Worms and Intestinal Parasites

Understanding, Prevention, and Natural Remedies

Overview

Parasitic worms (helminths) are organisms that live and reproduce within a host—often humans or animals—relying on that host for nourishment and survival. They vary greatly in size, from the tiny pinworm (about 1 cm) to the tapeworm, which can grow up to several metres long.

Infestation occurs when parasites enter the digestive system, usually through contaminated food, water, soil, or unwashed hands. Once inside the body, they may attach to the intestinal lining, compete for nutrients, and produce toxins that irritate the gut and weaken overall health. Children are particularly vulnerable because of frequent hand-to-mouth contact, outdoor play, and exposure to contaminated surfaces or pets.

---

Common Types of Parasitic Worms

1) Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis)

• Most common in children.

• Spread via contaminated hands, toys, or bedding.

• Symptoms: Night-time anal itching, restlessness, poor sleep, irritability, mild stomach pain.

• Detection: “Tape test” (transparent tape applied to the anal area overnight) for egg identification.

2) Roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides)

• Eggs ingested via contaminated food or soil; larvae migrate through lungs back to the gut.

• Symptoms: Cough, wheeze, fever during migration; later abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, bloating.

3) Tapeworms (Taenia spp., Diphyllobothrium spp.)

• Acquired from undercooked or raw beef, pork, or fish.

• Symptoms: Abdominal discomfort, increased appetite with weight loss, passage of white segments in stool.

• Fish tapeworms may cause vitamin B12 deficiency.

4) Hookworms and Threadworms

• Can penetrate the skin (e.g., bare feet in contaminated soil).

• Symptoms: Itching at entry site, fatigue, iron-deficiency anemia.

---

Typical Signs and Symptoms

• Anal or perianal itching

• Abdominal pain or bloating

• Unexplained weight loss despite good appetite

• Fatigue, irritability, disturbed sleep

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Teeth grinding at night

• Low immunity, recurrent infections, skin irritation

---

Natural Remedies and Nutritional Support

1) Newton’s Herbal & Homeopathic Support

Newton’s Parasite Drops – a classic traditional herbal extracts blend of European Wormwod, The Green Hulls of Black Walnut, and Cloves. It supports the elimination of intestinal parasites and restore digestive balance.This blend can be modified by request, by the addition of herbs like Cinchona, China, and Chinese Wormwood, or homeopathic ingredients such as Cina or  Teucrium marum, associated with pinworms, to suit your individual needs and circumstances. Here is a brief description of how some of the above work.

• Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood): Classic antiparasitic; supports bile flow.

• Juglans nigra (Black Walnut): Intestinal cleanser; targets eggs and larvae.

• Syzygium aromaticum (Clove): Antimicrobial; active against eggs and larval stages.

• Allium sativum (Garlic): Broad-spectrum intestinal support.

• Cina, Teucrium marum (homeopathic): Traditionally used for helminth-related itching and restlessness.

Use under professional guidance, especially if taking medications or in children, pregnancy, or chronic illness.

2) Herbal Remedies

• Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium): Tea/tincture; avoid in pregnancy.

• Black Walnut Hull (Juglans nigra): Tincture or capsules, twice daily for 10–14 days.

• Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum): Freshly ground tea or combined extract.

• Garlic (Allium sativum): Raw cloves daily or capsules; diluted garlic oil or tea tree with aloe gel can ease anal itching topically.

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) & Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus): Gentle purgatives aiding elimination.

• Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) & Areca-betel: Traditional tapeworm remedies; professional supervision required.

• Dandelion root, Pinkroot, Wormseed: Support liver/detox and digestive tone.

3) Nutritional Support

• Probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus): Replenish healthy flora.

• Grapefruit Seed Extract: Natural antimicrobial; preventive and therapeutic.

• Digestive Enzymes: Improve protein digestion; reduce substrate for parasites.

• Bromelain: Enhances enzyme activity.

• Vitamin A and Zinc: Support mucosal immunity.

• Vitamin C: Tissue healing and detox support.

---

Aromatherapy (Adjunct Only)

Diffusers or diluted massage blends using: Bergamot, Cajuput, Carrot Seed, Mugwort, Tarragon for general cleansing and digestive support. Not a stand-alone treatment.

---

Lifestyle and Hygiene Measures

• Wash hands thoroughly after toilet use, before meals, and after handling pets.

• Keep fingernails short and clean.

• Wash bed linen, towels, and clothing in hot water; dry in sun or hot dryer.

• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and toys.

• Avoid walking barefoot in high-risk areas.

• Avoid undercooked meat and raw fish unless properly frozen below –10 °C for at least 48 hours.

• Deworm pets regularly under veterinary care.

• For reluctant children, placing crushed garlic in shoes can release oils absorbed through the skin, providing mild supportive effects.

A yearly, professionally guided parasite cleanse is sensible for frequent travellers, those working with animals, or individuals with recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms.

---

Usual Dosages (General Guidance)

Doses vary by age, weight, and health status. Seek professional advice before starting any program, particularly for children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or when taking prescription medicines.

---

Professional Guidance at Newton’s Pharmacy

Our herbalists, homeopaths, and pharmacists provide individualised parasite-cleansing programs, including Newton’s Para-Si Drops with tailored herbal extracts and supportive nutrition.

For tailored advice or compounded formulas:
(02) 9267 7474 | www.newtonspharmacy.com.au
Newtons Pharmacy & Naturopathic Clinic – Trusted Natural Care Since 1885