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tx
digestive system
Intestinal worms
Integrative Therapies

Home Care

Pinworms, or threadworms, are parasites that live in the small intestine. They come out through the anus to lay eggs at night. Pinworms are about a third of an inch long and look like white threads. Often, some of them can be discovered in the bowel movements. The chief symptoms of pinworms are a rash, itching, and redness of the rectum. The irritation also brings on insomnia. Pinworms can cause an irritation of the intestinal lining, resulting in reduced absorption of nutrients.

They are usually transmitted by a person getting eggs under the fingernails when scratching the rectum. The eggs may then contaminate food and other things you may touch. You can get reinfected by putting your hands in or near your mouth. This is why keeping your hands, the rest of your body, and your immediate environment scrupulously clean is an important part of getting rid of pinworms.

It is often difficult to completely get rid of the worms. They are easily spread, and they may be passed back and forth between people who live in close contact. If the problem continues for more than 4 or 5 days or if reinfection occurs, consult a physician for treatment.


THE PROPER DIET IN CASES OF PIN WORMS WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

• Avoid sugar-containing foods, such as candy, pop, and pastries. This feeds the worms and slows the immune system.

• Raw carrots can help to expel worms. Consume 4 or more daily servings of grated carrots.


THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS CAN BE USED:

• Iron – 30 milligrams, 3 times per day for an adult. Look for the manufacturer's suggested dosage for children.

• A multivitamin and mineral – This will replace depleted nutrients. Take daily according to the product label. Make sure the supplements are free of sugar, yeast, and artificial ingredients.


HERBS FOR PIN WORMS:

• Garlic – 3 to 4 raw cloves daily. For easier consumption, the cloves can be grated or crushed and taken with olive oil or with food such as grated carrot salad or honey. Garlic capsules may be used with each meal. Also, coat a clove of garlic with olive oil and insert it gently into the rectum each evening before bedtime.

• Wormseed or Wormwood tincture – 10 to 30 drops 4 times per day on an empty stomach for an adult and 5 to 10 drops for children. It is a very bitter herb, so you may want to take it in capsule form – 1 to 2 capsules 4 times a day.


HOMEOPATHY:

• Cina 6c: For both children and adults, dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue 4 times per day for 4 days.

Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful complementary therapy for individuals with intestinal parasites. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.


Whatever course of action you choose, do it for 10 days and then repeat it after 2 weeks to expel the worms that were just eggs at the first treatment.


AS ADDITIONAL MEASURES FOR PIN WORMS:

• Wash bedding, night clothes, and towels daily in hot water.

• Apply a sulfur ointment to relieve itching. Wash your hands in hot, soapy water after each application.

• Take into account that, often, all members of the family will need to be under care.


Clinic

Footnotes

BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.