Put “parasite” and “human health” into a sentence, speak it aloud to someone you know, and then watch for their reaction as they squirm uneasily and make a grimacing face as they picture the imagery of what’s going on inside us. Yes, we as people are vulnerable and prone to parasitic attacks that can wreak an assortment of unwanted health symptoms and conditions upon us. In fact, the CDC claims millions of Americans are infected with parasites.
There is definitely an “ick” factor at work here (think hookworms, roundworms, screwworms [fly larvae], and tapeworms, just for starters). What causes parasitic illnesses? Microscopic parasites living inside of us, at times reproducing, while also feeding off us because they need another living organism (humans, for instance) for their own food supply and nourishment. These parasitic infections are often manifested in the form of gastrointestinal sickness, accompanied by conditions such as diarrhea and vomiting. Other symptoms can include skin rashes or whatever is produced by infections in other locales such as in the brain or lungs.
Over the years, many parasitic afflictions have been linked to malnourished populations in what is often referred to as third-world countries. There are three major types of parasitical infections – protozoa (an estimated 70 species have been identified), helminths (300 species), and ectoparasites – with the former two singled out as the two most responsible for related illnesses among people. Protozoa are typically carried by mosquitoes while the latter two types are linked to lice and bed bugs.
There are prescription pharmaceuticals formulated to fight parasites. Some infections respond well to these medications, but some version of the infections can linger for a long time, or go away and then come back. The list is long of natural remedies, such as over-the-counter herbs and supplements that can help protect against these parasites, each in their own way capable of bolstering our immune systems as antimicrobials.
6 Natural Remedies That Can Act as Antiparasitics
In alphabetical order:
Berberine. It should be no surprise to its many proponents that berberine pops up on this list; this much multifaceted herb-based supplement can provide a wide variety of benefits to human health, so why should its ability to fight parasites be any different? Its legacy in treating intestinal parasites dates back to ancient China. How does it do so? Fingers point to berberine’s antiprotozoal characteristics, equipping it to stop or at least slow the growth of protozoa, one of the three major types of parasites.
Black Walnuts. This hard-shelled fruit is popularized by its bold, earthy taste and its link to imparting health benefits such as diminished heart-disease risk and weight loss (when it is desired and purposeful). What makes black walnut a top-10 enemy for parasites is its hard shell, or, if you prefer, husk, which is comprised of antioxidant and antibacterial compounds that make it a nightmare for those tiny buggers.
Clove. This is an herb seemingly tailormade to put a hurt on parasites. Its chief parasite-fighting constituent is eugenol, which experts postulate can disrupt the parasites’ cellular membranes and metabolic processes, thus thwarting their growth. Additionally, eugenol has shown a nifty proclivity to prevent the hatching of parasitic eggs.
Garlic. Like clove, garlic oil has a key ingredient – in its case allicin – that can deliver a punch to parasites, in its case, too, by its capacity to interfere with parasitic metabolic processes. Garlic can also bolster our immune function, which is a beneficial part of a typical parasite cleanse.
Oregano Oil. This is a substance that has not just one but two compounds that have proven essential and effective in the war against parasites – carvacrol and thymol. Both possess antimicrobial and anthelmintic properties. Research has even demonstrated that oregano oil is a robust supporter of the body’s defenses when it comes to managing parasites.
Wormwood. This bitter herb is known for its knack to leave a really bad taste in the mouth of parasites. Wormwood is probably best known for its key plant compound thujone, which is used in absinthe, a French liqueur that claimed famed Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh among its many fans. It is that same compound, thujone, that is believed to have been the key ingredient behind wormwood’s purported efficacy in treating intestinal worms as far back as Ancient Egypt.
Just the thought of parasites lurking inside of us, waiting to hit us with an infection, can be intimidating, even frightening. But as you can see here, there is an array of natural remedies also on standby, available for your use to fend off those pesky parasites. Just be sure to discuss your use of any of them with your physician or other healthcare professional before adding them to your regimen.