Thinking of embarking on a round the world travelling adventure, seeing all the sights your eyes can perceive and eating as many local delicacies as you can stomach? Well, don’t let the horror stories of bugs, parasites and the rest found in street food stalls with less than sanitary practices put you off. While fortunately these media stories are few and far between, these little critters can occasionally make their way into your body through various sources like pork products, shellfish, unclean water, and other contaminated food.
But our obsession with eating around the world won’t be diminished by this, and neither should yours. Of course, you should always see a doctor and get the proper treatment and medication should you become the victim of a parasite, but there are also a host of natural remedies that some health practitioners recommend to help cleanse the body and ward off parasite infections. These are those; our 5 IDEAL remedies for natural treatment of parasites when travelling.
GARLIC
When it comes to homemade remedies, the natural anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants in garlic are widely harnessed to combat a number of health problems. It’s no surprise, then, that garlic is one of the most common natural ingredients used to destroy parasites and also reduce unwanted microbes in your gut. It contains a broad spectrum of antimicrobial properties that fight not only parasites but also bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Apart from killing parasites, garlic can counteract the growth of worms in your body; a double win, we think. As if that wasn’t enough, the magic ingredient can also purify your intestine and as such, is often recommended to patients suffering from stomach upsets, diabetes, and hypertension. Is there anything this bulb can’t do?
BLACK WALNUT
Black walnut contains large quantities of juglone, one of the essential cytotoxic compounds that the body requires to give gut health a boost. Experts believe that juglone can fight many bacteria and parasites such as Aspergillus sp., Hansenula sp., Penicillium sp., Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and S. aureus, when deployed carefully and correctly. Its mildly laxative nature can serve to eliminate dead microbes and may even protect your cardiovascular health, too. Moderation with this one is key, however.
SWEET WORMWOOD
The function of sweet wormwood is similar to that of organic health pills, helping to prevent parasite infestation and purify the body from various toxins. Sweet wormwood is a potent antiparasitic agent that improves the immune function of the user. Many studies have also suggested that this herb has anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory properties that are useful for the human body. We await further scientific findings with a keen eye.
PUMPKIN SEEDS
Pumpkin seeds contain high amounts of fatty acids, amino acids, Palatine, cucurbitine, and berberine. A lot of impenetrable jargon? Yep, us too. But to simplify, research on these seeds shows that they are excellent in fighting intestinal parasites, with an anti-parasitic property which not only kills parasites and prevents them from growing but also keeps your immune system healthy. Additionally, you develop a better digestive system because your intestines are free from the parasites that usually cause stomach upsets and chronic fatigue. A super seed, make no mistake.
GRAPEFRUIT SEEDS
Speaking of which, grapefruit seed is also a popular remedy in fighting parasites as it contains high quantities of citrus bioflavonoids. This is a highly effective compound with anti-microbial and antioxidant properties. Herperidin, present in grapefruit seed, is well-known for its antimicrobial effects. Experts explain that these seeds combined with geranium can kill parasites in your body and prevent them from growing back again. The high potency phytochemicals in these seeds have anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties.