Parasites: Alternative Treatments

Those of us in modern societies do not concern ourselves with intestinal parasites, as we deem them a problem of underdeveloped countries or "dirty" places.

Yes, it is true that many people in modern countries can go an entire lifetime without having the experience of intestinal parasites, while the majority of people worldwide deal with the reality of parasites constantly. Many may be surprised to learn that intestinal parasites are not that uncommon, even in countries like the USA, and that nobody is really immune to catching them.

There are many kinds of intestinal parasites, and they come with a variety of symptoms. If one is not paying attention to their body, it is possible for him to have an infestation of parasites and not realize what is happening inside his body. From worms to amoebas, parasites are everywhere.

An estimated three out of five people in the USA will experience some sort of parasite in their lifetime (compared with almost everyone in an "underdeveloped" country having them many times a year). Many people will be asymptomatic, and some professionals are now saying that they may actually mimic or be involved in other diseases, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, Crohn's disease, and others.

One can pick up parasites from many sources, and one can get them even in modern countries. If one wants to avoid parasites, one must be very careful with:

Food - Raw or undercooked beef may contain tapeworms or roundworms. Raw fish can also contain tapeworms and anisakid worms. One who has lower acid levels in ones stomach will be more susceptible to these parasites from raw or undercooked meats. Food that is prepared in unsanitary conditions can also be contaminated with parasites from the hands of a cook or a dirty utensil; or even from the water.

Water - Some parasites, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, can survive in chlorinated water for up to 18 months. Other parasites can be present in ground water, well water, or even tap water.

Travel – Mosquitos carry malaria, which is a parasite, so if you go to areas that suffer from malaria, there is a good chance you might catch it. Different areas of the world are home to different kinds of parasites, and one can contract them either by travelling or from someone who has traveled.

Pets – Many parasites are transferred from pet to human, such as roundworm, hookworm, and toxoplasmosis.

Hygiene - Parasites are often transferred by poor hygiene. In Africa, where people typically eat with their hands, children are not allowed to eat from the same plate as adults, as they are known to be much less hygiene-conscious than their elders. One person who has amoebas can spread them to a large group simply by not washing their hands effectively before eating.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of parasites vary depending on the kind and strength of infestation. Some people have no symptoms, while others have many. Symptoms of possible parasites can include diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, gas, dysentery, rash or itching around the rectum or vulva, stomach pain or tenderness, fatigue, weight loss, or passing a worm in the stool.

TESTING

The modern medical system generally tests the stool to diagnose parasites. Stool testing usually detects between 85-90% of parasites. Some parasites live higher in the digestive tract, and if these types are suspected, an oral laxative may be given prior to testing. A rectal swab will be used if parasites that live in the mucous membranes of the intestine are suspected. Sometimes the "scotch tape test" is used to help diagnose pinworms. This test involves placing a piece of tape on the anus at night or after awakening, hoping to catch some of the eggs. This is usually done a few nights in a row for a more accurate assessment.

DRUGS 

There are many pharmaceutical options for treating parasites. The type of drug provided by the pharmacist will depend on the type of parasite that needs to be eliminated. The medical system can generally get rid of intestinal parasites with their drugs, but the drugs also tend to eliminate healthy flora in the digestive tract, and can have irritating or harmful side effects.

HERBS 

There are many herbs that are helpful against parasites. They can also be helpful in preventing infestation, if taken in advance and routinely.

Garlic - Garlic is antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal.  It is used for pinworms, roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and Giardia. Juice three cloves of garlic with four ounces of vegetable juice and drink it every two hours. Garlic can also be taken in capsule form or added to food, but one needs to eat a lot of it to be effective.

Black walnut - Black walnut is a good remedy for ringworm, athlete’s foot, and healing cracks in the hands and feet.

Goldenseal - This herb is traditionally used for infections, especially those involving the mucous membranes throughout the body. It is effective against bacterial, fungi, and parasites (especially giardia).

Wormwood - Tea from wormwood is used for pinworms and roundworms, and especially for giardia. Wormwood can be used as a tea, extract, or in capsule form, but its pure oil is poisonous.

Wormseed - This herb is used for roundworms, hookworm, and tapeworms. Because the oil is very potent, it is preferable to use wormseed as a tea.

Pumpkin seeds - Tapeworms and roundworms can be solved using pumpkin seeds. They also help expel other parasites. The seeds must be eaten - about 25 ounces of seeds for adults will be the right dose. They can be mashed and mixed with juice, and a laxative is recommended 2-3 hours after eating the seeds.

Grapefruit seed extract - Effective against viruses, bacteria, protozoa, yeasts, and parasites, grapefruit seed extract is nontoxic and is not absorbed into tissues. It can be used for several months safely.

TCM

Traditional Chinese medicine has different herbs to help rid the body of parasites. Of course, they should be used only under a TCM practitioner's care.

Shi Jun Zi - Kills parasites, roundworms, and strengthens spleen.

Ku Lian Gen Pi - Effective against roundworm, hookworm, pinworm, and vaginal trichomonas.

Bing Lang - Kills tapeworm, pinworm, roundworm, blood flukes, and unblocks bowels.

Nan Gua Zi - Expels parasites like tapeworms, roundworms, and schistosomiasis.

AYURVEDA

Ayurvedic knowledge says that people with weaker digestions are more susceptible to parasite infections, as parasites thrive on undigested food. Indian practitioners prescribe hot spices to help eliminate parasites, as the spices stimulate peristalsis and help digestion.

Black pepper and asafoetida are used to help increase "digestive fire", along with cayenne. Bitters help detox the body. Healing from parasites address several issues, including destroying parasites, increasing peristalsis and intestinal flora, and blood and liver detoxification. Some other herbs used include:

Vidanga - This herb raises pitta (fire) and is combined with ginger and applied to the skin for ringworm and taken internally for other parasites.

Neem - A traditional herb used for many things, Neem is a superior herb for many kinds of parasites.

AFRICAN HEALING

Parasites are a daily reality in Merita (Africa), and traditional African healing has a variety of herbs to rid the body of unwanted invaders. While there are many herbs against parasites, the traditional view of their existence is much different than the modern view. 

"Parasites are a reality in nature," said Master Naba, Dogon High Priest and Master Healer. "It is only in sterilized, non-natural environments, such as most places in modern countries, that the human being is kept away from the reality of parasites. This makes it dangerous for an American to travel to other parts of the world, because they are not used to dealing with parasites." Those of us who have traveled, especially to third world countries, know just how collectively afraid we are of microscopic invaders...one trip to a travel center for immunizations will leave you brainwashed into thinking that you can only drink bottled or heavily boiled water and pre-packaged, European foods while you are traveling in the rainforests or African bush!

Because our bodies are not used to being challenged, we become very weak and only able to survive in certain conditions or environments. The lack of challenge to our body and immune system hurts us in the the long run. Parasites are a natural challenge for our immune system. Master Naba explains, "The immune system is similar to a muscle - if you don't use it, you will lose it. With a muscle, if you do not strengthen it and challenge it, it will shrink and get smaller. The immune system acts the same way - if you do not challenge it, it will weaken, causing the body a great deal of trauma when it gets sick. The immune response will be slow and the person will suffer longer."

Ankhkasta Natural Healing has many herbs against parasites. A simple solution for digestive parasites is a routine cleansing that specifically targets parasites. The cleanse involves eating a banana upon rising, after which one drinks an herb inside hot water. One does not eat or drink anything except hot water, which will help purge the digestive system and the parasites targeted by the herb. When the person feels like the treatment is over, drinking cold water will stop the process, and he can continue his day normally. 

While parasites are not pleasant to have, their presence does help the body strengthen itself. Getting rid of parasites is relatively easy compared to the immune

complications one will unknowingly suffer by not exposing himself to the natural world.

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