Pinworm infections can occur in any person regardless of age or health condition. However, it is more common among kids between 5 and 10 years of age and individuals who live in unhygienic, crowded condition.
Although pinworm infestation does not cause serious health problems, nonetheless, intense rectal itching triggered by the active worms can be quite annoying.Pinworms can be easily eliminated from the body with medications. If you prefer natural remedies to pharmaceutical drugs, you can try home remedies to get rid of the worms.
Home Remedies To Treat Human Pinworms
Medications
Albendazole and mebendazole based medications are commonly used for treating pinworms. A single tablet is usually sufficient for killing the worms. The exact dosage of the medicine depends on the age of the patient.
Although adult pinworms can be killed with a single dose of the medication, the eggs may survive, and within a few weeks, they may hatch to produce new worms. To prevent pinworm infection recurrence, a second dose of the anti-parasitic medicine has to be taken after two weeks.
Olive Leaf
The leaf of the olive tree contains compounds that can kill the harmful parasites living in the gastrointestinal tract. In folk medicine, olive leaf extract is widely used for treating pinworm infestation.
People suffering from pinworm infestation can take supplements containing up to 500mg of olive leaf extract. Lower doses are recommended for children and people on diabetes and blood pressure medications.
Wormwood
Among the different wormwood species, Artemisia absinthium, commonly known as bitter wormwood, can expel the pinworms from the gastrointestinal tract.The anti-parasitic property of the herb is primarily attributed to its active components, namely absinthin and sesquiterpene lactones, that can weaken the membrane of the worms.
Several anti-parasitic formulations are available in chemist stores that combine wormwood with extracts of other herbs such as clove and black walnut. A small dose of wormwood extract is usually sufficient for killing the worms and their eggs.Excess use can cause headaches, giddiness and epileptic-like condition. This herb is not recommended for people with stomach ulcers and on anti-seizure medicines.
Garlic
The anti-parasitic components of garlic can eliminate parasites from the intestine, regardless of their species. Consuming two to three cloves of garlic daily helps to reduce the risk of pinworm infestation.
Increase Fiber Intake
You can get rid of the pinworms by packing your daily meals with fiber rich vegetables and fruits. Dietary fibers do not act directly on the parasites. Instead, they ease bowel movement, which can help to transport the worms outside the anus. You can also attain the same result by consuming two teaspoons of psyllium husk with a glass of water or warm milk daily.
Papaya Seeds
Papaya seed is a traditional treatment for pinworm infection. Papaya seeds contain enzymes that kill the worms by damaging their cell walls. Given the hot flavor of the seeds, they should be taken with honey.
Pineapple
Regular consumption of pineapple helps to kill pinworms. Bromelain, a type of digestive enzyme present in pineapple, destroys the worms by weakening their membranes. You can also get rid of the worms with bromelain supplements.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.