Unfortunately, round-worm larvae could be living inside you
right now.  Yes, parasites -those disgusting
wormlike microbes that reside inside of a host,
stealing nutrients and excreting toxic waste.  We
tend to think of this being the stuff of jungle
tribes.  Yet even in our developed country
microbes such as parasites, bacteria, yeast and
fungus can be linked to a multitude of diseases
and chronic conditions. In fact, recent studies
estimate that 85% of the adult population of North
America is infected with at least one form of
parasite!

Microorganisms such as those listed above can lie
dormant in the body for many years until they are
“awakened” by certain foods, medications,
chemicals or immune dysfunction.  How did they
get in there in the first place?  Undercooked
meat, especially beef, pork and raw fish,
contaminated water, travel to undeveloped
countries, unwashed fruits and veggies, exposure
to animals (that includes pets!) and mosquitoes
are the most common sources.  The good news is
there are natural ways to prevent these bugs from
setting up house in our body, or at least
lessening their stay, even after we have been
exposed. Check out these methods to get rid of
parasites in your gut

First and foremost, maintain a healthy
colon. Constipation, leading to the buildup of
fecal matter on the colon wall, provides an ideal
breeding ground for these nasty bugs.  Take a
high quality probiotic daily to insure that you
have an abundance of “good” bacteria to
overpower the parasites and harmful bacteria.
Lots of fiber in the diet is also very effective
at keeping these guys at bay.  Psyllium husk is
my fiber of choice.

If you suspect that you are infected with microbes
of any kind, it is prudent to avoid all
sugars, as this is their food of choice.
Also take as much of the load off of your liver
as possible by eliminating alcohol and both
environmental and food-based chemicals.  The less
junk that your liver must filter out through the
day, the more energy can be spent to rid your body
of these unhealthy bugs.  Many folks also
find periodic colon cleanses helpful in
eliminating any foreign invaders. There are a
variety of cleansing kits available, most of which
use some form of fiber along with anti-parasitic
and anti-fungal herbs together or at different
stages in a daily regimen.

How do you know if these bugs have taken up
residence in your body?  A few of the most common
symptoms of parasites in humans include:  a
bloated tummy, inability to lose weight, dark
circles under the eyes, teeth grinding, bad breath
or body odor, anal itching, sinus congestion,
fatigue, moodiness, diarrhea or constipation.
That doesn’t help a bit, does it?! These
symptoms obviously have a wide variety of causes,
so it is difficult to pin any one of these on a
case of the worms!  So here is what I think….

If you take care of your colon, eat healthy foods
and avoid anything processed, take in plenty of
fiber (that is very significant) and if you
include in your daily regimen a couple of
“parasite-destroying” foods or supplements, on
the whole, you’ll keep these guys out.  If you
already have a chronic condition or are in a
diseased state, you may have to go a bit further
than mere “maintenance” and undertake a more
structured colon cleanse.

Some of the more common parasite destroyers …

BLACK WALNUT – The dried and ground green hull
of the Black Walnut contains tannin, which is
organic iodine, as well as juglandin, extractive
matter from the juice of the green shucks of the
walnut. Black walnut has been used for centuries
to expel various types of worms, including
parasites that cause skin irritations such as
ringworm. It oxygenates the blood, which also
helps kill parasites. Black Walnut is very
effective against tapeworms, pinworms, Candida
albicans (yeast infections) and malaria. It is
also effective in reducing blood sugar levels, and
helping the body rid itself of toxins.

WORMWOOD – This is one of the MOST POWERFUL
tools in the parasite-killing herb kingdom. It is
most effective against roundworms, hookworms,
whipworms and pinworms. Wormwood contains the
potent chemicals thujone and isothujone, which are
the primary components that kill parasites.
Wormwood also helps produce bile, which in turn
helps the liver and gallbladder.

CLOVES – Cloves contain eugenol, caryophyllene,
and tannins, which are powerful antimicrobial
agents. These components travel through the
bloodstream, killing microscopic parasites and
parasitic larvae and eggs. I personally love my
Clove Essential Oil which can be diffused or taken
internally – 1 drop in 8 oz of water.  It’s
interesting that cloves are also effective at
killing Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria.
Keep this in mind when you are hearing about
antibiotic-resistant germs. There are other
options, and this is one of them.

THYME – Thyme contains flavonoids that are most
commonly known for their antioxidant activity, and
thymol and carvacrol, which are effective in
killing bacteria, fungal infections, and yeast
infections. Thyme is especially effective in
killing hook-worms, roundworms, threadworms and
skin parasites. Thyme also destroys Cryptococcus
neoformans, Aspergillus, Saprolegnia, Salmonella
typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureas, and
Escherichia coli.

GARLIC – Garlic is known to slow and kill more
than 60 types of fungi and 20 types of bacteria,
as well as some of the most potent viruses known
to humans. Garlic has a history of killing
parasites and controlling secondary fungal
infections, detoxifying while gently stimulating
elimination, and has antioxidant properties to
protect against oxidation caused by parasite
toxins.  It’s been shown to eliminate candida
albicans (yeast overgrowth). I personally love
garlic, but my family doesn’t love being around
me after I eat it!! So, I take Kyolic garlic
capsules with each meal. You can’t go wrong with
this supplement, as there is no garlic flavor or
aftertaste.

CAYENNE – A member of the Capsicum genus, known
for assisting with assimilation, healing, improved
circulation, cleansing, indigestion, urinary tract
health, colds, flu and other benefits too numerous
to mention, cayenne also destroys parasites.

GINGER – The components of gingerol, the active
constituent of fresh ginger, destroys parasites
including the roundworm, the blood fluke, the
anisakid worm, and the Salmonella bacteria.

Then there are the “detoxifiers” ….

MILK THISTLE – Silymarin is the primary
component in Milk Thistle that removes liver
toxins. Milk Thistle promotes liver cell
regeneration, and its antioxidant action protects
against cell damage from toxins. Milk Thistle is
most helpful in cleansing the toxins given off by
parasites.

MARSHMALLOW ROOT – Marshmallow Root contains
mucilage, a gummy substance obtained from certain
plants. When Marshmallow Root gets wet, it becomes
soft and sticky, which soothes the mouth, throat,
stomach and intestinal tract. When parasites are
dislodged from body tissue, they can leave an open
sore. Marshmallow Root coats these sores so there
is less irritation.

PAU D’ ARCO– Pau d’Arco is used for Candida,
yeast infections, fungal infections, viral
infections, and
parasitic infections. It also helps relieve
cystitis, prostatitis, ringworm, gonorrhea, and
syphilis. Pau D’Arco is one of the most powerful
antioxidants known, and stimulates the immune
system. Pau d’Arco also helps relieve leaky
bladder syndrome.

BURDOCK – Burdock removes accumulated waste and
toxins from the skin, kidneys, mucous and serous
membranes. A very effective blood purifier,
Burdock is wonderful for head, face and neck skin
problems including, eczema, psoriasis, boils,
carbuncles, eyesores, and dermatitis.

LICORICE – An anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic
and mild laxative. It purifies the organs and the
endocrine system, especially the liver.

Lastly, this stuff will move those bugs right out!

BARBERRY – The ingredients of Barberry,
columbamine, berberine, and oxyacanthine, have
antibacterial and antiviral properties. Research
indicates that berberine in Barberry is
specifically effective against cholera, giardia,
Shigella, Salmonella and E. coli. The berberines
aid in the secretion of bile and are good for
liver problems. It is also a mild laxative, and
helps the digestive processes. Barberry helps to
purify the respiratory and digestive systems, and
also has an antiparasitic effect.

CASCARA SAGRADA – Also known as Buckthorn,
Cascara Sagrada stimulates increased wavelike
contractions of the intestines, helping to expel
parasites. It is highly recommended during
parasite removal and colon detoxification and is
considered one of the safest laxatives.

SENNA – Senna is a powerful laxative that is
excellent for expelling worms. Senna works best
when combined with other anthelmintic herbs (used
in the treatment of roundworm), such as ginger or
fennel. These herbs increase regularity and reduce
the chance of bowel cramps due to Senna’s strong
action. Senna effectively cleans the elimination
system, and has a vermifuge action that repels
parasites.

SAGE – Sage has the power to relax the muscles
lining the digestive tract. Sage contains
relatively high levels of thujone which is the
same ingredient in wormwood that kills parasites.
Sage is also used to increase circulation, and is
considered an excellent remedy for poor digestion
and stomach problems.

PSYLLIUM – Removes toxins from the colon and is
especially useful in cleaning out all of the
pockets in the colon wall. Psyllium swells up to
50 times its size, and is powerfully effective in
removing waste and toxins from the colon.

PEPPERMINT – Peppermint is well known for
relieving indigestion, but it also relaxes the
stomach muscles, relieves gas, and is also good
for nausea and vomiting. Peppermint also has
antiparasitic properties.