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An uncomfortable tickle in the back of my throat was the first clue I had of internal worms. I was in my car and had just parked, so I looked in the sun visor’s mirror, opening my mouth to look at the back of my throat. I saw what looked like a worm disappear into the flesh behind my uvula. I actually couldn’t believe my eyes, so I half thought I didn’t see what I saw. This post shares what happened next to assure me I had roundworms and the natural remedies I used before having a stool test to reassure me I was parasite-free. If you have worms I hope this post is helpful. The horror of having parasites can be put into the past as you efficiently help your body to regain its proper balance and prevent further illness. I have written before about diatomaceous earth; this post expounds on that treatment and goes into more specifics with multiple natural and herbal antiparasitics for worms.
How I Knew I Had Worms
The day after I saw the worm in the back of my throat I woke up with an earache. I immediately suspected worms because of the prior day’s sighting. Later that day, I felt a tickle in one of my nostrils. The tickle was extreme. I ran to the bathroom, grabbed a few sheets of toilet paper and blew my nose with a shiver. What came out was a worm! Almost two years have passed since that incident, but until now I was a bit too traumatized by the experience to share all of the details. I finally feel distanced enough from the ordeal that I’m happy to share and hopefully help some of you. But know: If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of worms inside you, you’re not alone. Internal worms are hard and gross to fathom, and yet millions of people on our planet have them! According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Ascaris roundworms are the most common parasite worldwide. (source and source) Another source states that approximately one billion people worldwide, mostly in tropical regions, have Ascaris roundworms, and approximately 60,000 people die annually from their infestation. (source)
Uncommon in most parts of the United States, I contracted my roundworms in the Bahamas. I had the worm from my nose sent to a lab so I could deduce its source and thus prevent the problem in the future. The variety of worms I had are called Ascaris lumbricoides. Ascaris are commonly found in and transferred to humans in developing nations. The worms are found on produce that hasn’t been washed properly, in water exposed to feces and sometimes on farms, through infected soil or water. When contracted in the United States, ascariasis (the condition of having the worms) occurs mostly in the Southeast, on farms or in rural settings with animals. Ascariasis is one of the most common worm infections worldwide, although it often leaves its victims with no symptoms. (source)
How then was I so “fortunate” to see my worms twice?! I’ll tell you what I think: One, I was taking red root! Red root is a tincture (find it here) I was taking because it was spring, and I like to detox my body seasonally. Red root cleans out the lymphatic system, which is where Ascaris larvae travel on their way from the intestines to the lungs. Patients who do see the worms during infestation often cough them up, because Ascaris also often travel up the throat. Having one in the back of my throat and a second in my nostril suggested to my doctor (with whom I consulted) that there were many (I know, so gross), and the combination of using red root and the worms being in their larvae stage (traveling upward toward my lungs) allowed me to see them and witness their locations. My doctor said that if I saw one, I could be sure there were many.
The life cycle of Ascaris worms starts in the stomach, because in most cases the patients ingest worm eggs. From the stomach, the larvae hatch in the small intestine, using the human as a host to mature into worm. Ascaris larvae migrate through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system to the lungs. Presence in the lungs then sometimes causes symptoms: coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath. Ascaris then travel to the throat where they are swallowed or sometimes coughed up. After being swallowed, the larvae mature into adult worms and spend their life in the small intestines. Here they mate and produce up to 200,00 eggs per day. Occasionally the roundworms cause abdominal pain, fatigue, vomiting, malnutrition or weight loss, or they can pass fully through the alimentary canal and come out in the stool. Some of the eggs produced leave the body in the feces. Ascaris worms can get as long as fifteen inches and a quarter inch in diameter. The process of Ascaris worms developing — from egg to mature worm producing more eggs — takes two to three months.
Our visit to the Bahamas to my first worm sighting somewhat matched this time frame: We went at the end of December through early January, and I saw the worms in early May. We were also living on a farm with animals after our visit to the Bahamas, but the farm is in Oregon, where the climate is not tropical; so the Bahamas are a much more likely source.
Natural Parasite Remedies
Two main reasons exist for me to use natural parasite remedies instead of an antiparasitic medicine:
- One study showed only a 66% success rate using an anthelminthic (antiparasitic) drug to treat Ascaris. (source)
- Natural treatments are more effective. (sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) When two or more natural parasite treatments are used together, 100% eradication of parasites is expected. See the best options below.
What I Did
The same I day I blew the worm from my nose, I started taking raw garlic, oregano oil and a biofilm disruptor. Garlic is an effective and affordable antiparasitic remedy. Oregano oil is one of the strongest natural treatments for pathogen overgrowth, so I figured it would be helpful while I created a more researched plan. I also used our infrared sauna regularly. Meanwhile, I sent a photo of the worm to my doctor in Washington, and I brought the actual worm to my local doctor to have it tested. After hearing back from my doctor in Washington, I began the following regimen:
- Wormwood tincture (find it here, and please see more on dosage below)
- The best mineral-sourced diatomaceous earth (find it here)
- Cina homeopathic (find it here)
Some of these remedies work best on an empty stomach:
- I took the wormwood tincture 30 minutes before meals, 3 times a day.
- The dosage my doctor gave me for the DE capsules was two capsules three times daily with meals for two weeks, then one with meals for four more weeks. I continued to take one each morning with breakfast for an additional year and a half.
- I took three of the homeopathic pellets three times daily, separated from food.
Drink plenty of water when taking DE. DE not only dehydrates the parasites and attracts them for excretion, it helps to usher them out of the body. Drinking plenty of water helps that process. The form and dosage of DE I used does not cause constipation in my experience; it’s mineral sourced (contains elemental calcium as calcium phosphate from soft rock phosphate) and is well utilized by the body.
Regarding Cina, interestingly, the homeopathic is derived from an herb known as wormseed that was used in ancient Rome and Greece for intestinal worms.
Other natural antiparasitics that may be considered include:
- Clove, Black walnut, Uva ursi, Olive leaf (excellent product!), Rosemary and Thyme
- Papaya Leaf Extract (find it here) — I really like this remedy because it has PubMed studies to back it up. In one Nigerian study, children with various parasites who were treated with papaya elixir saw a 71.4%-100% clearance. (source)
Complimentary Treatments
In addition to the use of internal antiparasitics, healing modalities can support the removal of parasites from the body:
- Infrared sauna treatments raise the body’s core temperature and create an inhospitable environment for parasites. (In my opinion, this is the best infrared sauna available.)
- Ozone-oxygenated Magnesium and Citric Acid offer a form of Ozone therapy, clearing out waste from the intestinal tract. Oxy Powder (find it here) is a great product for cleansing the intestinal tract. This product not only helps to flush out worms killed by antiparasitics, it also creates an inhospitable environment for pathogens and toxins. If there’s history of constipation or backed up fecal matter, this supplement is a good one to consider.
Wormwood Dosage and Use
In the The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook by James A. Duke, Ph. D., dosage options are listed as follows:
One-quarter to 1/2 teaspoon of a liquid extract daily,
1 teaspoon of the dried herb in a cup of hot water up to three times a day before or after meals, or
10-20 drops of wormwood tincture stirred into a glass of water three times a day before meals.
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a powerful herb and must be used according to recommended dosages. Depending on the variety, it can contain a toxic chemical called Thujone, and should not be used for longer than 4 weeks unless under doctor supervision. Wormwood must never be used by pregnant women, and those with kidney or liver disease.
For children 40 to 65 lb, Duke uses a quarter of the amount of an adult dose, and only for 14 days on, 7 days off, then 14 days on, and then that is all.
For children 65 to 90 lb, Duke uses one third the amount of an adult dose, and only for 14 days on, 7 days off, then 14 days on, and then that is all.
For children, try wormwood in honey or juice, depending on how old the children being treated are, but if they can swallow capsules, that is the best way to avoid the flavor.
Find wormwood tincture here. Find wormwood capsules here.
Children with Worms
While many sites discuss the lack of hygiene associated with contracting roundworms, and there is certainly truth to that correlation, other sources (including firsthand accounts from friends from the Southeast) say that roundworms are just a part of farm life for “normal” families in certain climates. I like what one site says about this:
Kids…running around barefoot…rolling down grassy meadows…regularly getting in contact with animals of all sorts. Farm animals, household cats and dogs, animals at a friend’s house….the list goes on. The thing is, worms and parasites are very common and can have severe health effects if allowed to build up. Preschool and kindy kids often forget to wash their hands. Anywhere there are lots kids together – school, daycare, sports events – you can be sure there is a worm population … You can give a 30c of this remedy to your children 1-2 times daily for a few days every few months to help get rid of any worms. The best time of the month to give Cina is around the full moon as intestinal worms love to breed at this time. A daily dose for 3 days around this time will keep you and your family from being an unexpected host!” [sic] (source)
Take note of the slightly different dosage suggested for children, and remember that with homeopathics less is more.
What about you? Please share your comments below. I’d love to hear about your experiences with worms and remedies.
Interested in resolving internal or external pathogen overgrowth? Read here about herbal remedies, supplements and diet. For thrush or vaginal yeast infections, read this post.
Lindsey Dietz says
Oh Megan! I am so sorry you had this traumatizing thing! I would’ve freaked out, too! This is such helpful information. I’m definitely pinning just in case!
Megan says
Thanks Lindsey! I appreciate the pin, and I’m glad you’ll have it as a resource. I’m glad for all I’ve learned; that’s the upside! 😉
Christian Torres says
Can I speak with you as I just found out I’m having this issue
Lea says
Thanks so much for sharing this terrible experience so we can hopefully avoid it, or wcs , treat it! We live in the country….with animals….and barefoot kids…think Cina is going on the menu for sure!
mary ryan says
thanks for posting! great info to have just in case! ( I was squiriing just reading it!!) lol
Marilyn Spence says
Hi Megan;
Just reading your experience is scarey. Should a person who lives in a Northern cold climate be at all concerned if no symptoms appear.
Thanks
Megan says
Hi Marilyn, thank you for your comment and question. Good news: The worms can not survive cold climate winters! So this is not a problem in Northern, cold regions. 🙂 Those who live in the South, visit the South or travel for tropical vacations should be aware.
Disturbed says
Interesting that everything says cold climates don’t need to worry. My three year passed an adult ascarius and we live in Northern Michigan! 20 below temperatures last winter too! We have not visited the tropics, but we do eat produce that comes form there. Not sure how we got them, but it seems she isn’t alone in our home. It was very disturbing!
Megan Stevens says
Very helpful information. Thanks for sharing that. Imported produce is a good point to consider!
Tessa Simpson says
Oh man, I can’t even imagine how grossed out I would be if this happened to me!! You are my brave friend!
linda spiker says
This is fascinating! That said, I am so sorry you had to deal with this! Yikes!
Renee D Kohley says
This is FASCINATING! My middle one had parasites when she was 2 – it was the WORST! We used wormwood as well and she was a whole new kid by the next full moon! I’m horrified that you actually saw the worm – crazy! LOL!
Michelle says
Great Information, currently dealing with this. Do you know how long it took for the worms to die off?
Thanks for the information, this will save anyone from these monsters.
Kiran Smith says
WOW! What a story! One of my daughters has battled pinworms and also a parasite; this is great information for me to save and potetially use. I’ve heard great things about DE. Thanks for sharing!
Kiran Smith says
WOW! What an amazing story! My 12 year-old had pinworms and then a parasite – the worst. Saving this in case we need it again in the future. Wormwood was a savior and I’ve heard great things about DE. Thank you!
raiatodd says
I don’t know what to say except I’m so glad you were able to get rid of them. Now I’m going to go throw up…
CHIHYU says
Oh my goodness. I am just glad you are fine now and thank you for sharing it with us. You are so knowledgable !
Tash says
Holy moly! What an awful experience that must have been! Thanks for providing such a good protocol to get rid of them. I will definitely be pinning this to keep on hand…just in case. Though I hope I won’t need it!
Stephanie says
Hi. About how long did you do your protocol?
Like how many weeks, or months?
Thanks!
Megan says
Hi Stephanie, 6 weeks is the usual time frame for the strongest herbs and remedies, and then herbs can be scaled back to a maintenance dose. I did not have flu-like symptoms from the killing off of worms, but years earlier I did when I combated candida overgrowth. Best wishes!
Stephanie says
Thank you so much for this article, much appreciated! 🙂
I have heard some that do the cleanses have flu-like symptoms, and
even mood swings etc while getting rid of those nasty buggers. If you had any negative symptoms, about how long do they last? I’m trying to gear up for any effects. lol
Lilu says
This kind of worm can be expel by taking 1 single homeopathic remedy in potency, and they get out by mostly coughing up. I seen it even in cats. Cat coughs regularly, but no symptoms of lung problems. I remedy – and worms out. It was NOT Cina 30. Also, no need of taking overload of supplements.
Colette says
What is it I feel I have worms in my nose worse when I go to bed if it’s not Cina what is it .thank you.
Cameron Proctor says
Hello Megan! My name is Cameron. I just wanted a little insight as I have been battling something for 5 years now and it has taken a toll on me. My entire life i have always been full of energy, love, and laughter. Up until 5 years ago I was fit and healthy mentally and physically. I went to the gym every single day and I loved life. I have never had any medical conditions and I have no history of mental illness. I have zero history of any health issues in my family at all. Come 5 years ago when all of this started for me we had just gotten a puppy. When we got this puppy we had no idea of the amount of fleas and worms it had. I was sleeping with it and woke up to fleas all over my body. Again at this point I was still fine. Months later I started to feel terrible. Joint and muscle pain…brain fog and confusion….beyond terrible headaches….and to top it off anxiety and depression….I didn’t even know what anxiety or depression felt like until then/now. I thought it was maybe a phase and that I was sick. I ended up getting a bad sinus infection and thought that it would pass. It did not pass. Over the course of the last 5 years my life has been excruciating hell. I don’t know what to do anymore. I feel like I have lost all hope to go on. Whatever is happening to me has ruined my life and my relationships. Everything in my life was perfect at the time until this happened. I can only think that i got a parasite from the dog or something. I have been to every doctor imaginable and have had every test you can think of and they always say that I’m fine. Do you think that this could be parasites? I don’t know how much longer I can live or if these things will kill me. I’m so scared. I would give anything to be myself again. I ask that you could please help me and I would be forever grateful and in your debt. Please help me get my life back. Thank you for letting me share. I hope to hear from you and thank you so much for your story.
Megan says
Hi Cameron, I’m so sorry for your great suffering and struggles!! I can’t advise you specifically, because I’m not a doctor. I recommend you find a naturopathic or functional doctor and ask her about starting wormwood tincture and DE, as well as colloidal silver, Cina homeopathic and exploring what other issues may play in. You may decide to start silver and an herbal regimen to see how it affects your symptoms. But seeing a doctor will be great so you can address the mental health issues and any possible issues of toxicity or other health concerns.
Tatiana says
Cameron, please do follow through with the natural anti-parasitic protocol Megan has suggested.
Jonathan Otto, I heard him speak regarding the correlation between a very common parasite, toxoplasmic gondii, and mental health issues, even suicide attempts. And that was only one of the 90 common parasites that can live in people. (Never mind the over 300 that have the ability to live inside a human!)
I trust you will recover from this.
I hope you are doing better Cameron.
(Sorry to hijack the thread, the topic definitely made me shiver!)
If I have been taking only DE, is there any specific addition to assist in the removal of dead ‘bugs’?
Cristina says
Or it can also be helicobacter pilori, which gives pretty much all these symptoms. Or a combination (helico + toxoplasmosis))… When u get helico, chances are that u then contract parasites as well. So, worth checking yourself thoroughly for helicobacter (when u do the blood test, ask the doc to test u for both helico and toxoplasmosis and eventually, toxocara)
S says
i think there was historically an herb for toxoplasmosis, I think the common name was sock destroyer. I’m sorry, i don’t remember the other name right now, but thats enough info to start researching.
Toni Harms says
I understand how you feel and my story is very similar. For 4 years things have progressively gotten worse and 4 months ago things turned drastic. I couldn’t hold down food for 2 months and severe pain. Drs could t figure anything out and suggested removing my gallbladder to see if it helped. At this point I found Dr. Mike at Spirit of Health Kc. I did an online appointment and it has been life changing. He suspected mold build up and parasites along with other things. I was put on a regimen called Cell Core. I have been following it for 2 months and had seen some questionable things in my stools but today I found a worm looking exactly like what this poster posted. It’s traumatizing and horrifying but I try to remember that they are dying and coming out and that’s a good thing. I would for sure find a naturalpath or even give Spirit of Health a call. A naturalpath will listen to you and look at your body as a whole to see what’s going on instead of just trying to quiet your symptoms with medication. Hope you find healing soon.
Ada says
Hi Cameron, It’s been about a year since you posted, but in case you’re still going through all that, I wanted to say that when you described your health issues, it sounded exactly like a friend of mine who ended up being diagnosed with Lyme Disease. Some doctors do not recognize it as a real disease, and it is controversial, but you may want to look into it and natural ways people treat it.
I hope you feel better and heal up!
Toni Harms says
Thank you so much for this post. This is not something I feel at all comfortable with talking to others about and has left me feeling alone. It’s nice to know I’m not the o my one.
Marian says
This is bad. I have ascaris from many months. I found a worm in my nose. It was disqusting. I took albendazol but those things are still alive. I thought it was sinus problem. I feel much better after drinking the drug. My head doesnt hurt like before.I have brain fog too but im not sure if its from them. I eat a lot of garlic but you need something stronger. I stopped to touch cats and dogs. They have parasites. My doctor told me you must wash the food well. They are so little u cant see them. Hope one day they will be gone forever
Darlene Armenta says
What did you take? I am glad you feel better.
coni dutka says
I am searching daily for a parasite detox that does not include worm wood. My daughter has epilepsy and can not use worm wood in any way, since it is a definite trigger for seizures. I’m hoping to find a product soon as she has a seizure with every full moon. I have been told that parasite eggs hatch during that time and this triggers her seizures.
Thanks for any input.
Neiko says
I don’t know how long ago you posted, but you should look into “neem” if wormwood can’t be used. And talk to a naturalpath dr.
anonymous says
look up taking cina during full moon
Mary says
Definitely can get them in your nose and everywhere else. Mine are through my Septum. You heard me right. Meghan is right about cold weather but for those of us who travel. My nose was filled with them. A worm pulled at the thing back of the neck. I literally watch them come down from the sinuses. Can’t see naked eye but definitely with mirror. Horrifying. I need nose job with cadaver bone.
Kelly bundy says
First off just want 2 say thank u 4 being brave enough 2 post this terrifying story !!!!
I have been thinking I’ve been losing my mind n going did I just see worms coming out of throat nose ears n on my head 2. N I didn’t believe is this really happing but has been 4 last 3-5 yrs n I go 2 Dr or ER n where I live n Keokuk Iowa has very old shitty hospital they still n 2022 have 2 fill out actual real paper forms n is very time consuming. N I hate hospitals n Dr offices have Serve aniexty going n to them let alone. I tell them what’s going on n they don’t even acknowledge it tell me maybe I need 2 get on anti depressants n anti psychiats. N that THERE is no way I could b. Having worms come out all the places I say don’t even look 4 them. N we DON’T have a MRI machine it’s 25-35 miles 2 EVEN get that done n when my car has been broken down 4 a 2 months now n even sadder 2 say I don’t have any family or friends that aren’t busy working or with there kids. I TOTALLY understand that . n then I try 2 do virtual Drs online it seems they will keep giving me ivermectin or albenzol but it just isn’t working or. Of course my insurance don’t want 2 pay 4 it n I think really gotta n fucking kidding me here I have. Worms inside my body crawling out n. Hiding n multiplying n don’t even the numbers on it cause I WILL not be able 2 sleep or stop thinking n my crazy beautiful mind about it n it just is very sad time n my lifetime right now n I’m trying 2 stay positive. N constantly eat cloves of garlic n ginger. Is there anything. Else I can do 2 include n my diet food wise or naturally. U could please recommend??
.
Shelley says
How did you know you had fully eliminated the worms?
Megan says
My N.D. tested me, stool test and a scanner he has.
Lisa McDonald says
Thanks for all the wonderful info. I did some reading on DE and it says to take on an empty stomach. This rationale is due to the highly absorbent properties of DE. DE can cause the active ingredients of supplements/medications to be absorbed. Any thoughts on this?
Megan says
The first doctor who had me take DE (years before this incident) had me take it 15 minutes before a meal. The second, for this situation, with meals. But certainly you can take it separate from supplements/meds to be on the safe side.
Chelsea Kissiah says
Thank you so much for this!
I live in NC and have chickens/goats
I am probably going to do this tx for my kids and myself but I wanted to ask, is it something that could be done as a prophylactic? If so, how often would you think? Every other month?
I know you can get worms from produce so how do you avoid that..? Especially from fruits you don’t wash, such as bananas? Just curious if you could provide any insight!
I love this in-depth article! I will definitely use it!
Also, I love the Sauna Space sauna.
Megan says
I don’t think you’ll get worms from bananas, but washing produce in a vinegar water solution can be helpful, especially if you do a short soak, and then rinse. Internally for prevention, you could do the Cina homeopathic each month at the full moon, when worms tend to breed. 30c of this remedy 1-2 times daily for a few days. 🙂
Aye Prell says
That source says papaya seeds and you posted a leaf tincture I’m confused
Megan says
Hi Aye, the post says, Papaya Leaf Extract. Can you tell me where you’re seeing papaya seeds? Thanks!
Aye Prell says
You are the one that posted the source that says seeds not leaf
Here
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17472487/
Megan says
Hi Aye, both the seeds and the leaves kill parasites and worms. Here’s one study citing the leaves, but it needs to be downloaded as I did on my computer to read the whole article. You’ll have enough info from this link to look it up: https://eatbeautiful.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/papaya-leaf-worms-study.jpg There are other studies as well.
Lea says
Hi Meagan,
Planning on doing this for my farm kids this week! I am 20 weeks pregnant, so obviously can’t take some of the stuff. But do you know is Cina is considered safe during pregnancy? I’ll look it up too, but I value your holistic perspective and figured others may want to know also. Thanks in advance!
Megan says
Hi Lea, I can’t say for sure, so unfortunately if you don’t have an ND you can ask, this is a question for a naturopathic doctor. Best!!
Sara says
Hi Megan, I don’t have the extra money to test for parasites, but could you pinpoint one treatment that would likely get rid of any parasite? Thank you for all your info!
Megan says
Hi Sara, that’s a hard choice. My doctor who told me about Cina felt that was enough, so it may be as effective as you need for $10.
Mari says
Hello Megan,
Thank you again for sharing your well researched and thoughtful advise. I’ve just discovered your site and am very thankful of your generous sharing. Would you mind repost your infrared sauna recommendation. I’ve been looking for one and trust your assessment.
However the link you show is coming up as a 404 error. Would you please let me know which model you use and like?
thanks again!
Megan says
Hi Mari, happy to help, and thank you for letting me know about the 404 error (I’ll correct that!). I personally have and use the Photon model, which I purchased because we already owned a full size sauna, so I wanted to save money on our infrared. If I were to do it again, I’d go ahead and buy the Tungsten, as one might as well get the best if you’re going to do it, even if you have to save up first. Blessings, and thank you for your kind words!! 🙂