Written By: Anusuya Suresh | Updated : September 25, 2014 3:05 PM IST
Infestation of the body by parasitic intestinal worms is called helminthiasis. Roundworms, hookworms and whipworms are the most common worms that attack human beings. Worm infestation is more common among small children especially at the age when they have a tendency to grab everything they find attractive and stuff it into their mouth. The helminth eggs are excreted in the faeces and in places with poor sanitation; this can contaminate the soil or food and in turn, spread to other people.
Symptoms of worm infestation
Infestation by worms causes symptoms that are quite similar to those of a gastric disturbance gas, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the stomach, diarrhea and a sense of extreme fatigue. Quite a few people also show remarkable weight loss and sometimes, even pass the worms in the stool. The only one thing that is good about wors infestation is that unlike parasites like protozoa, the helminths don't multiply within the body; as a result, it is easier to get rid of them. A drug that acts against worms is called an anthelmintic. Although modern medicine has drugs such as mebendazole and albendazole to treat worm infestation, there are quite a few natural remedies that can also be used.
Pumpkin seeds
Seeds of the pumpkin (Curcubita pepo) have traditionally been used as a remedy for worms. There are two ways of consuming this remedy one is to simply mash the seeds and mix into some fruit juice and drink. The other way is to mash the pumpkin seeds, mix it into soy milk with a little crushed onion and drink the mixture. For best results, it is good to take a laxative after about three hours of consuming the pumpkin seeds.
Papaya juice
Papaya contains the enzyme papain that helps with digestion of proteins; but it is also an effective remedy against worms. Take the pulp of a raw papaya and extract the juice; mix this with a teaspoon of honey and consume on an empty stomach early in the morning. For a laxative action that can eliminate the worms through the stool, add a teaspoon of refined castor oil into a glass of warm milk and drink this about 30 minutes after drinking the papaya juice. When this treatment is followed for 2 consecutive days, it provides good relief from worm infestation.
Pomegranate peel
The peel of the pomegranate fruit as well as the bark of the pomegranate tree has anthelmintic property. The fruit is easily available and therefore, the peel remedy is easier to use. Dry the peel of the pomegranate fruit and powder it. Take about 3 grams of this powder into a tall glass of water, mix and drink.
Garlic
Along with its antibiotic and antifungal effects, garlic is an effective remedy against intestinal worms. Peel and grate a few cloves of garlic or crush the cloves lightly and consume raw.
When helminthiasis is untreated, it can lead to other health problems that interfere with the quality of life. Therefore, despite trying these natural remedies for intestinal worms, if you find no relief from the symptoms or if you find the symptoms aggravating, it is good to consult a doctor.
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