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From the Rodale book, Herbs for Health and Healing:
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Intestinal Parasites
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Although not a frequent topic of discussion, intestinal parasites are a common cause of digestive disturbances in children. Intestinal invaders such as pinworms are easily passed from one person to another through careless hygiene. Pinworms are the most common parasite in children living in temperate climates, which includes most of the United States. These worms can cause anal itching, but they often produce no symptoms at all; many people are therefore unaware of them and never treat them. Today, another parasite, giardia, is becoming more and more common, not only near rivers and lakes in North America, but also in many day-care centers! Giardia is believed to interfere with the digestion of fats; it manifests itself in diarrhea, cramps, belching and weight loss.
A number of culinary herbs can be used to kill intestinal parasites. Ginger has long been used in eastern Africa for this purpose. Researchers discovered that all 42 components in ginger essential oil kill roundworms, among other parasites. Some of these compounds were more effective than the commonly prescribed drug piperazine citrate. Various studies show thatthyme and summer savory destroy hookworms and roundworms, and that rosemary, chamomile, elecampane and gentian kill many types of intestinal worms and also decrease intestinal inflammation.

Intestinal Parasite Tea

½ teaspoon chamomile flowers

½ teaspoon each elecampane root, ginger rhizome, rosemary leaves and thyme leaves

3 cups water

Combine herbs and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then turn off heat and steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain out herbs. For a 50-pound child, give at least 1 cup per day until parasites are gone (you may have to take your child to the doctor to be sure).

One of the best herbal preventive measures and treatments for the whole family, including pets, is garlic. It deters all sorts of intestinal problems, including pinworms, giardia and even intestinal flu. If your kids will not eat garlic in any form, you can cut a garlic clove in half and rub it on the soles of their feet. This may sound like some sort of agricultural ritual, but it is actually a valid way of taking garlic. Although it is less effective than eating it, in this way garlic is absorbed through the skin and enters the bloodstream. Try it yourself (when you are not going to a dinner party), and you will taste garlic on your breath in less than 30 minutes.

Garlic Vinegar

4 garlic heads, divided into individual cloves

1 pint apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey or glycerin (optional)

Using a blender, blend the unpeeled garlic cloves and vinegar thoroughly. Transfer the mixture to a covered container and let sit at room temperature for at least 2 weeks. Strain and discard the garlic. If you wish to sweeten the vinegar, add honey, glycerin or the sweetener of your choice. (Remember that honey should not be given to children under 2 years old.) To treat parasites for a 50-pound child, give at least 3 teaspoons daily. You can also use this formula now and then as a preventive measure. This versatile preparation is good to have around to treat many different conditions. Stored in a cool place, it will keep for many years.

Although herbs are effective in destroying intestinal parasites, they need to be combined with fibrous, raw vegetables to help move things out of the intestine (carrots are a good choice—they contain a compound that kills worms). In fact, parasites often take up residence when a poor diet has weakened the digestive process. You should also avoid giving your child foods that worms thrive on: starchy products, sugar and milk products. After three days, flush everything out with the Laxative Juice and Psyllium Juice suggested for constipation (see chapter 86). To deter re-infestation, repeat the treatment in a week and again after another week.

To improve intestinal health, look for ways you can improve your child’s diet, especially by reducing sweets and starchy foods. Since constipation impairs intestinal health and tone, if your child has been subject to this condition, use the children’s remedies suggested for constipation in this chapter.

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CORRY JEB KUCIK, LT, MC, USN, GARY L. MARTIN, LCDR, MC, USN,
and BRETT V. SORTOR, LCDR, MC, USN, Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida

Intestinal parasites cause significant morbidity and mortality. Diseases caused by Enterobius vermicularis, Giardia lamblia, Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus, and Entamoeba histolytica occur in the United States. E. vermicularis, or pinworm, causes irritation and sleep disturbances. Diagnosis can be made using the “cellophane tape test.” Treatment includes mebendazole and household sanitation. Giardia causes nausea, vomiting, malabsorption, diarrhea, and weight loss. Stool ova and parasite studies are diagnostic. Treatment includes metronidazole. Sewage treatment, proper handwashing, and consumption of bottled water can be preventive. A. duodenale and N. americanus are hookworms that cause blood loss, anemia, pica, and wasting. Finding eggs in the feces is diagnostic. Treatments include albendazole, mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate, iron supplementation, and blood transfusion. Preventive measures include wearing shoes and treating sewage. E. histolytica can cause intestinal ulcerations, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, fever, gastrointestinal obstruction, and peritonitis. Amebas can cause abscesses in the liver that may rupture into the pleural space, peritoneum, or pericardium. Stool and serologic assays, biopsy, barium studies, and liver imaging have diagnostic merit. Therapy includes luminal and tissue amebicides to attack both life-cycle stages. Metronidazole, chloroquine, and aspiration are treatments for liver abscess. Careful sanitation and use of peeled foods and bottled water are preventive. (Am Fam Physician 2004:69:1161-8. Copyright© 2004 American Academy of Family Physicians)