Effective Natural Remedies for Parasite Treatment and Prevention

• Garlic
• Diatomaceous Earth
• ACV
• Coconut Oil
• Papaya Leaf
• Pumpkin Seeds

Parasite treatments include a number of natural remedies that can be taken internally or used externally. The key to treating parasites is identifying an effective treatment option for eliminating the specific type of parasite present. Diatomaceous earth and various other treatments like papaya leaf are very effective at eliminating a wide range of parasites without harming the rest of the body.

Natural Remedies for Parasites

Eliminating parasites as quickly and safely as possible is crucial. Various options are available; however, some of the most effective include diatomaceous earth, apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil. These treatments bind to parasites and naturally remove them from the body.

Garlic

Garlic contains allicin and ajoene, compounds that effectively kill pinworms, hookworms, and other parasites.¹ It also has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

To use garlic as a treatment, start with one crushed or juiced clove per day, gradually increase the amount, and drink plenty of water to help detox.

Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

DE is made from the skeletons of fossilized diatoms and is approximately 85% silica which supports healthy skin, hair, nails, and digestion. DE effectively eliminates roundworms, whipworms, pinworms, hookworms, and tapeworms by cutting through their exoskeletons and causing dehydration.²

To treat parasites, add 1 tablespoon of food-grade DE to a tall glass of water once a day and ensure all family members and pets take it for at least 90 days.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

ACV is rich in vitamins and minerals and helps maintain the body's pH balance, eliminating parasites and harmful infections.³

To use ACV as a treatment, mix 2 teaspoons of organic and raw ACV into a glass of filtered water and drink twice daily.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is naturally antifungal and effective at eliminating parasites and promoting overall health.⁴

Start with 1 teaspoon of organic coconut oil mixed with food and gradually increase the amount. Be aware that side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, and gallbladder attacks.

Papaya Leaf

Papaya leaf contains carpaine, an anti-parasitic alkaloid also studied for its cardiovascular effects.⁵ Papaya leaves have special enzymes that aid digestion and contain antimicrobial agents that kill H. Pylori, a harmful bacterium causing peptic ulcers.⁶

To treat parasites, take one 400 mg capsule of papaya leaf three times daily.

Raw Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacin, an organic compound that paralyzes parasites, allowing them to be flushed from the body during bowel movements.⁷ Pumpkin seeds are often used alongside natural laxatives like the Ayurvedic herb Triphala to facilitate removal.

What is a Parasite?

Parasites are organisms that invade a host and feed on its nutrients. They can cause symptoms like a weakened immune system, constant illness, rectal itching, recurring yeast infections, fatigue, bloating, gas, and allergies. If left untreated, parasite overgrowth can lead to severe health issues, including infertility, cancer, arthritis, and osteoporosis.

Causes of Parasite Infections

Parasites can enter the human body through various means, with some common causes being consuming contaminated food or water, poor hygiene, and contact with infected animals. In this section, we will discuss a few of these causes, including the consumption of raw fish, such as sushi.

Eating Raw or Undercooked Fish and Seafood 

One of the most common causes of parasite infections is consuming raw or undercooked fish and seafood, such as sushi and sashimi. Fish and shellfish can harbor parasites like Anisakis, Diphyllobothrium, and other tapeworms that may cause illness if ingested. These parasites can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. To minimize the risk of infection, it is essential to consume fish and seafood from reputable sources and ensure that they have been prepared and stored correctly. Freezing fish at the appropriate temperature for a specific period can kill parasites, making it safer to consume.

Contaminated Water 

Drinking untreated water or using it to wash fruits, vegetables, or dishes can also expose individuals to parasites. Contaminated water may contain various types of parasites, such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Entamoeba histolytica, which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and other health issues. To avoid parasite infections from water, drinking and using water from clean, treated sources or using water filters and purifiers is crucial.

Poor Hygiene

Inadequate hygiene practices, such as not washing hands thoroughly after using the restroom, handling pets, or preparing food, can lead to the transmission of parasites like pinworms and hookworms. Maintaining proper hygiene, including regular handwashing with soap and water, is essential for preventing parasite infections.

Contact With Infected Animals 

Close contact with infected pets or other animals can also increase the risk of contracting parasites. Animals can carry parasites like Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause toxoplasmosis, a potentially severe infection in humans. It is vital to practice good hygiene when handling pets, regularly deworm them, and maintain their overall health to prevent the spread of parasites.

Traveling To Endemic Areas

Traveling to regions where certain parasites are endemic can increase the risk of contracting them. For example, malaria is a widespread parasitic infection in many tropical and subtropical regions, transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. To reduce the risk of contracting parasites while traveling, take appropriate preventive measures, such as using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and taking antimalarial medications if recommended.

Consumption of Undercooked or Contaminated Meat 

Eating undercooked or contaminated meat can lead to parasitic infections such as trichinellosis and taeniasis, which are caused by Trichinella spiralis and Taenia species, respectively. These infections can result in gastrointestinal issues, muscle pain, and other symptoms. It is crucial to cook meat thoroughly to the recommended internal temperature to kill any parasites present and to avoid cross-contamination during food preparation.

Soil-Transmitted Parasites 

Walking barefoot on contaminated soil or coming into contact with contaminated soil during gardening or other activities can expose individuals to soil-transmitted parasites like hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. These parasites can penetrate the skin and cause infections, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms and other health issues. Wearing shoes while outdoors and practicing good hygiene can help reduce the risk of soil-transmitted parasite infections.

Contaminated Surfaces and Objects 

Touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching the mouth, eyes, or nose can introduce parasites into the body. For instance, surfaces contaminated with feces from infected individuals or animals can transmit parasites like Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and pinworms. Regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and objects, as well as frequent handwashing, can help minimize the risk of infection from contaminated sources.

By being aware of these additional causes of parasite infections and taking the necessary precautions, individuals can further protect themselves and their families from potential health risks associated with parasites.

Signs of Parasite Infection

Symptoms of parasite overgrowth include:

• Diarrhea or loose stools for two weeks
• Constipation
• Hemorrhoids or Itchy Anus
• Gas
• Stomach pain
• Itchy anus
• Lethargy
• Low immunity
• Frequent sickness
• Constant tiredness
• Ringworm
• Athlete's foot
• Bloating
• Intestinal cramps
• Unexplained weight loss
• Skin issues (hives, rosacea, dermatitis)
• Exhaustion
• Depression
• Joint aches
• Muscle aches
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Mood changes
• Constant hunger

Parasite Prevention Tips

In addition to using the natural remedies mentioned above, consider the following tips to prevent parasite infections:

• Maintain good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with soap, especially after using the restroom, handling pets, or preparing food.

• Cook food thoroughly: Ensure meat, fish, and poultry are cooked properly to kill any potential parasites.

• Drink clean water: Use filtered or purified water, and avoid drinking water from untreated sources.

• Wash fruits and vegetables: Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before consuming them to remove any lingering parasites or eggs.

• Practice safe sex: Use protection during sexual activities, as some parasites can be transmitted through sexual contact.

• Keep pets healthy: Regularly deworm your pets and maintain their overall health to prevent the spread of parasites.

• Avoid walking barefoot: Wear shoes outdoors, especially in areas where parasites may contaminate the soil.

Conclusion

Natural remedies such as garlic, food-grade diatomaceous earth, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, papaya leaf, and raw pumpkin seeds have effectively treated and prevented parasite infections. By incorporating these remedies into your daily routine and following the prevention tips mentioned above, you can reduce the risk of parasite infections and maintain optimal health.

Continue reading below to learn what natural remedies and supplements helped Earth Clinic readers clear parasites, and let us know what you tried!

Citations

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2. Fernandez, M., Woodward, B., & Stromberg, B. (1998). Effect of diatomaceous earth as an anthelmintic treatment on internal parasites and feedlot performance of beef steers. Animal Science, 66(3), 635-641. doi:10.1017/S1357729800009206
3. Yagnik, D., Serafin, V., & Shah, A. J. (2018). Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 1-12.
4. Ogbolu, D. O., Oni, A. A., Daini, O. A., & Oloko, A. P. (2007). In vitro antimicrobial properties of coconut oil on Candida species in Ibadan, Nigeria. Journal of Medicinal Food, 10(2), 384-387.
5. Okeniyi, J. A., Ogunlesi, T. A., Oyelami, O. A., & Adeyemi, L. A. (2007). Effectiveness of dried Carica papaya seeds against human intestinal parasitosis: a pilot study. Journal of Medicinal Food, 10(1), 194-196.
6. Kermanshai, R., McCarry, B. E., Rosenfeld, J., Summers, P. S., Weretilnyk, E. A., & Sorger, G. J. (2001). Benzyl isothiocyanate is responsible for the anti-microbial activity of papaya seed extracts against the human pathogen H. pylori. Phytochemistry, 58(6), 929-934.
7. Grzybek M, Kukula-Koch W, Strachecka A, Jaworska A, Phiri AM, Paleolog J, Tomczuk K. Evaluation of Anthelmintic Activity and Composition of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) Seed Extracts-In Vitro and in Vivo Studies. Int J Mol Sci. 2016 Sep 1;17(9):1456. doi: 10.3390/ijms17091456. PMID: 27598135; PMCID: PMC5037735.