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Dr. Donna Schwontkowski, DC M.S. Nutrition & Herbology Parasite Cleanse Expert

Reviewed by:
CleanseJoy Editorial Team.

Black walnut | Epazote | Neem | Wormwood | Cloves | Oregano oil | Diatomaceous earth | Jatoba | Pau d’ Arco | Licorice

Did you find out that you have parasites from your doctor? Or did you realize by looking at the list of symptoms that it’s likely you have one? Some of the main reasons people use herbs that kill parasites include:

• They know they have parasites
• A family member has a parasite and they don’t want to get infected
• Frequently eat sushi (a common way people get parasites)
• Pet owners who do a parasite cleanse as their own pets are treated with dewormers.

It’s important to know how different herbs kill parasites, which ones they kill, and how to properly use them. Although in some cases we may need more studies in order to completely understand how these herbs work against parasites, we know enough to safely get the critters out of your body (dead or alive) so you can feel healthy again.

Related protocols:
parasite cleanse, candida cleanse.

2 things You Should Know Before Taking Anti-parasitic Herbs

1: Cleanse your colon

When you get the critters out of your body, they are eliminated with the stool. Before you do that, you absolutely need to cleanse the colon first to avoid a healing crisis and die offs.

Ozonated Magnesium Oxides can help to clear the colon so your body can eliminate the dying parasites, candida (and their toxins) quicker during your parasite cleanse.

If you are new to cleansing or planning to take herbs for parasites or candida, I highly recommend to read my guide on how to prevent a healing crisis.

2: Diet for Parasites

Low carb diet that doesn’t feed the critters is also recommended. Sugar is the primary fuel source of many parasites.
See: parasite cleanse diet.

10 Top Herbs That Kill Parasites

Here’s the list of the top herbs that kill parasites and how they work. Have some of these daily or add to your natural parasite cleanse.

1. Black Walnut (green hull)
   

Any plant that can live to be more than 300 years old has to be full of medicinal components that are anti-parasitic in nature. What parasites does it kill? According to the ancient herbal medicine literature, black walnut may kill over 100 different types of parasites. A must have in any parasite cleanse, and a definite option as one of the best herbs that kill parasites.

Black walnut is anti-helminthic according to the old monographs on herbs, which means it destroys parasitic worms or helminths. This category includes flukes, tapeworms or nematodes. Helminthes are the largest parasites.

It’s good to kill helminthes first in the human body because these ‘guys’ are eating and pooping in your intestinal tract and elsewhere. Lesser parasites eat their excrement. Thus black walnut ends up killing all types of parasites with one swoop.

Helminths are big enough to see with the naked eye. That means when you take black walnut extract, capsules, tincture or any form, you might see the parasites fighting for their life and squiggling in the toilet bowl. Sorry for being so graphic about it but who will tell you these things if we don’t?

A few more things to know:  black walnut can be used for cats and dogs as dewormers you make at home, but never give it to your horse. It makes their body and especially feet swell and they fall down, not getting up for several hours, a condition called laminitis.

The active ingredients of black walnut include juglone and a quinone called plumbagin.

2. Epazote (leaf) (Chenopodium ambrosioides)
   

One report by the World Health Organization in the 1970s stated that a decoction of 20 grams of the leaves of epazote rapidly expelled parasites in humans without any apparent side effects.

This herb has a very impressive and specific data on its anti-parasitic effect.

A study that had 72 children and adults with intestinal parasites take Epazote, found it was 100% effective against Ancilostoma and Trichuris, and 50% effective against Ascaris. Stool analysis showed it only took 8 days for the treatment to kill the parasites.

In another study of 30 kids between the ages of 3 and 14 years old with roundworm, one dose given on an empty stomach for three days caused the disappearance of 88% of the eggs and overall parasite burden decreased by 60%. Epazote was 100% effective in eliminating human tapeworm.

3. Neem (leaf) (Azadirachta indica)
   

With parasite killing properties that include anti-helminthic, antibacterial, antifungal (Candida), and antiviral, Neem is one of best herbs that kill parasites for adults.

It works great topically when kids get lice. That horrible hair parasite infection that travels quickly through a schoolroom. There’s nothing like a call from a teacher that your child has lice! But it’s a good thing that there’s a solution.

In one study of 60 heavily-lice-infested children, neem shampoo was found to be highly effective against all stages of head lice. Neem killed live adult parasites, inhibited eggs from hatching, and annihilated everything in between. A great parasite cleansing herb for school teachers who try to stay lice free.

Neem is also one of the best home remedies for scabies rash, a skin condition caused by tiny parasitic mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. The mites tunnel into the skin and can cause severe irritation as they move.

Kids or pregnant/breastfeeding moms should not take neem internally.

4. Wormwood (leaf/stem) (Artemisia absinthium)
   

Now this next study is really one that gives herbal therapy its due credit.

Doctors tested and treated 780 patients that had Schistosoma mansoni infections. Schistosoma mansoni is a water-borne parasite in humans that belongs to the group of blood flukes.^[1]

The researchers must have found a few villages that were seriously infected with this parasites. The patients all tested positive and had the parasite eggs in their stool.

Wormwood herb tea came to the rescue! 14 days later, all of them – hundreds of these patients, had no detectable parasite eggs in their stool. 28 days later, the eggs were still gone.

The doctors concluded that wormwood “provided faster effective treatment of schistosomiasis and should be considered for implementation on a global scale.”

5. Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum)
   

Cloves are best known for their parasite egg killing action, although they are very effective against many types of parasites. If you have Giardia, Schistosoma, Fasciola gigantica (flatworm) or Haemonchus contortus (called barbers’ pole worm), cloves may become your new best friend. Studies have shown cloves are lethal to these parasites and won’t let them multiply.

Cloves may also be a good options for those who have Lyme disease. The tick that carries the Lyme bacteria can also be infected with the Babesia parasite.
Tucked away from many antiparasitic herbs, cloves can track the Babesia parasite down like a sniper.

Herbal medicine books often call cloves antiprotozoal. That means it is effective against parasites like Amoebas, flagellated, parasites with whip like ‘legs’, malaria, and Trypanosoma cruzi.^[2]

The active components of cloves include eugenol, gallic acid derivatives, flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, and phenolic acids.

6. Mediterranean Oregano Oil
   

Six weeks of Mediterranean oregano oil supplementation were enough to kill several parasites. A US study found the oil effective against Entamoeba hartmanni (causes diarrhea), Endolimax nana (amoeba in GI tract) and Blastocystis hominis (GI protozoa). The GI symptoms of the patients that participated in the study improved greatly after the treatment.^[3]

Oregano oil is also an antiprotozoal, and was able to successfully kill the protozoan parasites Leishmania donovani, malaria, T. cruzi, and Trypanosoma bucei rhodesiense.^[4]

The active ingredients responsible for these potent antiparasitic effects were carvacrol, linalool, p-cymene, y-terpinene and thymol. There was no toxicity to the cells from the herb.

7. Diatomaceous Earth
   

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is the fossilized remains of phytoplankton. There are two unique properties of DE that makes it one of the best herbs for parasites.

DE is high in silica. The molecular structure of silica is very sharp, which makes it a deadly weapon against parasites. When parasites are nearby, silica slices open the bodies of parasites without harming any of your own tissues.

As if that’s not enough, the structure of DE is sponge like and it can trap bacteria, microbes and smaller parasites inside, which are then carried out of the body. This means that if larger parasites are eliminated, you might see them in the toilet.

DE was shown effective against whipworms, hookworms and ascarids, killing these parasites in about 7 days in animals.

Although there are no human studies on whether or not DE kills parasites or their eggs, we do know is that if something can work so well on parasites in animals, it’s most likely going to work as well in humans.

Due to its high silica content, DE may promote healing to all connective tissues, and that includes the GI tract.

There’s no known toxicity from diatomaceous earth as long as you use DE that is meant for human consumption. DE can also be used as an insecticide or for pool cleaning, so make sure your DE comes from a reliable herbalist.
You can take one heaping tablespoon twice daily and may notice a lot of good things happening to your gut, skin, hair and nails.

8. Jatoba (bark)
   

Jatoba (Hymenaea) is a huge canopy tree that grows in the Amazon rainforest. Its bark and leaves are used to expel intestinal worms and parasites. It contains medicinal diterpenes, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, oligosaccharides that have the parasites and egg killing action.

People in the Amazon also use Jatoba for many stubborn fungal and yeast problems, especially Candida, athlete’s foot, nail fungus, and combine it with other herbs for parasites. Traditionally, Jatoba is known to make a person feel strong and ready to get to work.

9. Pau d’ Arco (bark) (Tabebuia impetiginosa)
   

Pau d’ arco is is long known for its anti-parasitic as well as antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

What parasites does it work against? The list starts with some of the worst ones – malaria, schistosoma, trypanosome, and candida yeast (a fungus that is often thought to act as a parasite in some regards).

The active ingredients in Pau d’ arco are quinoids, benzenoids and flavonoids.

10. Licorice (root)
    

Who doesn’t like a mixture of licorice root and mint for a cup of tea?

Well, research shows that glabridin, a polyphenol found in licorice root inhibits the growth of malaria parasites without killing cells. It does this by inhibiting an enzyme that acts on a binding site where the parasite attaches.

But that’s not all it does. Licorice root’s glabridin induces cell death of the parasites mitochondria and generates a type of stress that kills the parasites directly like deadly laser beams. The Researchers that discovered glabridin’s antiparsitic effects concluded it “exhibits antiplasmodial activity and is suitable for developing an antimalarial agent from a cheap and sustainable source.”^[5]

Killing Parasites Regularly is A Good Move

Herbs that kill parasites are the first thing people think about when they plan their parasite cleanse. But, you can also use these herbs to kill parasites on an ongoing basis.

For example, why not add DE to your coffee in the morning. Start your day off right with a little caffeine for your mind and body, and dead parasites in the stool. Nothing’s better for a clear mind!

Or how about brewing up a few quarts of tea composed of water and 1 tablespoon each of Jatoba and Pau d’ Arco? Brew it for 30 minutes, add lemon to it and drink all day for energy – and parasite killing action.

Summary

There are so many things you can do to against parasites. Always remember that parasites are a fact of life. You aren’t going to make it to the grave without facing them once or more in your life. So now that you are armed with the list of the top herbs that kill parasites, it’s time to get these critters out of your body!

There’s one thing that always amazes many people in the field of natural healing. With these herbs work so effectively for parasites of all varieties, why aren’t medical professionals use them more often? God already put the answers on the earth for all of us, and we have plenty of evidence on their safety and effectiveness.

I truly hope more people can learn about these wonderful natural herbs, that can offer so much to our health and wellness.
Help and share this knowledge with anyone who may suffer from parasites.

I wish you all the best in your journey to better health.

References

1. Munyangi, J., et al. Effect of Artemisia annua and Artemesia afra tea infusions on Schistosomiasis in a large clinical trial. Phytomedicine 2018 Dec 1;51:233-240.
2. Batiha, G.E., et al. Syzygium aromaticum L. (Myrtaceae): Traditional uses, bioactive chemical constituents, pharmacological and toxicological activities. Biomolecules 2020 Jan 30;10(2).
3. Force, M., Sparks, W.S., and Ronzio, R.A. Inhibition of enteric parasites by emulsified oil of oregano in vivo. Phytother Res 2000 May; 14(3):213-4.
4. Tasdemir, D., et al. Antiprotozoal activity of Turkish Origanum onites essential oil and its components. Molecules 2019 Dec 3;24(23):4421.
5. Singh Cheema, H., Prakash, O., et al. Glabridin induces oxidative stress mediated apoptosis like cell death of malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Parasitol Int 2014 Apr;63(2):349-58.
6. Taylor, Leslie, N.D. The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs. A Guide to Understanding and Using Herbal Medicinals. Square One Publishers, NY. 2005.

Research analysis: CleanseJoy Editorial Team Products reviewed: Dr. Edward Group, DC, NP Dr. Emek Blair, Ph.D

A step by step how to get rid of parasites guide.

Guide | Aunt Mary’s Recipe | Symptoms | Research | References

Parasite Cleanse Protocol, Summary

• Eliminate parasites naturally with parasite cleanse home remedies, herbs that kill parasites, antiparasitic foods and diet.
• Protocol creates an environment in your body that disrupt the life cycle of parasites and fungus so they can’t survive or reproduce.
• Due to the combination of antiparasitic herbs used, the parasite cleanse may work against a large number of parasites in humans including: intestinal worms, tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and candida.

Below are the entire steps of the program to naturally and safely eliminate parasites. Use it as a reference. To learn more, read the relevant protocols so you understand the logic behind the steps you do, and the different options you may have.

How to Get Rid of Parasites

1. Cleanse your intestines. (5 days, and when needed).
   Oxy-powder: 4 capsules before bedtime.
   Oxy-powder releases oxygen in the intestines to remove waste buildup and undigested food particles that can feed parasites.
   Cleansing your intestines from waste buildup can also help the body to eliminate the dead parasites and their toxins quicker. This is a very effective natural and safe way that may prevent parasite cleanse side effects, & die-offs during the parasite cleanse.
2. Take herbs that kill parasites. (6 weeks).
   Paratrex: 3 capsules twice a day, before your biggest meals.
   Paratrex is a blend of organic and wild grown antiparasitic herbs known for their ability to kill different types of worms, parasites, bacteria and fungus.
   The formula also helps to eliminate parasite eggs and larvae in the body, which is essential to stop the reproduction and the parasite life cycle.^[1,2]
3. Support your gut with antiparasitic probiotics. (6 weeks)
   Floratrex: 2 capsules daily, 20 minutes before your first meal.
   Floratrex is a 75 billion CFUs professional strength 25-Strain Probiotic & Prebiotic complex. Promoting healthy bacteria in the gut is essential to control parasites, balance candida-yeast and support the immune system to fight future infections.^[3,4]
4. Start the parasite cleanse diet. (6 weeks)
   Parasite cleanse diet:  Starve the parasites, avoid foods known to feed parasites, eat antiparasitic foods that kill parasites. Intermittent fasting and a lower carb approach may help to augment your results.
5. Continue the parasite cleanse protocol for 6 weeks.
   Then stop all antiparasitic herbs.
6. Take natural home remedies for parasites. (Optional)
   Oregatrex, (Mediterranean organic oregano oil, 80% carvacrol).
   The Mediterranean variety of oregano oil demonstrated potent antiviral and antimicrobial effects in multiple studies against many different pathogens. These benefits were contributed to its active ingredient, Carvacrol.^[5]

Recent Update on Oregano Oil

To clarify a common question we get. The oregano oil we use in our parasite cleanse protocol is very different from the oregano oil you see at your local stores. This oil is so concentrated and strong you have to put it in capsules before you swallow. The capsules are provided with Oregatrex.
Do not put the oil directly in your mouth.

Directions: place 6 drops in a vegetarian capsule.
Take at beginning of meal, 2-3 times daily

Specific Concerns During & After the Parasite Cleanse

Digestive issues during the parasite cleanse

Veganzyme: 2 capsules a day with your biggest meal.
Veganzyme is a blend of full spectrum digestive enzyme designed to support the digestion of most common foods and meals.
Important: if you have digestive issues, you may end up with undigested food particles in your digestive tract. These can feed parasites and weaken your immune system. So while it may take you time to figure out which foods in your diet may cause these issues, digestive enzymes may be very helpful with this transition.

Immune Support during the parasite cleanse

This is especially important if you find that you easily catch viral infections such as the cold or the flu.

Risk factors for low immune function may include: nutritional deficiencies, chronic stress, lack of sleep, and certain medical conditions.
Always consult with your doctor if you are concerned about your immune system.

With that said, here are the best natural ways to support your immune system:

• Avoid the most common nutritional deficiencies.
  All play a major rule in our immune system: Vitamin D, Zinc, Iodine.
• Support with extra vitamin C.
  Vitamin C deficiency has been linked to a reduced resistance against certain pathogens. Liposomal delivery system offers higher absorption compared to traditional vitamin C supplements.^[6,7].
  Dr. Blair’s Valimenta Liposomal C: A good clean source of liposomal C supplements that was clinically tested, made from non GMO European sunflower seed lecithin.
• Take probiotics daily. 80% of the immune system resides in the gut.
  Floratrex: 2 capsules daily, 20 minutes before your first meal.
• Avoid processed foods and simple sugars.

Candida Cleanse

Many people with parasitic infections also suffer from chronic candida overgrowth. Women may experience reoccuring yeast infections. Men can have candida issues too.

If you have candida yeast concerns:

• Mycozil: 3 capsules twice a day before your meals for six weeks.
  Mycozil is a blend of wildcrafted and organic antifungal herbs known for their ability to kill candida yeast, natural systemic enzymes that break down candida cell wall, and soil-based probiotics to help balance the candida yeast imbalance in the gut.^[8,9,10]
• Floratrex: 2 capsules daily, 20 minutes before your first meal.
  75 billion CFUs professional strength 25-Strain Probiotic & Prebiotic.
  Promote healthy bacteria in the gut is essential to control parasites, balance candida-yeast
• Candida diet: switch to the candida diet or limit the carbs in your parasite cleanse diet. intermittent fasting may help to augment the results.

For the complete protocol: candida cleanse.

Oxidative Stress & Organ Support

If you are over 40 or experience high level of stress and fatigue:

• Cell-Fuzion: 2 capsules two times daily during the cleanse.
  A blend of patented natural antioxidants extracts shown in studies to protect the cells, organs and mitochondria from oxidative stress and free radicals damage. Taking cell-fuzion during your parasite cleanse may help to control the effect the released toxins may have on your immune system and organs.
• Liposomal Glutathione: 4 ml a day, during the cleanse.
  Glutathione is one of the most potent antioxidants and cellular detoxifiers found in every cell in the body. Glutathione has the ability to neutralize and bind to water-soluble toxins, so they are marked or targeted to be removed by the body and in the liver. Liposomal delivery system offers higher absorption compared to traditional supplements.^[11,12]

Liver & Kidneys

• Livatrex: 1 dropper full with water or juice, 2-3 times a day for 4 weeks.
  Livatrex is a blend of organic and wild grown herbs and medicinal mushrooms known for their ability to detoxify and cleanse the liver, dissolve and soften liver and gallbladder stones and support the repair and regeneration of the liver.^{[13,14,15,16,17]} For the complete protocol: liver cleanse.
• Renaltrex: 1 dropper full with water or juice, 2-3 times a day for 4 weeks.
  Renaltrex is a  blend of organic herbs known for their ability to detox and cleanse the kidneys, enhance waste removal, dissolve kidney stones, relieve and soothe inflammation from the entire urinary tract and promote kidney health.^[18,19,20].
  For the complete protocol: Kidney cleanse.

Parasite Cleanse Home Remedy

The parasite cleanse home remedy below is inspired by Aunt Mary’s famous detox salad recipe. The recipe that ran in her family for generations offers a simple, yet effective  support for the parasite cleanse diet.

Despite the “salad”, it is actually a complete meal with around 500 calories per serving. Very satisfying, very nourishing.

Estimated values for the recipe (2 servings):

• 30 grams protein
• Over 50% of your daily values of fiber, zinc, potassium, and vitamin B1, B2 and B6.
• Over 100% of your daily values of: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, copper, iron, magnesium, and manganese.

The parasite cleanse home remedy includes:

• Antiparasitic foods & herbs. Long traditional use, backed up by modern science to work against a large number of parasites in humans.
• Gut health fiber. Think about insoluble fiber as rough brooms inside your intestines that grabs accumulated waste buildup and toxins on their way out.

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Parasite Cleanse Home Remedy

Parasite Cleanse Home Remedy

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Course: Breakfast, Main Course, Salad

Cuisine: American, Chinese, Indian, Italian, Raw Vegan

Keyword: Parasite Cleanse Home Remedy

Servings: 2

Author: Aunt Mary & Cleanse Joy Team

Ingredients

• 2 oz raw pumpkin seeds
• 2 cloves minced raw garlic
• 1 medium head raw purple cabbage
• 4 medium raw carrots
• 1 small beet root

Parasite Cleanse Dressing

• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• 4 tbsp olive oil extra virgin cold pressed
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar raw, unpasteurized
• 1 medium lemon
• Pink himalayan salt  to taste
• black pepper to taste (optional)
• cayenne pepper powder for spicy food lovers (optional)

Antiparasitic Herbs Complex (before you eat)

• 3 caspules Paratrex Black walnut, epazote, diatomaceous earth, organic neem, wormwood, clove, fulvic Acid

Instructions

• Soak the pumpkin seeds overnight (or 8 hours). If you prefer the pumpkin seeds "crunch", you can skip this step.
• Peel the beetroot.
• Shred or chop the cabbage, carrots and beets.
• Place in a large bowl.
• Add the minced garlic.
• Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon and add to the bowl.
• Shake the apple cider vinegar bottle to mix the cloudy part at the bottom (the mother).
• Add the apple cider vinegar.
• Add the olive oil and mix well.
• Add the turmeric, pepper and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
• Add the salt to taste.
• Add the pumpkin seeds.

What are the Symptoms of Having a Parasite?

Parasite symptoms in humans are very common and can affect your entire body. They are often overlooked, however. As a result, symptoms may be treated individually where the source of the parasitic infection is left untreated. Common examples: chronic skin rashes and digestive issues that always come back.

Become aware of these signs of parasites and share them with your doctor.
Please note, do not use the list below to self-diagnose. There are other underlying causes that may lead to these symptoms.

The key takeaway when it comes to symptoms of parasites: educate yourself about the possible signs. Especially if you have multiple chronic signs you can’t explain. Then share all these with a qualified medical professional.

• Digestive issues. Gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
• Abdominal pain. Upset stomach, stomach cramps, stomach pain, tenderness.
• Unusual stool appearance. Greasy loose stool, worms, parasites, mucus, eggs or candida yeast in stool.
• Cravings for sweets. Constantly hungry, increased or loss of appetite.
• Low energy. Feeling tired, fatigue, exhaustion.
• Mood swings. Anxiety, depression.
• Muscle and joint pain. Body aches.
• Skin issues. Skin rashes and skin issues such as eczema, hives, rosacea.
• Poor sleep. Insomnia, nightmares, night sweats, teeth grinding in sleep, anus itching at night.
• Genitals issues. Vaginal itching around the vulva, anal itching, rash, vaginal infections.
• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain.
• Nutritional deficiencies. 

Why Doing a Parasite Cleanse?

“Parasites are more common in the US than people realize. We need more research to learn more about these infections and action to better prevent and treat them.”

-Dr. Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H, US centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) Director.

Just to give you a few examples:

• More than 60 million people in the United States are chronically infected with Toxoplasma gondii alone.^[21]
• Almost 1 billion people worldwide, and up to 42 million Americans may be affected by pinworm infection.^[22]

According to research, there may be a simple reason for these high numbers. Parasites are designed by nature to use our body as their host. To help them in the process, parasites have developed unique mechanisms to take advantage of our body^[23]:

• Attach the intestinal walls using suction cups or hooks.
• Disrupt our immune system’s ability to recognize them as invaders and fight them.
• Release chemicals to influence and manipulate the way the host behave.

Parasite Cleanse References

1. Therapeutic efficacy of Artemisia absinthium against Hymenolepis nana: in vitro and in vivo studies in comparison with the anthelmintic praziquantel.
2. Antioxidant potential of Juglans nigra, black walnut, husks extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide with an ethanol modifier.
3. Probiotics for the Control of Parasites: An Overview.
4. “Good” Bacteria Keep Immune System Primed to Fight Future Infections, According to Penn Study.
5. Antiviral efficacy and mechanisms of action of oregano essential oil and its primary component carvacrol against murine norovirus.
6. Liposomal-encapsulated Ascorbic Acid: Influence on Vitamin C Bioavailability and Capacity to Protect Against Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury.
7. Vitamin C and immune function.
8. Antimicrobial potential of some plant extracts against Candida species.
9. Leaves Antimicrobial Activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra L.
10. Antifungal and cytotoxicity activities of the fresh xylem sap of Hymenaea courbaril L. and its major constituent fisetin.
11. Glutathione! Joseph Pizzorno, ND, Editor in Chief.
12. Liposomal-encapsulated Ascorbic Acid: Influence on Vitamin C Bioavailability and Capacity to Protect Against Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury.
13. Liver immunology and herbal treatment.
14. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) for the therapy of liver disease.
15. The use of silymarin in the treatment of liver diseases.
16. Milk Thistle Extract and Silymarin Inhibit Lipopolysaccharide Induced Lamellar Separation of Hoof Explants in Vitro.
17. Phyllanthus Niruri Standardized Extract Alleviates the Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Decreases Atherosclerotic Risk in Sprague–Dawley Rats.
18. Phyllanthus niruri inhibits calcium oxalate endocytosis by renal tubular cells: its role in urolithiasis.
19. Total Coumarins from Hydrangea paniculata Protect against Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Damage in Mice by Suppressing Renal Inflammation and Apoptosis.
20. Wound healing potential of Althaea officinalis flower mucilage in rabbit full thickness wounds.
21. Parasitic Infections also occur in the United States.
22. Epidemiology and control of enterobiasis in a developmental center.
23. Immune defence, parasite evasion strategies and their relevance for ‘macroscopic phenomena’ such as virulence.

In this post, our editorial team will go over some of the top parasite cleanse questions. How to know if parasite cleanse is working, how long does it take, warning signs that may indicate you should stop your detox.

We’ll also touch on some of the safest best home remedies, herbs and diet tips you can use in your parasite cleanse.

Related post:

• A summary of our parasite cleanse protocol: How to get rid of parasites.
• The complete protocol, see: parasite cleanse.

How to Know If Parasite Cleanse is Working?

While everyone may have a different parasite cleanse experience, there are a few common things we usually see in our parasite cleanse protocol.

If you notice any of the following signs, you may know that the parasite cleanse is working.

Week 1-2:

• You see dead candida, yeast, or parasites in stool.
• Digestive issues such as bloating and excess gas become better.
• Stomach may appear flatter.
• You notice better mood, energy and brain function.

Week 2-4:

• Chronic symptoms such as skin rashes, acne and pain become better.

Week 4 and up:

• Stubborn symptoms start to improve.
• Common examples: fungal nail infections or unhealthy looking hair.
  Nails and hair grow very slow and as such issues can take months to fully heal. It is common to see more improvements months after the parasite cleanse.

Symptoms of parasite die off are not a sign that the parasite cleanse is working.

These can actually be warning signs that may indicate that:

• You have a reaction to parasite herbs
• The parasite cleanse is too aggressive for your body.

We try to stay away from the “you need to feel bad before you feel good” notion. In most cases, these discomforts are not necessary and cause more harm than good.

Safety should always be your number one priority. Especially when you self cleanse at home.

If you already experience parasite die off symptoms, see our guide:
How To Manage Parasite Die Off Symptoms.

Before and After Parasite Cleanse

Know the classic symptoms of parasites

When you have a parasitic infection,  there may be signs in your entire body. Some of the signs of parasites can be very specific to your body or the type of parasites you have. Other signs such as digestive issues may be more common.

Educate yourself as much as you can about these signs. If they are related to parasites, you should expect to see improvements. Notice that having these signs doesn’t mean you have parasites. They can be caused by other issues.
So it is always best to consult with a qualified health practitioner.

• Digestive issues.
  Gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
• Nutritional deficiencies.
  Certain vitamins and minerals deficiencies may be linked to intestinal parasites such as soil transmitted helminthes, Giardia duodenalis, Entamoeba histolytica. Iron deficiency and anemia for example, were correlated to Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm infections.^[1,2]
• Abdominal pain.
  Upset stomach, stomach cramps, stomach pain, tenderness.
• Unusual stool appearance.
  Greasy loose stool, worms, parasites, mucus, eggs or candida yeast in stool.
• Cravings for sweets.
  Constantly hungry, increased or loss of appetite. More common with candida overgrowth.
• Low energy.
  Feeling tired, fatigue, exhaustion.
• Mood swings.
  Anxiety, depression.
• Muscle and joint pain.
  Body aches.
• Skin issues.
  Skin rashes and skin issues such as eczema, hives, rosacea.
• Poor sleep.
  Insomnia, nightmares, night sweats, teeth grinding in sleep, anus itching at night.
• Genitals issues.
  Vaginal itching around the vulva (very common with candida infections), anal itching, rash, vaginal infections.
• Unexplained weight loss.
  Common with tapeworm infections.
• Unexplained weight gain.

How Long Does it Take for Parasite Cleanse to Work?

Based on our parasite cleanse protocol results, most people start to feel better during the first week. Especially when the intestinal cleanse flushes out waste buildup that feed parasites.

For best results it is very important to complete the parasite cleanse.
On average, it may take six weeks. The main reason: you have to stop the complete life cycle of the parasites.

The life cycle of human parasites varies and can take anywhere between several weeks to months from the egg phase to the adult parasite phase.
Some strains of P. vivax for example, the parasite that causes recurring malaria, can remain dormant in the liver for several months.^[3]

The average time of parasite cleanse we recommend is 6 weeks.
After six weeks, you stop taking the antiparasitic herbs for at least six weeks. If any of your symptoms come back, you may want to redo the parasite cleanse again.

During the time when you stop the parasite cleanse, there are a few effective home remedies for parasites you can still take. We’ll cover these below.

Home Remedies for Parasites

1. Herbs that Kill Parasites

• Paratrex®: 3 capsules twice a day, before your biggest meals.
  Use: during the parasite cleanse, or 1-2 times a week after the cleanse.

Paratrex® is a professional strength organic and wild grown antiparasitic herbs that have a unique ability to kill different types of worms, parasites, bacteria and fungus. The formula supports the entire parasite life cycle including the larvae and eggs stage.^[4,5]

Antiparasitic herbs in paratrex: organic and wild black walnut (green hull), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), clove, epazote, neem and diatomaceous earth. 

2. Mediterranean Oregano Oil

Oregatrex, 6 drops, 2-3 times daily, after the parasite cleanse.

Use: after the parasite cleanse. See special directions and warnings below.

Perhaps one of the most known all around parasite cleanse – immune support natural remedy, the Mediterranean variety of oregano oil has a long traditional use that is also backed by science.^[6]

The research suggests that the active ingredient in oregano oil, Carvacrol, has the ability to break down the cell membranes of various bacteria and parasites, allowing our immune system to take over and eliminate them.

Special directions and warnings: The mediterranean oregano oil we use in our parasite cleanse protocol is very different from the oregano oil you see at your local stores. This oil extract contains 80% Carvacrol, the active ingredient.  It is so concentrated and strong you have to put it in capsules before you swallow. The capsules are provided with Oregatrex.
Do not put the oil directly in your mouth.

3. Parasite Cleanse Diet

Just like any diet, you will need to tailor the parasite cleanse diet plan to your needs. To help you with the process, we published an entire guide with common healthy guidelines that can help support the body to detox and eliminate parasites during the cleanse.

Its a type of eating that avoid foods known to feed parasites and include antiparasitic foods. Intermittent fasting and a lower carb approach, two popular dietary protocols regardless of parasites, seem to augment the results for most people.

In fact, many of our members continued with the plan even after the cleanse due to the way it made them feel. Main benefits people reported include consistent, sustainable energy, mood and focus throughout the day, and better digestive health.

To learn more, see: Parasite cleanse diet.

Useful DIY anti parasitic recipes:

• Apple Cider Vinegar Parasite Cleanse: salads & drinks.
• Aunt Mary’s remedy: parasite cleanse meal.

References

1. Intestinal parasitic infections and micronutrient deficiency: a review.
2. Association between Anaemia, Iron Deficiency Anaemia, Neglected Parasitic Infections and Socioeconomic Factors in Rural Children of West Malaysia.
3. History of Human Parasitology.
4. Therapeutic efficacy of Artemisia absinthium against Hymenolepis nana: in vitro and in vivo studies in comparison with the anthelmintic praziquantel.
5. Antioxidant potential of Juglans nigra, black walnut, husks extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide with an ethanol modifier.
6. Antiviral efficacy and mechanisms of action of oregano essential oil and its primary component carvacrol against murine norovirus.