15 Natural Remedies For Intestinal Parasites & Prevention Tips

If you are experiencing a lot of stomach aches accompanied by nausea, weakness, and loose stools, chances are you have intestinal parasites. Fortunately, there are a few natural remedies that can help you get rid of intestinal parasites. To know more about the causes, symptoms, and natural remedies, scroll down to keep reading.

What Are Intestinal Parasites?

Intestinal parasites or worms are organisms that feed off of other organisms, like humans or animals.

The most common types of intestinal worms are flatworms and roundworms.

Flatworms include tapeworms and flukes, while roundworms cause ascariasisⁱ  XA kind of roundworm infection that occurs due to the intake of food contaminated with roundworm eggs. , pinworm, and hookworm infections.

• Tapeworm: Tapeworms are white, often growing to be multiple meters in length, and can live in humans for decades.

• Flukes: Fluke is a type of flatworm.

• Hookworms: These worms are spread through feces and infected soil.

• Pinworms (Threadworms): These are tiny worms that occur mostly in children.

• Trichinosis Worms: Trichinosis worms are roundworms that are often passed through animals. Consuming undercooked meat that may contain the larvae of these worms is one of the most common ways of getting infected.

Did You Know?

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.5 billion people around the world are infected by soil-transmitted helminths (1).

Signs And Symptoms of Human Intestinal Parasites

• Loss of appetite
• Stomach ache
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Anemiaⁱ  XA condition in which the blood doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body tissues.

A tapeworm infestation is likely to cause:

• Bumps
• Allergic reactions
• Fever
• Seizures

Flukes are likely to cause fever and fatigue.

Symptoms associated with hookworm infections include:

• Fatigue
• Itching skin
• Rashes

Pinworms may cause itchiness in or around the anal area, and you may also notice these tiny worms in your feces if you are infected.

Trichinosis worms can travel through your bloodstream and enter your tissues, thereby causing:

• Swelling of your face
• Fever
• Muscle tenderness
• Sensitivity to light
• Headaches

You may get infected by intestinal parasites in different ways. Some common risk factors and causes of developing human intestinal parasites are listed below.

Causes And Risk Factors Of Human Intestinal Parasites

You can become infected by human intestinal parasites by:

• Consuming undercooked meat
• Drinking contaminated water
• Coming in contact with contaminated soil, water, feces or some household utensils
• Poor hygiene and sanitation

Certain factors can increase your risk of getting infected with parasites. They are:

• Age: Children and older adults are more susceptible to parasitic infections because of weak immunity
• Living in areas with poor hygiene

You may become infected with intestinal parasites in the blink of an eye, in the most unpredictable way. However, sooner or later, symptoms will surface. If you have developed intestinal parasites, the following remedies can help in cleansing your intestines and getting rid of the parasites naturally and effectively.

Home Remedies To Treat Intestinal Parasites

1. Tea Tree Oil

You Will Need

• 12 drops of tea tree oil
• 30 mL of coconut oil

What You Have To Do

1. Mix 12 drops of tea tree oil with 30 mL of coconut oil.
2. Massage the blend gently into your belly for a few minutes.
3. You may also apply this mixture directly to your anus.
4. Leave it on overnight.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this once daily.

Why This Works

Tea tree oil is quite popular for its antimicrobial properties. One of its lesser-known ability is its potential to fight parasites. Applying the oil can help remove the parasites attached to your intestinal walls and expel them (2).

2. Garlic

You Will Need

2-3 cloves of peeled garlic

What You Have To Do

Chew on two to three cloves of peeled garlic and consume daily on an empty stomach. If you have a sensitive throat, try baking the garlic with it coated in coconut oil. Consume 6 gloves a day, instead of 2-3, as it becomes less potent against parasites with baking.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this every morning.

Why This Works

The presence of compounds like allicin and ajoene in garlic impart anthelminticⁱ  XA broad range of drugs or substances designed to act against infections caused by parasitic worms. properties to it. Thus, eating raw garlic daily can help in killing stomach worms quite easily (3).

3. Castor Oil

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of 100% organic castor oil
• 1 cup of hot water

What You Have To Do

1. Mix a tablespoon of castor oil with a cup of medium hot water.
2. Sip on this solution slowly.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this once daily for a few days.

Why This Works

Castor oil can be an effective tool to lessen the population of intestinal parasites due to its strong laxativeⁱ  XA type of medicine or substance that loosens stools and increases bowel movements and helps relieve constipation. properties especially when bowel movements are less than twice a day. It enhances the secretion of intestinal mucus when taken with hot water, which, in turn, forces out bile along with the toxins and parasites (4).

Caution

You must only consume 100% organic castor oil.

4. Cloves

You Will Need

• 2-3 cloves
• 1 cup of water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Add two to three cloves to a cup of water.
2. Bring it to a boil in a saucepan.
3. Simmer for 5 minutes and strain.
4. When the solution cools a little, add some honey to it.
5. Drink immediately once it is cool enough to drink safely.

How Often You Should Do This

You must consume this solution 3 to 4 times daily for a week.

Why This Works

Clove contains a compound called eugenol, which is a strong germicidal and anthelmintic agent. Its regular intake promotes the destruction of intestinal parasites and their larvae and eggs (5).

Quick Tip

Depending on your immune health, some types of intestinal worms may disappear on their own. However, they may increase the risk of intestinal blockages in some cases.

5. Herbal Tea

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of peppermint or fennel tea
• 1 cup of water

What You Have To Do

1. Add a teaspoon of peppermint or fennel tea to a cup of water.
2. Bring it to a boil in a saucepan.
3. Simmer for 5 minutes and strain.
4. Add some honey for flavor and consume before the tea turns cold.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink this 3 to 4 times daily for at least a week.

Why This Works

Certain herbal teas (like those made from fennel and peppermint) are rich in components that speed up the destruction of intestinal parasites. They possess antiparasitic properties that flush out toxins and parasites from your system (6).

6. Turmeric

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 glass of hot coconut milk

What You Have To Do

1. Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of hot coconut milk.
2. Stir well and consume.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this 1 to 2 times daily for a few days.

Why This Works

The presence of curcumin and berberine in turmeric imparts many benefits to it, including the ability to get rid of intestinal parasites (7). Curcumin exhibits anthelmintic and antimicrobial properties that cleanse your intestine of parasites as well as other toxins (8).

7. Papaya

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of papaya seeds
• ½ cup of papaya
• 1 cup of coconut milk

What You Have To Do

1. Add a tablespoon of papaya seeds, half a cup of cut papaya, and one cup of coconut milk in a blender.
2. Blend well and consume the mixture.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this once every three days.

Why This Works

Papaya seeds possess anthelmintic and anti-amoebic properties that help in expelling intestinal parasites. They enhance your digestion while also killing intestinal worms (9).

8. Ginger

You Will Need

• 1-2 inches of minced ginger
• 1 cup of water

What You Have To Do

1. Add an inch or two of minced ginger to a cup of water.
2. Bring it to boil in a saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Strain and let it cool a bit.
4. Consume before the ginger tea runs cold.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink this solution 3 to 4 times daily.

Why This Works

A compound called gingerol in ginger enhances your digestion and helps in eliminating and killing intestinal parasites like roundworms, blood flukes, etc. (10).

9. Olive Leaf Extract

You Will Need

180 mg of olive leaf extract supplement

What You Have To Do

Divide 180 mg of olive leaf extract supplement into three doses and consume daily.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this on a daily basis till you notice an improvement.

Why This Works

Olive leaf extract exhibits powerful parasiticidal properties shown in studies again leishmania parasites (11).

10. Neem

You Will Need

• 8-10 neem leaves
• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Grind a few neem leaves to form a thick paste.
2. Take half a tablespoon of the neem leaf paste and consume on an empty stomach with a glass of water and some honey.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once in three weeks until you get rid of all your belly worms.

Why This Works

Neem leaves help in killing and eliminating parasites from your intestinal walls. This is mainly because of their anti-parasitic properties (12).

11. Cinnamon

You Will Need

• ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• 1 glass of warm water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a glass of warm water and mix well.
2. Consume this solution immediately.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this at least three times daily for a few days.

Why This Works

Cinnamon increases the temperature within your intestine, thus making the survival of parasites difficult. It also improves your digestion and makes the excretion of parasites easier (13), (14).

12. Vitamin C

You Will Need

2000-5000 mg of vitamin C supplement

What You Have To Do

Take 2000-5000 mg of vitamin C in two to three doses.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once daily for a few days.

Why This Works

Vitamin C is an exceptional antioxidant known for its immune boosting properties, which help kill intestinal parasites (15).

Caution

Vitamin C must not be taken with magnesium or calcium supplements.

13. Aloe Vera

You Will Need

1 glass of fresh aloe juice

What You Have To Do

Drink a glass of freshly prepared aloe juice.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink 2 to 3 cups of aloe juice daily for effective results.

Why This Works

Aloe vera exhibits purgative effects that help in flushing out all the toxins as well as parasites from your belly. It is one of the best remedies for treating intestinal parasites (16).

14. Grape Seed Extract

You Will Need

• 8-12 drops of grape seed extract
• 1 glass of water

What You Have To Do

1. Add a few drops of grape seed extract to a glass of water.
2. Mix well and consume immediately.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink this solution 1 to 2 times daily.

Why This Works

Grape seed extract contains oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes ( OPCs). These impart antimicrobial properties to it that help in getting rid of the intestinal parasites (17).

15. Pumpkin Seeds

You Will Need

• 1 cup of raw pumpkin seeds
• ½ cup of coconut milk
• ½ cup of water

What You Have To Do

1. Blend a cup of raw pumpkin seeds with half a cup each of water and coconut milk.
2. Drink this mixture on an empty stomach.
3. Keep yourself well hydrated throughout the day.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this procedure for 2 to 3 weeks for complete recovery.

Why This Works

Pumpkin seeds contain a compound called cucurbitacin that paralyzes the worms inside your stomach, thereby helping in detaching them from your intestinal walls and expelling them via stool (18). For large parasites, chewing the seeds after they are cooked will put the seeds into the digestive tract in a way that will mechanically cut at the parasites.

The above remedies can speed up the cleansing process of your intestines, thereby assisting greatly in expelling the worms within your stomach. Additionally, you should also pay extra attention to your diet to help the remedies do better.

Recommended Diet

What To Eat

• Green leafy veggies
• Green onions
• Pineapples
• Fish rich in fatty acids
• Probiotic-rich foods

What To Avoid

• Sugar
• Refined carbohydrates

In addition to your diet, you must also follow a few other tips like the ones mentioned below to prevent the recurrence of parasitic infections.

Prevention Tips

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after eating food.
• Avoid raw fish and meat.
• Wash your hands after using the loo and before cooking.
• Wash and peel fruits and vegetables before you cook/consume them.
• Disinfect all utensils that may have come in contact with raw fish or meat.
• Avoid direct contact with soil.
• Always carry a hand sanitizer while traveling.
• Drink only bottled water while you are traveling.
• Do not self-medicate on antibiotics and other medicines.

We are all at equal risk of developing intestinal parasites. So, we must take extra precautions when it comes to our day-to-day hygiene (especially while traveling).

However, if you have severe discomfort then consulting a healthcare practitioner and getting medical treatment is the best idea. Scroll down to learn about medical treatments for intestinal parasites!

Other Treatments For Intestinal Parasites

The doctor may prescribe specific medications to eradicate the parasites and alleviate symptoms. They may include anti-parasitic drugs, such as albendazole, mebendazole, or metronidazole, depending on the type of parasite. The course of treatment and the dosage depends on the severity of the infection and the individual’s health condition. Additionally, supportive measures like rehydration and nutritional supplements might be necessary, especially in severe cases. It is very important to maintain good hygiene, including frequent handwashing and avoiding contaminated food and water sources, to prevent reinfection. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider ensure proper monitoring and complete eradication of the parasites from the body.

Infographic: 7 Safe Food Practices To Prevent Parasitic Infections

Parasitic worms like pinworms or hookworms can result in symptoms like weight loss, anemia, stomach aches, and skin rashes. The good news is that following a few simple home remedies can help in flushing your body of these parasites. However, prevention is better than cure. We have listed some safe food practices to reduce your risk of developing these infections. Check out the infographic below to know more!

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does poop look like when you have worms?

If you are infected with intestinal worms, you might see small white thread-like structures in your stool.

How long do intestinal worms last?

Worms can live in your intestines from a few months to even decades. However, with suitable treatments and medication, you can speed up their elimination.

What teas are good for killing intestinal parasites?

Herbal teas like peppermint tea and fennel tea are a great way to expel worms from your intestines.

What kind of doctor should I see for intestinal parasites?

For intestinal worms, you can visit an infectious disease specialist or even a general physician as this medical condition is a common occurrence.

Does Epsom salt get rid of parasites?

There is a lack of scientific evidence suggesting that Epsom salt may be used to get rid of parasites.

Is there a home test for parasites?

Yes. There are many commercially available at-home stool test kits that can help detect parasites.

Can you see parasites in a colonoscopy?

Yes, colonoscopy or endoscopy can be performed to detect parasites.

Are intestinal parasites contagious?

Yes, these parasites are often passed via the oral-fecal route. A person may become ill if they consume food or drink contaminated with parasite eggs or larvae.

Can parasites make you tired?

Yes. Fatigue due to energy depletion and nutrient malabsorption is frequently observed in patients infected with intestinal parasites.

Unveil effective methods to eliminate intestinal worms, including threadworms, with advice from an expert doctor. Discover the key strategies to restore your gut health in this insightful video.

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Dr. Emily GannawayND MSOM

   

Dr. Emily Gannaway is a public speaker at MediPro Holistic Health and grew up with the influence of multiple doctors in her family. She has 13 years of experience in naturopathic medicine. Inspired by the work of her sister as an emergency room doctor, she began developing a deep interest in both preventive and primary care medicine. This inspired her...more

Shaheen NaserHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling. Her passion for writing and her educational background have assisted her substantially in writing quality content on topics related to health and wellness for over three years. In her free...more

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Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Dipti SharmaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Dipti is a health and wellness writer specializing in holistic health practices. She graduated from Maharishi Dayanand University, Haryana, and has worked closely with Ayurvedic doctors, which has given her a deep understanding of traditional remedies and their applications. She writes articles that provide guidance on natural remedies for common health concerns, empowering readers to embrace the healing power of...more