Can you believe this? It is estimated that 85% of Americans suffer from internal parasites! This is not just a Third World problem, as some people believe. In fact, it's a human condition in most parts of the world. (1)
How is this possible? Because parasites have evolved over millennia to live off other creatures in a less-than-favorable arrangement. That is, often less favorable for the host! But a parasite does not want to kill its host. (2)
Parasites are organisms that live in or on a host organism. They gain an advantage at the expense of the host. Internal parasites live inside the body and feed off of food or blood. Worms, coccidia, and blood parasites are all types of internal parasites. They come in many different shapes and sizes and can cause numerous health problems when left untreated. For example, some consume your food, leaving you hungry and unable to gain weight. Others feed off of your red blood cells and cause anemia. Some lay eggs and cause itching, irritability, and insomnia. (3)
What Causes Internal Parasites?
Your risk for getting intestinal parasites can become greater due to these certain factors (4):
International travel
Poor personal hygiene
Visiting or living in an area known to have parasites
Having a weak immune system
Poor local sanitation
What Are The Symptoms?
Unfortunately, parasites can live in the intestines for years without causing symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can appear as any one of these (5):
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Nausea or vomiting
Gas or bloating
Stomach pain or tenderness
Feeling tired
Weight loss
Passing a worm in your stool
Natural Treatment For Internal Parasites
Yes, internal parasites can trigger multiple health problems. Fortunately, herbs are one way to strengthen the body and treat intestinal parasites; however, they should be used under the supervision of a health care professional. These are the seven best herbs for treating parasites naturally. (6)
1. Black Walnuts
Both the hull and nut "meat" of black walnuts have the ability to cleanse the blood and the intestines. In fact, black walnut hull is an excellent natural remedy for fungal infections. Simply juice black walnut hulls and use the liquid to kill off internal parasites. (7)
2. Clove
Cloves have powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. Clove essential oil kills internal parasites by destroying the eggs that worms lay in the intestinal tract. It's the only herb that can destroy parasite eggs completely. Clove is even more powerful when combined with black walnuts and wormwood. (8)
3. Thyme
Thyme is one of the best herbs you can use in order to stimulate your thymus gland. It awakens the body's natural defensive system while hindering the growth of parasites. The essential oil works by destroying intestinal microorganisms. Thyme is a natural antibacterial that inhibits the growth of bacteria in the body. (9)
4. Wormwood
This perennial shrub has bright yellow-green flowers. Those who practice herbal medicine use the leaves and flowers for stomach issues. While wormwood is not recommended for pregnant women or nursing mothers, it does work well for treating intestinal worms, thanks to its active compound, artemisinin. It also has antimicrobial properties that help clear up infections. (10, 11)
5. Garlic
Garlic can do wonders for internal parasites, thanks to its powerful anti-fungal properties. Furthermore, it's able to destroy dangerous microorganisms and stimulate the elimination of heavy metals from the body. Garlic also repels ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. (12)
6. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is loaded with antioxidants that prevent damage from free radicals. It is not only anti-parasitic, but also anti-fungal, antiviral, and antibacterial. Wow! This powerhouse essential oil works by resetting the the microbial environment in the intestinal tract. (13)
7. Diatomaceous Earth
Food-grade diatomaceous earth can absorb methyl mercury, E. Coli, viruses, and endotoxins. It also has the ability to destroy intestinal parasites, balance intestinal flora, and absorb harmful toxins. It also works on those pesky external critters. (14)