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.

Some of the common worms that are found in human intestines are:-

The most commonly noticed parasites in India are: threadworm, tapeworm, hookworm and the roundworm.

Causes of Parasities:

It is the dirty habits, like eating food without washing your hands, putting the finger first in the nostril then in the mouth, eating contaminated food, scratching the anus and then eating food without thoroughly washing your hands, using underwear worn by a person suffering from threadworms, constipation, and mucus in the stools, which encourage the parasites to infest the intestines.

Treatment 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

- 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.

- When there is a worm infestation, light diet must be preferred which can be digested fast.

- 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.

- The Indian aloe is used especially in children to kill and expel parasites in the intestines due to its mild action.

- Cold compresses and mudpack applied from the navel to the pubes can also help in the initial stages of the treatment.

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

- Ash gourd can promote tissue growth within the digestive system.

- The leaves of the bamboo plant are effective in the removal of threadworms.

- The belleric myrobalan is popularly known as behera in Ayurveda. It is a component of the Triphala choorna.

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