| The human body acts as a host to a large | | | | expel intestinal parasites. |
| number of parasites. These parasites are in the | | | | - Indian Aloe (Aloe barbadensis) |
| form of roundworms and flatworms, and they | | | | The Indian aloe is used especially in children to kill |
| are found in both adults as well as children. | | | | and expel parasites in the intestines due to its mild |
| However, children have a greater chance of | | | | action. The juice of the leaf is used for it purpose. |
| getting these intestinal parasites. Some of the | | | | It is condensed by boiling in water. |
| common worms that are found in human | | | | (2) Dietary Treatments for Parasites |
| intestines are:-a) Roundworms – pinworms, | | | | When there is a worm infestation, light diet must |
| threadwormsb) Flatworms – tapeworms | | | | be preferred which can be digested fast. If the |
| In Ayurveda, parasitic infestation in the digestive | | | | food remains in the bowels for longer time, then |
| system is called as Krimi Roga. Different worms | | | | the worms get a chance to breed more. Hence, |
| cause different problems with the digestive | | | | all spicy and oily foods must be avoided. The diet |
| system. Constipation, diarrhea, abdominal cramps | | | | should be kept vegetarian and perfectly natural, |
| are all common complications. In some cases, | | | | i.e. no synthetic substances must be consumed. |
| bronchitis, anemia, urticaria and fevers may also | | | | Sweet foods promote the growth of the worms; |
| occur. | | | | hence they must be avoided. Try to eat as many |
| (1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Parasites | | | | bitter foods as possible such as bitter gourd, |
| - Ash Gourd (Benincasa hispida) | | | | bitter drumstick and neem. Bitter foods can expel |
| Ash gourd can promote tissue growth within the | | | | the worms from the bowels. Fasting for a day is |
| digestive system. When taken with coconut milk it | | | | recommended. |
| helps to expel tapeworms and other such kind of | | | | (3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Parasites |
| intestinal parasites from the human body. | | | | There is a host of Ayurvedic preparations that |
| - Bamboo (Bambusa bambos) | | | | can be used to get rid of intestinal worms. These |
| The leaves of the bamboo plant are effective in | | | | are Krimi Kuthara rasa, Krimi Mudgara rasa, Krimi |
| the removal of threadworms. They are taken in | | | | Kalanala rasa, Krimi Hara rasa, Vidanga arishta, etc. |
| the form of a decoction when there is a | | | | These preparations are available at any Ayurvedic |
| threadworm complaint. | | | | shop, but you must take it in consultation with a |
| - Belleric Myrobalan (Terminalia belerica) | | | | physician so that the medicine specific to your |
| The belleric myrobalan is popularly known as | | | | cause can be given. |
| behera in Ayurveda. It is a component of the | | | | (4) Home Remedies for Parasites |
| Triphala choorna. In case of worm complaints, it is | | | | - Take about twenty drops of the juice of the |
| taken in mixture with the ground seeds of the | | | | raw turmeric and put a pinch of salt in it. This |
| palash. Behera with palash forms an excellent | | | | must be taken early in the morning. It is a good |
| anthelmintic, i.e. a medicine that helps fight worms. | | | | remedy to expel the worms while passing stools. |
| - Butea (Butea monosperma) | | | | - Extract the juice of a fresh radish. Add a pinch |
| The butea is also known as palash in Indian | | | | of salt to it. Drink this juice twice everyday; once |
| language. Its seeds have anthelmintic properties. | | | | in the morning and once in the evening. Continue |
| They are taken mixed with behera. Even | | | | this for four days. This will flush out all the wastes |
| otherwise, they can be taken as a paste with | | | | in the stomach along with the parasites. |
| honey. The seeds of the butea are excellent for | | | | - Buttermilk is a good remedy for curing intestinal |
| removal of roundworms and tapeworms. | | | | parasites, especially if they are very persistent |
| - Chirayata (Swertia chirata) | | | | and do not go despite other treatments. Add |
| The chirayata herb is remarkable for its | | | | some roasted cumin seed in the buttermilk, and |
| properties in the removal of all kinds of intestinal | | | | some salt and ground black pepper. This must be |
| worms. An infusion of the herb is prepared and | | | | drunk in a glassful quantity three to four times in |
| taken regularly during parasitic infestations. | | | | a day. Within a week, even the most resistant of |
| - East Indian Rosebay (Ervatamia coronaria) | | | | intestinal parasites will be removed from the guts. |
| The East Indian Rosebay is known as chandi, | | | | - Mix equal parts of bitter gourd leaves and |
| meaning silver in Ayurvedic medicine. Both its root | | | | coriander and keep them soaked overnight in |
| and its milky white sap possess anthelmintic | | | | twelve parts of water. Filter this water in the |
| properties. | | | | morning. Divide the filtered water into three parts |
| - Indian Acalypha (Acalypha indica) | | | | and drink them at equal intervals throughout the |
| The juice of the leaves of the Indian acalypha | | | | day. Within a few days the worms will be expelled |
| taken with a little garlic has good properties to | | | | from the digestive system. |