A Parasite Cleanse is a herbal remedy that helps eliminate parasites in the intestines. There isn’t much research to support their use, but some herbs, seeds, and extracts may be helpful for you.
This article explores natural ways to help get rid of parasites. It also discusses some common parasites, their causes, and what they can look like and feel like.
Natural remedies for getting rid of parasites
Some studies show that some natural remedies can help get rid of parasites, such as:
Berberine
Papaya seeds
Pumpkin seeds
Wormwood
Dietary changes
There is evidence that a diet rich in the minerals vitamin A, selenium, and zinc can improve natural defenses against parasitic infections.
Some research suggests that certain plants may contain compounds that can be converted into herbal medicines that can treat parasites and clear parasites.
If you already have an infection, there is limited research showing that certain herbs can help clear the parasite. Note that most studies involve animals rather than humans.
More research is needed to confirm that any natural treatment can effectively kill parasites.
Berberine
This compound can be found in plants such as European barberry (Berberis vulgaris). Several studies have found that berberine can reduce parasites.
A 2014 report in the Iranian Journal of Parasitology found that berberine from berberine helped protect against tapeworm infection. Berberine can also be found in plants such as goldenseal and coptis.1
Papaya seeds
In a 2015 experiment, a group of school children in a Kenyan province ate rice with papaya seeds for several months. Other groups were given rice with added antiparasitic drugs or plain rice without any treatment.
After the test, the papaya seed rice group had 63.9% fewer roundworm eggs. The number of eggs in the group that ate medicated rice was 78.8% lower. Egg counts were generally higher in students who ate unprocessed rice.2
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are rich in amino acids and fatty acids. In particular, they are rich in berberine, cucurbitin and palmatin. These are all amino acids that harm certain parasites.
An animal study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2016 found that pumpkin seed extract reduced the number of eggs and adult parasites in mice.3
It is important to note that the parasites studied infect mice, not humans. Scientists study this parasite because it acts as a parasite that infects humans.4
Wormwood
In a study in mice, an extract from the sweet wormwood bush killed, paralyzed, and injured adult tapeworms and their eggs.5
Many drugs are derived from compounds in the wormwood plant.6 However, more research is needed before the plant itself is a reliable treatment for infections.
Change the diet to clear parasites
Natural medicine experts believe that stomach acid helps protect you from parasites. They recommend that you:
Avoid coffee, sugar, alcohol, and refined grains
Include more garlic in your food7
Increase the amount of carrots, sweet potatoes and squash. These foods are high in beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A helps your body fight off helminths8
Replenish the “good” bacteria in your gut with probiotic-rich foods like yogurt
Eat foods rich in C and B vitamins
Avoid raw meat and fish
Some natural medicine providers offer colon cleansing or detoxification. It involves combining a high-fiber diet with supplements to cleanse the colon. These supplements include psyllium, beetroot, and flaxseed.
Currently, there is no evidence that your diet or detox can prevent or treat parasitic infections.
