The human body acts as a host to a large number of parasites. These parasites are in the form of roundworms and flatworms, and they are found in both adults as well as children. However, children have a greater chance of getting these intestinal parasites. Some of the common worms that are found in human intestines are:-



a) Roundworms – pinworms, threadworms

b) Flatworms – tapeworms

In Ayurveda, parasitic infestation in the digestive system is called as Krimi Roga. Different worms cause different problems with the digestive system. Constipation, diarrhea, abdominal cramps are all common complications. In some cases, bronchitis, anemia, urticaria and fevers may also occur.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Parasites

- Ash Gourd (Benincasa hispida)

Ash gourd can promote tissue growth within the digestive system. When taken with coconut milk it helps to expel tapeworms and other such kind of intestinal parasites from the human body.

- Bamboo (Bambusa bambos)

The leaves of the bamboo plant are effective in the removal of threadworms. They are taken in the form of a decoction when there is a threadworm complaint.

- Belleric Myrobalan (Terminalia belerica)

The belleric myrobalan is popularly known as behera in Ayurveda. It is a component of the Triphala choorna. In case of worm complaints, it is taken in mixture with the ground seeds of the palash. Behera with palash forms an excellent anthelmintic, i.e. a medicine that helps fight worms.

- Butea (Butea monosperma)

The butea is also known as palash in Indian language. Its seeds have anthelmintic properties. They are taken mixed with behera. Even otherwise, they can be taken as a paste with honey. The seeds of the butea are excellent for removal of roundworms and tapeworms.

- Chirayata (Swertia chirata)

The chirayata herb is remarkable for its properties in the removal of all kinds of intestinal worms. An infusion of the herb is prepared and taken regularly during parasitic infestations.

- East Indian Rosebay (Ervatamia coronaria)

The East Indian Rosebay is known as chandi, meaning silver in Ayurvedic medicine. Both its root and its milky white sap possess anthelmintic properties.

- Indian Acalypha (Acalypha indica)

The juice of the leaves of the Indian acalypha taken with a little garlic has good properties to expel intestinal parasites.

- Indian Aloe (Aloe barbadensis)

The Indian aloe is used especially in children to kill and expel parasites in the intestines due to its mild action. The juice of the leaf is used for it purpose. It is condensed by boiling in water.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Parasites

When there is a worm infestation, light diet must be preferred which can be digested fast. If the food remains in the bowels for longer time, then the worms get a chance to breed more. Hence, all spicy and oily foods must be avoided. The diet should be kept vegetarian and perfectly natural, i.e. no synthetic substances must be consumed. Sweet foods promote the growth of the worms; hence they must be avoided. Try to eat as many bitter foods as possible such as bitter gourd, bitter drumstick and neem. Bitter foods can expel the worms from the bowels. Fasting for a day is recommended.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Parasites

There is a host of Ayurvedic preparations that can be used to get rid of intestinal worms. These are Krimi Kuthara rasa, Krimi Mudgara rasa, Krimi Kalanala rasa, Krimi Hara rasa, Vidanga arishta, etc. These preparations are available at any Ayurvedic shop, but you must take it in consultation with a physician so that the medicine specific to your cause can be given.

(4) Home Remedies for Parasites

- Take about twenty drops of the juice of the raw turmeric and put a pinch of salt in it. This must be taken early in the morning. It is a good remedy to expel the worms while passing stools.

- Extract the juice of a fresh radish. Add a pinch of salt to it. Drink this juice twice everyday; once in the morning and once in the evening. Continue this for four days. This will flush out all the wastes in the stomach along with the parasites.

- Buttermilk is a good remedy for curing intestinal parasites, especially if they are very persistent and do not go despite other treatments. Add some roasted cumin seed in the buttermilk, and some salt and ground black pepper. This must be drunk in a glassful quantity three to four times in a day. Within a week, even the most resistant of intestinal parasites will be removed from the guts.

- Mix equal parts of bitter gourd leaves and coriander and keep them soaked overnight in twelve parts of water. Filter this water in the morning. Divide the filtered water into three parts and drink them at equal intervals throughout the day. Within a few days the worms will be expelled from the digestive system.

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