Natural deworming methods that work and are safe for eliminating parasites from the gut. Effective for both children and adults with intestinal parasites.
We have loved and cared for a number of foster children. One of the most rewarding aspects is that we have seen many of these foster children recover their health quickly based on positive dietary changes.
However, there is a topic relating to childrenās health that is not usually discussed and is even considered hush-hush in open circles. We talk about it openly in our home. And with knowledge comes responsibility.
With many of our foster children, we have experienced illnesses where the symptoms were caused by parasitic worms that required a thorough deworming in order to heal.
It makes complete sense that people (including medical doctors) donāt talk about worms living inside our bodies because itās downright disgusting!Ā However, it needs to be discussed more openly because we all get them!
In fact, my MD friends are finding worms and other parasites in more and more patients than ever before.
Why?
Is it the diet? The highly processed and genetically modified foods?
Is it other factors that weaken the immune system and disrupt beneficial gut flora like environmental toxins and excessive antibiotics? The average child has 17 rounds before adulthood.
Probably all are contributing factors.
The London OB&GYN Press reports that when children suddenly experience diarrhea, it is most likely an enteric infection (infection of the intestines). These infections are viral, bacterial, and/or pathogenic. This happens to all of us, but mostly in children under 5.
Think about it. Who is closest to the ground and who puts everything in their mouth?
Children 5 and under!
So the issue is truly about how well we are eating and living.
Is our immune system strong enough to deworm and flush out parasites naturally or do the worms have a toxic environment to easily take root within us and thrive?
Fortunately, not all worms are bad! Ā There are beneficial worms too just like there are beneficial bacteria and yeasts that guard our gut from pathogenic strains.
However, the bad worms are badĀ ā¦ really bad.Ā But no need to panic! Ā Itās fixable.
First, let me share just a few of the experiences we have seen.
Parasites like worms can cause crazy things: cravings to eat obscene amounts of sugar, constant hunger pangs never abated, headaches (read #4 below), desire to eat things like dirt, laundry powder, stool or boogers (caused by the nematode), seizures, cramping in the abdomen, and head sores (lice are parasites).
Some children we have seen complain of very itchy bottoms from pinworms. One child we fostered had moving worms in his stool that could be easily seen in the toilet.
Our goal is not to create fear, but rather awareness so that our families can find health through prevention, remedies, and diets that are natural (with no harmful side effects).
Deworming Prevention We Follow in Our Home
- Wash hands, especially before eating and coming home from school.
- Keep good hygiene, bathroom, and shower time.
- Teach children (every day I repeat to my children, āwash your handsā).
- Keep a relatively clean house and kitchen (does not need to be magazine clean).
- 5-minute Soak (wash your food) with water. Squeeze in a lemon, a bit of vinegar or 1 drop of lemon oil.
- Donāt share utensils, cups, straws or toothbrushes. Pathogenic microbes including those that cause cavities are contagious!
Whatever you do, donāt start looking at parasite videos online. We had nightmares from all the wriggling, menacing-looking creatures! Instead, focus on the positive ways to keep your family strong and mostly free of these nasty critters.
It is important to qualify that we are constantly taking in parasites and constantly eliminating parasites. The goal is to simply maintain a body with the least bad worms and pathogens.
A Brief Deworming HistoryĀ
It seems that every generation prior to modern times made deworming a regular part of their lives. Even grass-based dairy farms use deworming herbs and plants for the cows grazing in the pasture.
Our generation chooses to ignore this basic practice. We recognize that people in third world countries have parasites. We also recognize that we eat animals that have parasitic worms. Somehow we disconnect and think because we live in an industrialized nation, these worms do not live within us. When I pried and asked my family, here is some information I got. Did your ancestry do any of this?
My Great-Grandfather passed down his knowledge to my Grandfather who passed information to my Dad. One story went like this:
Three days before school, all the children would take castor oil. Within a few hours, the bowels begin to empty. We did this for 2-3 days.
It reads like a section in Little House on the Prairie!Ā People and society, in general, were more connected to their bodies and the earth around them 50-100 years ago than we are today.
Our gut flora is filled with bacteria. It is amazing! Our guts need a plethora of good bugs in order to process and digest food. But we want the good guys, not the bad guys! Thus, here are methods that we know are very effective, quick, and natural. My grandparents did not have to use toxins and chemicals to remove worms, so we shouldnāt either.
Effective Ways for Deworming the GutĀ
Warning: some of these deworming methods are controversial, but they work!
- Bone Broth from organic, pastured animals. The marrow and fat in the bones are superb for deworming!
- Ferment, ferment, ferment! Get those good bugs in the gut. Let them fight the pathogens and parasitic worms.
- Green Juice. Mix spinach, garlic, apples, and more. Eliminate or reduce your solid food intake and drink juice for some of your meals for a day or two. This will starve and flush out the worms.
- Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth. Iāve heard mixed reviews, but this stuff works for us. We take 1 Tbsp of the Food Grade DTE powder and pour 2 ounces of clean water on top to mix. Drink fast, it settles at the bottom of the glass.
- Castor Oil: If we want to boost the Diatomaceous Earth to be more effective, we take 1 Tbsp of Castor Oil along with it and within a few hours, we are completely empty and clear.
- Herbs in capsules or tincture form. We use wormwood, black walnut hull, and common clove. Years ago, I read some German research that recommended this. Today itās all over the web. You canāt take this for months (or when pregnant/nursing) but once a week or 3 consecutive days a month (around the full moon) is effective for our family. The herb combination is apparently good for killing the parasite eggs, young, and adult stage.
- Anti-parasitic essential oils (which are plants and herbs condensed into a volatile form that can pass through cell walls quickly): Cinnamon, Peppermint, Clove, Lemon, Melaleuca, Oil of Oregano, Roman Chamomile, and Thyme.
- Enemas:Ā This is by far the fastest way to clean the bowel. Think clean, not sterile. We do these often and I get so many questions that I wrote it down for a step by step guide. For an upgrade, we periodically enlist a Colon Hydrotherapist. Colonics are a very effective flush performed by a licensed professional. Just be sure to continue the first 3 steps noted above so you keep good flora in your gut.
- Fresh Pumpkin Seeds (with the hulls): The fiber in the white hulls of pumpkin seeds contains a chemical called cucurbitacin that causes paralysis in worms such as tapeworms and roundworms. This allows them to be more easily expelled by the body via the stool.
Note: With all of the above options except 1-3, we take supplemental minerals and amino acids. This is super important because we want our bodies to be supported nutritionally as we detox. Weak bodies can go into seizures and dehydrate without enough minerals.
Also, we have found that doing a cleanse once a month is extremely effective, strangely enough, if done during the full moon. Try it yourself and see if you notice a difference.
A Word of Caution Regarding Natural Deworming
One thing to keep in mind. Sometimes parasites can become very entrenched within the digestive system and become highly resistant to even natural methods of elimination particularly if this has been an ongoing problem for a long time. If you find this to be your situation, donāt hesitate to consult a holistic physician who can prescribe the proper, short term use medications as necessary!
May your good bugs outnumber your bad and may you and your family be strong enough to reach out and help other children who need a loving home!
References
(1) NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 84 National Collaborating Centre for Womenās and Childrenās Health (UK). London: RCOG Press; 2009 Apr. ISBN-13: 978-1-906985-14-1
(2) Human Gastrointestinal Nematode Infections
More Information
7 Ways to Avoid Detox Symptoms on a Cleanse
How to do a Coffee Enema
DIY Seaweed Wrap
Best Detox Baths
Top 4 Cleansing Myths to Watch Out For
How to Gently Detox Before Getting Pregnant
How to Use a Castor Oil Pack
DIYĀ Hair Detox
How to Detox by Rebounding
Juicing 101: Why Do It, Which Juicers are Best, Recipes to Try
I have done many natural remedies for constipation, fevers and parasites for mine. Including prayer. Prayer is very important in my family.
I did not believe in natural remedies. Especially the healing power of garlic.
I have learned, and shared with other moms, the information from this blog.
I agree with you Nina. Enemas, enemas, enemas! They are wonderful healing remedy!!
Few years ago when sharing a place with another mom her 8 year old boy had a bad fever. Poor boy was not feeling well. I was getting ready to run to the store in the middle of the night to buy her some OTC remedies. She told that was not necessary. I was surprised when she got a enema bulb syringe out and told me he was going to get an enema. That it would work just as good or better. She gave him a garlic enema that night. And repeated the enema a few hours later. I was surprised how well he took the enemas. And more surprised that his fever went away and he felt better so soon.
Ever since learning how to prepare a garlic enema and give an enema from her that night, mine have been given enemas for fevers, constipation and more.
Recently Alll three of mine were given nighty garlic enemas for parasites. One had parasites but read to treat all of them. Read that parasite remedy in a natural healing book. It worked. I cleaned everything! Many times. I also did every thing recommend by Mandy.
Mandy, how did you discover one of yours had cancer when you were giving him an enema? I hope you do not mind me asking. It was God’s blessing you found that out. Hope he is fine now.
Mine have gotten used to an enema now. At first was a challenge to give one the first few times. They now know enemas make them feel better and now relax when getting one.
I have passed on this wisdom to many other moms. Like you Mandy, made many visits with other moms teaching them.
Bless you for sharing Mandy.
Please consult with your doctor before giving an enema or doing other home remedies.
I just ordered DE. I’m curious as to how much I can give my kids! Ages 14 months, 5, 11, and 15! Please let me know your thoughts! Baby also has eczema, and along with my five year old, has pinworms! This is a first for me! Ugh!!
Nicole, bless you hon. Another mom told me when I was going through the same thing,,, “this too shall pass..have faith.”
Not too long ago I went through exactly as you describe. Know how it can be so nerve racking. Hang in there. Keep your wits.
I cleaned, cleaned and did more cleaning. Also prayed. And of course, worried.
Read what Nina posted below (Scroll down the page to see her full post):
“”Nina
Yes! We do all of theseā¦ Umm, except for the praying/meditating part….. Weāre doing everything else! Itās a cross between Kerri Rivera, Natasha Campbell, and you as the āparentā and your intuition, essential oils, etcā¦ In our case, Iāve added Dr Nuzums Naturals (fulvic acid). Enemas! Enemas! Enemas!!! Theyāre so important. Best of luck to those dealing with this. Itās not easy. Thank you so much for the article! February 11th, 2015″”
Read all of Mandy’s articles. Especially this one about deworming and garlic enemas.
I agree with Nina (above)! Enemas! Enemas! Enemas! They are very important dealing with this problem. And also good to give enemas for fevers, constipation or if one needs to be cleansed.
You did not mention if you are giving them enemas or not. Are you giving enemas? Talk with your doctor to see if you can give enemas.
Divorced mom here with three kids about the same ages as yours.
Another mom and a naturopathic doctor convinced me to give enemas when dealing with this.
So, all of us got a nightly garlic enema! Yes myself and the kids. And a regular cleansing enema in the day. I was told to give a nightly garlic enema for five nights in a row. In addition do the other things listed by Mandy. Do as Mandy says to be sure your gut is not depleted by the enemas.
With the cleaning all the time. Giving daily and nightly enemas. The constant reminding the kids not to put their fingers in mouth, nose, eyes… all the time…over and over again. I was worn out! But the problem went away. Thank goodness.
I now give an enema every so often to maintain good health. Always give an enema for fevers and constipation. I dread ever thinking the parasites could come back. But with them being exposed to other kids, dirt, pets, playing with other kid’s toys…ughhh… I am sure the problem will come back.
I changed bed linen often. Cleaned their toys and things often.
To be sure the bed was not exposed to more parasites, I gave the enemas on a table. After each enema I cleaned the table. Then put a clean towel on the table top for the next enema. Cleaned the table after each enema. After the enema put that towel in the dirty clothes.
Gave the enema. Then took to toilet. Then gave bath. Put to bed. Then did the next one. Yes lots of work. But worth it.
Being divorced mom I could not afford a separate enema bulb for each one. I cleaned and disinfected the enema bulb after each one got an enema. Cleaned the enema bulb syringe with warm soapy water. Rinsed well with either alochol or hydrogen peroxide. Let it air dry. Never put the enema bulb up when wet or damp. Causes mold to grown in it.
Talk with your doctor – naturopathic to see if you are doing every thing you can. Hang in there. Hugs
Dear Mandy,
I just found out I have mylsef pinworms but again the tests weren’t taken but I saw one thing in my stool and called doctor and she said that I have classic symptom of pinworms. So we treated the whole family with Mebendazole 100 mg for 2 days as I wasn’t convinced by just taking one dose of it as the doctor didn’t confirm what type of worms I had by refusing to do the test for me. The Vermox is discontinued in the UK as it had too many unpleasant side effects. I have 4 children aged 10, 6, 5 and 4 and husband with colitis. I have done some research about pinworms and I understand it’s total nightmare to get rid off them. Cleaning almost every day the house and cleaning and washing bed sheets are just physically impossible for me as you can imagine it’s lots of work with 4 children and I do not have family or nanny to help me and husband is at full-time work. I’m trying to change sheets at least twice a week but it’s so time consuming and constantly nagging them to wash their hands even gave up giving their snacks after school when I pick them up as they haven’t washed their hands. I’m trying natural herbal treatments as Mebendazole apparently is not that effective as it doesn’t get rid off the eggs. So far only managed to give coconuts and coconut oil in their porridge in the mornings. No success with pumpkin seeds or papaya seeds. Papaya fruit itself I only managed to give to my 10, 6 year old and only 1-2 pieces to my 4 year old but my 5 year old refuses to eat it. I’m also giving them garlic capsules as there is no way I will be able to give them raw but I always put in my cooking. I will be honest it’s driving me absolutely insane though I know God is bigger than this but I almost think about this problem all day and it’s taking my life over and make me feel depressed. It’s hard to keep the kids so clean as you know how they love touching everything, lying on the ground, picking noses and eating the ….the list goes on! I feel very helpless when it comes to keeping kids or my house so clean! I’m praying as well to get rid of them but feeling very down about this problem as I can’t see if I will be able to break the cycle of reinfecting each other.
Having Lyme Disease causing Parasite Parties in myself I have been reading wonderful supporting articles about DE. However I havent had much luck about DE and use for ADHD (my 10 yr old son). Do you have articles or other resources to recommend?
Thank you ~ Mom on a mission
Question: I took some DE last week maybe 3-4 times (I think once a day; might have been twice in one day at one point, but I can’t remember). Since then I’ve had some bumps and itchy places under my arms (can’t wear deodorant or anything or I go mad). Also some little bumps that are kind of itchy and turn into scaly places around my fingernails (mostly on ring & pinky fingers). Have you ever encountered this kind of reaction, and what do you recommend?
I think what you experience is a fantastic detox reaction – your body immediatly started cleansing. I had similar reactions when I first started to cleanse regularly. The DE is obviously able to activat toxins to get rid of them for good. The skin next to the bowls are our largest detox organ – if the bowels cannot cleanse enough – signs will show up on the skin. I would take epsom salt bath, Dead Sea or Himalayan Sea salt baths to help the skin to get rid of the toxins.. and/or take a Green Soothie, Wheat Grass shot first thing in the morning. If it were me, I would not stop the treatment I would either take less but consitently or take more and ensure that the toxins which have been stirred up leave… I know this is a late comment – but perhaps it still helps! God bless.
By the way – great aticle – pretty comprehensive – will definitely share with my friend whose daughter got wrongely diagnosed and lost her appendix – only a naturopath recognised she had tapeworms – the little girl woke up every night with horror dreams as apparently these types of parasites are night active. Now she luckily is fine.
This was a great article !! Thanks !
We had pinworms and have been taking d earth for several weeks. My five year old son (48 lbs) was fine for the first couple weeks, taking 1 tsp per day. But after that he started having a reaction almost immediately after ingesting the d earth. He broke out in hives and rash. Mainly on his back and neck but various other places too. He also said that his ears itch. I stopped giving it to him for a couple days. He still had a little itching but was much better. I gave it to him again in his yogurt. He only took a couple bites and minutes later he broke out all over and itched for the rest of the day. My husband thinks he developed an allergy to the d earth. But I’m not sure you can even be allergic to it? Do you know what could be making him have this reaction? I had thought maybe it could be that it has to do with being vaccinated and toxins being released? Or maybe a parasite? But I honestly don’t know because I am not a health expert. I have stopped giving him the d earth but I’m worried that something could be wrong. I don’t know of any holistic doctors in my area.
One single small pill dose of vermox will address pinworms. The dose is the same for an infants as an adult. Harmless and a good example on when to rely on traditional medicine. Much of it is good but some bad. Be smart about it
Prayer is awesome!!!
Yes! We do all of these… Umm, except for the praying/meditating part. That may be the missing link. I don’t go to church or read the bible but I believe in prayer/mediation and this has been a good reminder. We’re doing everything else! It’s a cross between Kerri Rivera, Natasha Campbell, and you as the ‘parent’ and your intuition, essential oils, etc… In our case, I’ve added Dr Nuzums Naturals (fulvic acid). Enemas! Enemas! Enemas!!! They’re so important.
Best of luck to those dealing with this. It’s not easy. Thank you so much for the article!
Good blog/article.
Well written with helpful information.
If one has parasites-works its n to he home, then best to treat all.
Mandy has very helpful remedies listed.
The book Prescription For Nutritional Healing has good information too.
Nina is right! Enemas are very important!
Mandy has some good instructions for the garlic enema.
Blessings