Herbal Defense for Parasites
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Transcript of Herbal Defense for Parasites
Herbal Defense for ParasitesAn Exploration of the Importance of Anthelmintic Herbs for WellnessBy Jackie Christensen, MS, HHP, NC, MH
Parasites-The Unwanted Guests
Medical research has estimated that 85-95% of the North American adult population is infected with at least one form of parasite.
Humans can play host to over 100 different kinds of parasites, ranging from microscopic ones to tapeworms that can grow to be several feet long.
Parasites are most frequently found in the colon, but can also reside in other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, muscles, joints, skin, blood, and even the brain.
Common Sources of Parasite Infection Under cooked meats (beef, pork and
raw fish, especially) unwashed fruits and vegetables travel to third-world countries contaminated water mosquitoes pets walking barefoot outdoors
Symptoms of Parasite Infection Bloated abdomen Inability to lose weight Dark circles around or under
the eyes Diarrhea or chronic
constipation or a combination of both
Persistent acne and skin eruptions
Teeth grinding Insomnia (especially waking
between 2-3 a.m.) Cravings for sweets Moodiness Depression
Chronic fatigue Anemia PMS Bad breath Bad body odor Food allergies Sinus congestion Constant abdominal
discomfort Digestive problems Anal itching Water retention
Physical Effects of Parasites Deteriorate the immune system, making the
body more vulnerable to infections. Consume the most nutritious part of our diet
and nutrients. Irritate the tissues of the body, causing
inflammation. Produce toxic waste products into the body. Destroy cells faster than the body can
reproduce them, leading to an imbalance. Damage the intestinal lining. Obstruct the intestine and pancreatic bile
ducts.
Anthelmitic Herbs Defined The anthelmitic herbal category includes
herbs that kill or expel parasites from the body. It is a blanket term for both vermicides and verifuges.
Vermicides: herbs that kill parasites Vermifuges: herbs that expel parasites
Note: Anthelmintic herbs should be used with purgatives to help expel parasites from the body.
Dietary Considerations & Cleansing
Parasites thrive in an environment that is created by too much sugar and processed foods, therefore it is important to avoid sweets, sugar, juices, fruit, greasy foods and white flour if a parasite is assumed.
Fecal buildup on the walls of the colon provide an ideal atmosphere for parasites, so colon cleansing is recommended along with herbal therapy.
Dietary Considerations & Cleansing
Fasting is recommended during treatment.
It is recommended to cleanse around a full moon because that is when parasites are more active.
Consuming 2-3 tablespoons of uncooked brown rice first thing in the a.m. is a remedy that has been used in the treatment and prevention of parasites.
Common Human Parasites1. Hookworm
A parasitic nematode worm that originates externally, but can be transmitted internally via contaminated water, unwashed fruits and vegetables.
Once inside the body the hookworm larvae attach to the wall of the intestine and consume the host’s blood.
Symptoms: weakness, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, anemia
Human Parasites Continued2. Roundworm
Largest nematode known to affect the intestinal tract.
May grow to be as large as 15-35 centimeters . Transferred through consumption of unsanitary food
or water. Eggs hatch, pierce the intestinal wall, enter the
blood stream and relocate to the lungs. Where they are expelled via coughing, if swallowed they may reenter the digestive tract.
Symptoms: fever, lethargy, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, nerve problems, difficulty breathing, coughing
Human Parasites Continued3. Flatworm blood fluke
The flukes live in the blood stream and infiltrate the people who come into contact with the tainted water.
They live in the bloodstream of the host. Cause inflammation of internal organs, notably the
liver. May reside in the host for years without any signs
of symptoms. May be excreted in the feces. Symptoms: fever, aching, cough, diarrhea,
swollen glands, lethargy
Human Parasites Continued4. Tapeworm
Some common varieties tapeworms include beef tapeworm, bladderworm, pork tapeworm, broad fish tapeworm, dog tapeworm, dwarf tapeworm and rat tapeworm.
Cattle and pigs consume tapeworms through contaminated fecal matter and are transmitted to humans upon consumption of the animals.
The tapeworm has a hook on its head which it uses to attach itself to the host’s intestine.
Within 3-4 months the tapeworm will mature and start to reproduce.
They can survive for up to 25 years in a host. Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, inflammation of the intestine,
diarrhea, weight loss, dizziness, fits, malnutrition
Human Parasites Continued5. Pinworms
Common human parasite. Named from their long pin shaped body. Live in the host’s intestinal tract, but do not
enter the bloodstream. They lay their eggs outside the human body,
more often at night, which causes intense rectal itching.
Scratching the area can encourage the larvae's spread via hand contact.
Symptoms: rectal irritation and irritation
Human Parasites Continued6. Whipworm
Gets its name from the characteristic whip-like shape.
Reside in the large intestine and insert their anterior end into the intestinal lining.
Worms can live for several years. Heavy infections in children can cause mental
and physical retardation. Diagnosis can be determined by appearance of
eggs in the feces. Typically asymptomatic, but symptoms may
occur in heavy infections. Symptoms: diarrhea, dysentery, and anemia
Human Parasites Continued7. Lymphatic Filariasis
Adult parasites live in the lymph nodes of humans. Contamination is transmitted via infected mosquito. Causes “elephantiasis” Repeated infections can result in blockage of the
lymph nodes and ducts, which results in swelling of the tissues.
The adult parasites generally prefer the lymph nodes that drain the lower abdominal cavity and legs, so “elephantiasis” is often marked by disfigurations of the external genitals and legs.
Symptoms: swollen lymph nodes
Actions of Anthelmintic Herbs Vermifuges: cause worms to expulse
from the body Vermicides: destroys worms in the body Taeniafuges: expels tapeworms from
the body Taenicides: kills tapeworms from the
body
Anthelmintic Herbs1. Wormwood
Part used: herb, oilActions: tonic, anthelmintic, stomachic, stimulant, febrifuge, hepatic, aromatic, antiseptic, nervine, anti-venomous, carminativeCommon Preparations: fluid extract, infusion oil, powders, tincturesFor roundworms take 2 ounces to 1 teacup of an infusion in the evening and morning.
Wormwood Formulas1. Dr. Shook’s Anthelmintic Vermifuges½ ounce wormwood½ ounce tansy½ ounce satonica ½ ounce chamomile flowersInstructions: Boil 1 quart of water and pour over herbs and cover for 2-3 minutes, strain and keep in a dark cool place.Dosage: 1-2 ounces, 2 times daily
Wormwood Formulas2. Round worm formula
1 ounce wormwood1 ounce rue1 ounce peach leavesInstructions: Pour one quart of boiling water over the herbs and steep for 1 hour, strain and bottle. Infusion may be sweetened if preferred.Dosage: 6 ounces, 3-4 times daily on an empty stomach
Anthelmintic Herbs2. Pumpkin seeds
Parts used: ripe seeds, the fresher the betterActions: anthelmintic, diuretic, nutritiveUses: tapeworms, round worms, renal issuesCommon preparations: decoction, crushed seeds. To make a decoction, boil one ounce of seeds in one pint of water for 15-20 minutes. Dosage: up to one pint daily
Pumpkin Seed Formula1. Four Great Cold Seeds Remedy
1 part pumpkin seeds, crushed1 part ground seeds, crushed1 part watermelon seeds, crushed1 part cucumber seeds, crushedInstructions: Triturate with water into an emulsionDosage: 6 ounces, 3-4 times daily
Anthelmintic Herbs3. Kousso
Parts used: fresh or dried flowersActions: anthelmintic, cathartic, astringentUses: tape wormsCommon Preparations: fluid extracts, infusion, powderDosage: 1-4 teaspoons, works more effectively while fasting and drinking lemon juice before and after the dosage.
Kousso FormulaAnthelmintic Infusion of Kuosso
¾ ounce kousso flowers1 pint of purified waterInstructions: Boil the water and pour over the herb, steep covered for 10 minutes, do not strain, stir wellDosage: drink the entire mixture is 3 doses, 10 minutes apart
Anthelmintic Herbs4. Tansy
Parts used: herb, seedActions: anthelmintic, tonic, emmenagogue, diaphoretic, stimulant, diuretic, nervine, vulnerary, carminativeUses: expels worms, also good for menstrual issuesCommon Preparations: decoction, infusion, tinctureDosage: 3-6 ounces of an infusion at night and in the morning
Tansy Formula1. Potter’s Vermifuge
1 part tansy herb or seed1 part wormwood herb1 part santonica1 part chamomile flowersInstructions: steep herbs one teaspoon of herbal combination in a tightly covered pot with 6 ounces of water for 10-15 minutes.Dosage: 2 ounces, 3 times daily
Anthelmintic Herbs5. Hyssop
Parts used: herbActions: anthelmintic, diuretic, diaphoretic, stimulant, expectorant, carminative, vulnerary, pectoral, febrifuge, aromaticUses: expelling worms, sore throat, inflammation, colds, coughsCommon Preparations: fluid extracts, powder, tinctureDosage: ½-2 teaspoons fluid extract
Anthelmintic Herbs6. Pink root
Parts used: root, herbActions: anthelmintic, commonly combined with senna for its purgative effectUses: tape worms and round wormsCommon Preparations: infusions, powders, tinctures, extractsDosage: ½-1 teaspoon for tincture, ½ -1 teaspoon for powders
Pink Root Formula1. Pink Root Anthelmintic Powder
for Children2 teaspoons pink root powder2 teaspoons American wormseed, powder1.3 grams Cascara sagrada, powderInstructions: mix powders and divide into 12 equal servingsDosage: 1 dose 3-4 times daily for children, can be mixed with stevia or a sugar-free juice
Anthelmintic Herbs7. Pomegranate
Parts used: bark, root bark, peel of fruitActions: anthelmintic, astringentUses: kills and expels tape worms and round worms. The root bark is the most potent anthelmintic portion of the herb. The fruit is considered to be a blood tonicCommon Preparations: standard decoctionDosage: up to one pint daily
Pomegranate Formula1. Anthelmintic Decoction
4 ounces pomegranate root bark, cut3 pints distilled waterInstructions: Simmer the herb in water for one hour, strain, and simmer the liquid until reduced to 1 pintDosage: 3-4 ounces every 4 hours
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