Worm Infections

There's nothing worse than coming across a worm infection, is there?!

Highly contagious, the first thing you need to do is watch the hygiene. We don't get worms because of a lack of hygiene - they will infect the cleanest of people, but you don't want them to spread.

Don't share towels or bedding, wash them in 90 degrees to kill anything on them and keep hands scrubbed clean, especially under fingernails.

There is a fab explanation of worms, symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment, with hygiene suggestions at the NHS website.

Your GP or pharmacist will recommend drugs which will either stop the worms absorbing glucose and therefore their food so they die, or paralyse them until they bowel naturally eliminates them.

The Natural Approach

Sometimes, the problem keeps returning despite you following all the normal recommendations.

In this case, you need to think about why the gut has become susceptible to parasitic infections. From my perspective, it is normally to do with an imbalance of gut bacteria and consequent lowered gut immunity. In other words, you don't have enough of the good bacteria needed to fight off an attack.

I normally recommend a regime of probiotics and anti-parasitic formulas  with the hygiene rules for a minimum of three months to get the problem under control.

There are many products you could choose. One of my favourites is liquid grapefruit seed extract which is normally gentle enough for small children but can pack a powerful anti-parasitic punch. Biocare do a good one, and they also have a great range of proper probiotics suitable for different ages.

Other herbs to look at include black walnut, wormwood and barberry. Even good old garlic is a great anti-parasitic. Always follow manufacturers' recommendations as some of these wouldn't be suitable for children.

Homeopathics are usually suitable for any age, and for animals, and I have read that Cina is a useful remedy which helps eliminate the worms. It is especially indicated if the person is irritable and constantly hungry. Other homeopathic alternatives include Teucrium (especially if itchy bottom is worse in evening and there is a crawling sensation) and Santoninum is a good standby remedy.  

Hope you get the wriggly things blasted. If you need further help, contact me and I will be happy to advise specifically.