Home Remedies for Intestinal Worms

Intestinal worms are parasites that live in the intestinal tracts of organisms, including humans. These worms may enter the human body through food and water. Parasitic eggs may also be picked up by people from the soil or transmitted through mosquitoes. Out of the many intestinal worms that can infect humans, only four are harmful to humans: pinworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and whipworms. Having intestinal worms can cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. There are many home remedies for intestinal worms available to deworm the intestines.

Causes of Intestinal Worms

There are many ways in which worms can travel to the intestines of humans. The most common way by which worms can potentially find their way to the intestines is by direct ingestion. Possible causes of intestinal worm infestation may include-

• Consumption of raw or undercooked meat from an infected animal. 
• Consumption of contaminated water.
• Contamination by handling faecal matter and/or contaminated soil.
• Poor personal hygiene and environmental sanitation. 

Once the parasite gets inside the body, it can travel into the intestines, where it can reproduce and multiply. Once it starts growing in number, that is when symptoms begin to appear.

Symptoms of Intestinal Worms

Some people may not experience any symptoms of intestinal worms for many years, while others may start to experience these symptoms as the worms grow. Common symptoms of intestinal worms experienced by people may include-

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting and nausea
• Abdominal bloating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Abdominal tenderness 

People with intestinal worm infestations may experience dysentery, characterised by bloody stools. These worms can also cause itching and rashes near the rectum, and in women, even in the vulva. Passing worms during bowel movements is also a possible symptom

8 Food to Kill Intestinal Worms

There are various home treatments for stomach worms which can help to remove these worms from the intestines. 

1. Turmeric: Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties, which helps in removing all kinds of intestinal worms. Turmeric can be used in drinks, particularly milk or buttermilk and consumed daily. 

2. Unripe papaya: Unripe papaya is known to be a natural remedy for stomach worms as papaya, as well as its seeds, have anti-amoebic and anthelmintic properties, which help to eliminate intestinal worms without any side effects. The best way to consume papaya is to take out its juice and mix it with honey. This drink should be taken first thing in the morning. It should be taken for at least two days to see the effects.

3. Carrot: Carrots are rich in fibre and may help in eliminating intestinal worms. Raw carrots can be consumed on an empty stomach in the morning to get the best results. Eating carrots regularly in the morning not only helps in removing these worms but also prevents future infestations.

4. Neem: Neem is famously known for its antimicrobial properties. It can be used to remove stomach worms by grinding it into a paste and consuming it by mixing it with water in the morning on an empty stomach. This should be continued for a few days to observe the results.

5. Garlic: Garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It may even help to remove intestinal worms. It can be consumed raw to get rid of intestinal worms. Consume three cloves of garlic every day to see the effects. Garlic may even help to prevent future instances of stomach worm infestation. It is one of the best natural remedies for intestinal parasites.

6. Pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds contain certain compounds known as cucurbitacin, which have known anti-parasitic properties. This compound found in pumpkin seeds may work by paralysing the worms, thereby flushing them out along with the stools. To get the best results, mix a tablespoon of roasted pumpkin seeds with some water and coconut milk, optionally. This mixture should be taken every morning on an empty stomach for at least a week.

7. Coconut: Coconut is one of the best home remedies for intestinal worms. It has been found to target and destroy parasites as well as tapeworms. It can be consumed in the breakfast by crushing it and consuming a few tablespoons full of coconut. 

8. Cloves: Cloves have anti-parasitic and antiseptic properties, which can help to get rid of stomach worms along with their eggs. Cloves can be consumed in the form of juice by boiling in water, simmering for 5 minutes and then straining the mixture. This mixture should be taken quite a few times during the week for the best results.

Conclusion

There are several home remedies available to kill stomach worms, but if these remedies fail to improve the condition, it is important to seek professional medical advice to get rid of the worms and be on the safer side to prevent any complications.

FAQs

1. Can intestinal worms cause constipation?

Yes, certain types of intestinal worms, such as roundworms and tapeworms, can cause constipation as one of their symptoms. These worms can obstruct the intestines or disrupt normal bowel movements, leading to constipation.

2. Can intestinal worms cause skin problems?

Yes, some intestinal worms can cause skin problems. For example, hookworms can penetrate the skin and cause a skin condition known as cutaneous larva migrans. Additionally, certain types of parasites can cause itching, rashes, or allergic reactions on the skin.

3. Are intestinal worms common?

Intestinal worms are more common in certain parts of the world where sanitation and hygiene standards may be lower. However, they can occur anywhere, and anyone can become infected with intestinal worms, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status.

4. Are intestinal worms contagious?

Yes, intestinal worms can be contagious. Many types of intestinal worms can spread through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, contact with contaminated soil, or close contact with an infected person or animal. Proper hygiene, sanitation, and food safety practices can help prevent the spread of intestinal worms.

5. Can intestinal worms cause hair loss?

Intestinal worms are typically linked to gastrointestinal issues, but in severe cases or with specific parasites, they can lead to nutritional deficiencies, indirectly resulting in hair loss. However, it's important to note that hair loss isn't a typical symptom of most intestinal worm infections. If you're experiencing hair loss, it's essential to consider other potential underlying factors alongside intestinal worms.