that causes a rare but serious condition called amoebic keratitis [38].
The broad spectrum effects of turmeric can be used for different types of parasitic infestations.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup of hot water
Recommended Directions:
- Add turmeric powder and salt to water.
- Mix well.
- Drink concoction once a day for five days.
10. Ginger
This list won’t be complete without mentioning ginger.
Ginger, which is a remarkable herbal remedy known for its antipyretic, antioxidant and analgesic properties, has long been used to treat many diseases including cancer [39].
Its ability to combat intestinal worms and clear up parasitic infections has been confirmed in scientific research [40, 41].
Ginger has been found to have the ability to kill the cells of the parasites, and prevent them from causing harm to the host’s health [41].
Researchers explain that this is due to the “synergistic actions” of ginger’s alkaloids,flavonoids, saponins and terpenes [39].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- 1 cup of water
Recommended Directions:
- Bring water to a boil.
- Add ginger.
- Remove from heat.
- Strain the tea.
- Drink it twice a day for two weeks.
RELATED: How To Use Ginger For Acne: 19 Effective Ways With Directions
11. Carrots
As it turns out, carrots are not just for the eyesight, but also for intestinal health.
Among its many benefits is that it also works to eliminate parasites in the digestive tract, as reported in a 2014 review done by Indian scientists [42].
Beta carotene, a nutrient that can be found in carrots, is believed to have the ability to destroy intestinal worms.
Its wormicidal actions were observed in a 2013 study [43].
Apart from this, carrots are also loaded with other essential nutrients that can support the immune system and make it more resistant to parasitic infections.
When you make use of this remedy, you’re not only doing your tummy a favor, but also your overall health.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 piece of medium carrot
- 1 glass of milk
Recommended Directions:
- Grate carrot.
- Add grated carrot to a glass of warm milk.
- Drink mixture three times a day for three to four weeks.
12. Goldenseal
Goldenseal has long been used for its curative purposes.
Folk healers rely on this herb to treat numerous health problems.
It is one of the herbs recommended for combating parasites inside the intestines [44].
It’s generally considered safe and effective as treatment for parasitic infections.
As with all the other remedies mentioned here, it’s important to consult your doctor before using goldenseal.
Some herbs used as anthelmintics may have minor toxic side effects while others may interfere with the other medications that you’re using.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of dried goldenseal herb
- 1 cup of water
Recommended Directions:
- Bring water to a boil.
- Add dried goldenseal herb.
- Mix well.
- Steep for a few minutes before drinking.
- Drink the tea once a day for one month.
Bottom Line
Merely the thought of having worms inside your intestine can already make you feel uncomfortable.
Be sure to solve parasites problem right away with these natural remedies before it seriously affects your health.
Remember, parasites steal the nutrients that are meant for you. It can cause weight loss, weaken the immune system, and increase the risk of various ailments.
Don’t wait for these things to happen before you do something about this problem.
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