Parasites are organisms that live in or on another organism, known as the host, and derive their nourishment from the host while potentially causing harm. The symptoms of parasitic infections can vary widely depending on the type of parasite and the location of the infection. Common symptoms may include gastrointestinal issues (diarrhea, abdominal pain), fatigue, weight loss, anemia, skin rashes, and fever. Parasites can be transmitted through various means, such as contaminated food or water, insect bites, contact with infected individuals or animals, or exposure to parasite-infested environments. Parasitic infections have become more common with international travel over time.
If you suspect you may have a parasitic infection, there is a natural and safe way to treat it using herbs. Here are a few herbs that possess antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties based on their traditional use and scientific data:
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua)
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum)
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
Pau d'arco (Tabebuia avellanedae)
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare).
During the treatment it’s also important to follow a balanced and nourishing diet to support your body's immune system and overall health. While diet alone cannot cure a parasitic infection, it can play a role in supporting your body's ability to fight off the infection and decreasing the parasite die-off symptoms. Here are some dietary recommendations:
Avoid sugar, artificial sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame-K), white flour, milk, and processed goods: Parasites may thrive on these products.
Avoid products containing yeast.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of clean, filtered water to stay hydrated and help flush out toxins from your system.
Add anti-inflammatory goods: Include foods that have anti-inflammatory properties, such as wild-caught fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), leafy greens, berries, turmeric, and ginger.
Eat probiotic-rich foods: Probiotics can support gut health and balance the gut microbiota. Incorporate foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha into your diet.
Enjoy fiber-rich foods: Foods high in fiber can help improve bowel movements and assist in eliminating parasites and waste products. Consume plenty of vegetables, flax seeds, whole grains.
Use a lot of herbs and spices while cooking: Garlic, onions, oregano, thyme, basil and rosemary have natural antimicrobial properties and may help combat certain parasites.
Snack pumpkin seeds: Some studies suggest that pumpkin seeds may have anti-parasitic properties, so consider adding them to your diet.
Stay away from raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs: Consuming raw or undercooked meat and fish may put you on risk of getting parasitic infection.
Ensure food safety: Handle and cook food properly to avoid contamination and reinfection.
Parasite cleansing must also follow several good hygiene practices to minimize the risk of re-infection:
Wash hands frequently: Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before eating, after using the bathroom, after handling pets, and whenever your hands come into contact with soil or potentially contaminated surfaces.
Wash your clothes (especially underwear) and bed sheets in high temperature to ensure that all parasite and their eggs are killed.
Disinfect common spaces: toilet, shower, door handles.
Don't share personal items: Avoid sharing personal items like towels, toothbrushes, or grooming tools with others to prevent the potential spread of parasites.
Drink safe water: Consume safe and clean drinking water. If you're unsure about the water quality, use bottled water or boil water before drinking.
Cook food properly: Ensure that all meat, fish, and poultry are cooked thoroughly to kill any potential parasites. Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat and fish.
Wash fruits and vegetables: Thoroughly wash and peel fruits and vegetables before consuming them, especially if they will be eaten raw.
Practice safe sex: Use condoms to reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted parasitic infections.
Maintain good hygiene for pets: Keep your pets clean and free of parasites. Regularly deworm your pets under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Avoid contact with contaminated soil: Avoid direct contact with soil that may be contaminated with feces or other waste.
Be cautious while traveling: When traveling follow local food and water safety guidelines to avoid infection.
By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of re-infection and maintain good overall health. If you experience any symptoms of a parasitic infection, such as persistent gastrointestinal issues, unexplained weight loss, or skin problems, seek professional attention promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment.
REFERENCES:
Mills, S. and & Bone, K. (2005). The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone. ISBN: 0-443-07171-3.
Mostafa El-Sayed N, Gamal Masoud N. (2023). Medicinal Plants as Natural Anti-Parasitic Agents Against Blastocystis Species. Recent Adv Antiinfect Drug Discov. 18(1):2-15.
Paniker, C.K.J and Ghosh, S (2017). Paniker's Textbook of Medical Parasitology. Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers Pvt. Limited.