Herbal Defense for Parasites - Jackie Christensen, Holistic Health

Herbal Defense for Parasites An Exploration of the Importance of Anthelmintic Herbs for Wellness By Jackie Christensen, MS, HHP, NC, MH

Parasites-The Unwanted Guests 

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Medical research has estimated that 85-95% of the North American adult population is infected with at least one form of parasite. Humans can play host to over 100 different kinds of parasites, ranging from microscopic ones to tapeworms that can grow to be several feet long. Parasites are most frequently found in the colon, but can also reside in other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, muscles, joints, skin, blood, and even the brain.

Common Sources of Parasite Infection  Under

cooked meats (beef, pork and raw fish, especially)  unwashed fruits and vegetables  travel to third-world countries  contaminated water  mosquitoes  pets  walking barefoot outdoors

Symptoms of Parasite Infection    

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Bloated abdomen Inability to lose weight Dark circles around or under the eyes Diarrhea or chronic constipation or a combination of both Persistent acne and skin eruptions Teeth grinding Insomnia (especially waking between 2-3 a.m.) Cravings for sweets Moodiness Depression

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Chronic fatigue Anemia PMS Bad breath Bad body odor Food allergies Sinus congestion Constant abdominal discomfort Digestive problems Anal itching Water retention

Physical Effects of Parasites       

Deteriorate the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections. Consume the most nutritious part of our diet and nutrients. Irritate the tissues of the body, causing inflammation. Produce toxic waste products into the body. Destroy cells faster than the body can reproduce them, leading to an imbalance. Damage the intestinal lining. Obstruct the intestine and pancreatic bile ducts.

Anthelmitic Herbs Defined  The

anthelmitic herbal category includes herbs that kill or expel parasites from the body. It is a blanket term for both vermicides and verifuges.

 Vermicides:

herbs that kill parasites  Vermifuges: herbs that expel parasites Note: Anthelmintic herbs should be used with purgatives to help expel parasites from the body.

Dietary Considerations & Cleansing 

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Parasites thrive in an environment that is created by too much sugar and processed foods, therefore it is important to avoid sweets, sugar, juices, fruit, greasy foods and white flour if a parasite is assumed. Fecal buildup on the walls of the colon provide an ideal atmosphere for parasites, so colon cleansing is recommended along with herbal therapy.

Dietary Considerations & Cleansing  Fasting

is recommended during treatment.  It is recommended to cleanse around a full moon because that is when parasites are more active.  Consuming 2-3 tablespoons of uncooked brown rice first thing in the a.m. is a remedy that has been used in the treatment and prevention of parasites.

Common Human Parasites Hookworm  A parasitic nematode worm that originates externally, but can be transmitted internally via contaminated water, unwashed fruits and vegetables.  Once inside the body the hookworm larvae attach to the wall of the intestine and consume the host’s blood.  Symptoms: weakness, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, anemia 1.

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2. Roundworm Largest nematode known to affect the intestinal tract. May grow to be as large as 15-35 centimeters . Transferred through consumption of unsanitary food or water. Eggs hatch, pierce the intestinal wall, enter the blood stream and relocate to the lungs. Where they are expelled via coughing, if swallowed they may reenter the digestive tract. Symptoms: fever, lethargy, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, nerve problems, difficulty breathing, coughing

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3. Flatworm blood fluke The flukes live in the blood stream and infiltrate the people who come into contact with the tainted water. They live in the bloodstream of the host. Cause inflammation of internal organs, notably the liver. May reside in the host for years without any signs of symptoms. May be excreted in the feces. Symptoms: fever, aching, cough, diarrhea, swollen glands, lethargy

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4. Tapeworm Some common varieties tapeworms include beef tapeworm, bladderworm, pork tapeworm, broad fish tapeworm, dog tapeworm, dwarf tapeworm and rat tapeworm. Cattle and pigs consume tapeworms through contaminated fecal matter and are transmitted to humans upon consumption of the animals. The tapeworm has a hook on its head which it uses to attach itself to the host’s intestine. Within 3-4 months the tapeworm will mature and start to reproduce. They can survive for up to 25 years in a host. Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, inflammation of the intestine, diarrhea, weight loss, dizziness, fits, malnutrition

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5. Pinworms Common human parasite. Named from their long pin shaped body. Live in the host’s intestinal tract, but do not enter the bloodstream. They lay their eggs outside the human body, more often at night, which causes intense rectal itching. Scratching the area can encourage the larvae's spread via hand contact. Symptoms: rectal irritation and irritation

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6. Whipworm Gets its name from the characteristic whip-like shape. Reside in the large intestine and insert their anterior end into the intestinal lining. Worms can live for several years. Heavy infections in children can cause mental and physical retardation. Diagnosis can be determined by appearance of eggs in the feces. Typically asymptomatic, but symptoms may occur in heavy infections. Symptoms: diarrhea, dysentery, and anemia

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7. Lymphatic Filariasis Adult parasites live in the lymph nodes of humans. Contamination is transmitted via infected mosquito. Causes “elephantiasis” Repeated infections can result in blockage of the lymph nodes and ducts, which results in swelling of the tissues. The adult parasites generally prefer the lymph nodes that drain the lower abdominal cavity and legs, so “elephantiasis” is often marked by disfigurations of the external genitals and legs. Symptoms: swollen lymph nodes

Actions of Anthelmintic Herbs  Vermifuges:

cause worms to expulse from

the body  Vermicides: destroys worms in the body  Taeniafuges: expels tapeworms from the body  Taenicides: kills tapeworms from the body

Anthelmintic Herbs 1. Wormwood Part used: herb, oil Actions: tonic, anthelmintic, stomachic, stimulant, febrifuge, hepatic, aromatic, antiseptic, nervine, anti-venomous, carminative Common Preparations: fluid extract, infusion oil, powders, tinctures For roundworms take 2 ounces to 1 teacup of an infusion in the evening and morning.

Wormwood Formulas Dr. Shook’s Anthelmintic Vermifuges ½ ounce wormwood ½ ounce tansy ½ ounce satonica ½ ounce chamomile flowers Instructions: Boil 1 quart of water and pour over herbs and cover for 2-3 minutes, strain and keep in a dark cool place. Dosage: 1-2 ounces, 2 times daily 1.

Wormwood Formulas 2. Round worm formula 1 ounce wormwood 1 ounce rue 1 ounce peach leaves Instructions: Pour one quart of boiling water over the herbs and steep for 1 hour, strain and bottle. Infusion may be sweetened if preferred. Dosage: 6 ounces, 3-4 times daily on an empty stomach

Anthelmintic Herbs 2. Pumpkin seeds Parts used: ripe seeds, the fresher the better Actions: anthelmintic, diuretic, nutritive Uses: tapeworms, round worms, renal issues Common preparations: decoction, crushed seeds. To make a decoction, boil one ounce of seeds in one pint of water for 15-20 minutes. Dosage: up to one pint daily

Pumpkin Seed Formula 1.

Four Great Cold Seeds Remedy

1 part pumpkin seeds, crushed 1 part ground seeds, crushed 1 part watermelon seeds, crushed 1 part cucumber seeds, crushed Instructions: Triturate with water into an emulsion Dosage: 6 ounces, 3-4 times daily

Anthelmintic Herbs 3. Kousso Parts used: fresh or dried flowers Actions: anthelmintic, cathartic, astringent Uses: tape worms Common Preparations: fluid extracts, infusion, powder Dosage: 1-4 teaspoons, works more effectively while fasting and drinking lemon juice before and after the dosage.

Kousso Formula Anthelmintic Infusion of Kuosso ¾ ounce kousso flowers 1 pint of purified water Instructions: Boil the water and pour over the herb, steep covered for 10 minutes, do not strain, stir well Dosage: drink the entire mixture is 3 doses, 10 minutes apart

Anthelmintic Herbs 4. Tansy Parts used: herb, seed Actions: anthelmintic, tonic, emmenagogue, diaphoretic, stimulant, diuretic, nervine, vulnerary, carminative Uses: expels worms, also good for menstrual issues Common Preparations: decoction, infusion, tincture Dosage: 3-6 ounces of an infusion at night and in the morning

Tansy Formula Potter’s Vermifuge 1 part tansy herb or seed 1 part wormwood herb 1 part santonica 1 part chamomile flowers Instructions: steep herbs one teaspoon of herbal combination in a tightly covered pot with 6 ounces of water for 10-15 minutes. Dosage: 2 ounces, 3 times daily 1.

Anthelmintic Herbs 5. Hyssop Parts used: herb Actions: anthelmintic, diuretic, diaphoretic, stimulant, expectorant, carminative, vulnerary, pectoral, febrifuge, aromatic Uses: expelling worms, sore throat, inflammation, colds, coughs Common Preparations: fluid extracts, powder, tincture Dosage: ½-2 teaspoons fluid extract

Anthelmintic Herbs 6. Pink root Parts used: root, herb Actions: anthelmintic, commonly combined with senna for its purgative effect Uses: tape worms and round worms Common Preparations: infusions, powders, tinctures, extracts Dosage: ½-1 teaspoon for tincture, ½ -1 teaspoon for powders

Pink Root Formula 1.

Pink Root Anthelmintic Powder for Children

2 teaspoons pink root powder 2 teaspoons American wormseed, powder 1.3 grams Cascara sagrada, powder Instructions: mix powders and divide into 12 equal servings

Dosage: 1 dose 3-4 times daily for children, can be mixed with stevia or a sugar-free juice

Anthelmintic Herbs 7. Pomegranate Parts used: bark, root bark, peel of fruit Actions: anthelmintic, astringent Uses: kills and expels tape worms and round worms. The root bark is the most potent anthelmintic portion of the herb. The fruit is considered to be a blood tonic Common Preparations: standard decoction Dosage: up to one pint daily

Pomegranate Formula Anthelmintic Decoction 4 ounces pomegranate root bark, cut 3 pints distilled water 1.

Instructions: Simmer the herb in water for one hour, strain, and simmer the liquid until reduced to 1 pint Dosage: 3-4 ounces every 4 hours

Resources  

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Christopher , J. (2009). School of Natural Healing . (14th ed.). Springville, UT: Christopher Publications . Frawley, D., & Lad, V. (1988). The Yoga of Herbs: An ayurvedic guide to herbal medicine. (2nd ed.). Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus Press. Tierra, M. (1998). The Way of Chinese Herbs. New York, NY: Pocket Book. Tierra, M. (1988). Planetary Herbology. (1st ed.). Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus Press. Tierra, M. (1998). The Way of Herbs. (1st ed.). New York, New York: Pocket Book. The enemy within: 10 human parasites. (2009, July). New Scientist. Retrieved May 10, 2012, from http://www.newscientist.com/gallery/mg20327161300enemy-within-human-parasites/11 The Global College of Natural Medicine (2010). Toxicity and Detoxification. Holistic Health Practitioner Module 1