10 Home Remedies For Pinworms
Pinworms are a type of parasite that inhabits the human digestive system. Infestation with pinworms occurs when pinworm eggs get into food or onto hands followed by transmission into the mouth and onward into the intestines. Once in the intestines, the eggs hatch into pinworms, which usually inhabit the anal area. They cause anal itchiness or a burning sensation. Pinworms are more common in young children of 2 to 10 years.
Adult pinworms are about one inch long and can be seen with the naked eye. Touching the infected anus can lead to transmission of the pinworms to food, utensils, and furniture. For this reason, it is critical to practice good hygiene at all times and especially if you suspect that you may be infected with pinworms.
Besides seeking treatment for infestation with this parasite, you can try the following 10 home remedies for pinworms.
Home Remedy #1: Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are one of the best-known traditional remedies for many gastrointestinal tract problems, including pinworms. The active compound in pumpkin seeds is curcurbitin, which is effective against parasites. Curcurbitin has the ability to paralyze the pinworms such that the worms lose their ability to hold on to the wall of the intestine. In this state, the worms can be eliminated easily from the digestive tract.
One study found that pumpkin seed extract can control gut parasitic infections. There are two ways to get rid of pinworms using pumpkin seeds. The first one involves consumption of 2 teaspoons of pumpkin seeds after a 12-hour fast. Follow this up with a drink of water or milk. Repeat this daily for 7 days. Alternatively, crush one tablespoon of dry pumpkin seeds with honey and eat it first thing in the morning for a week.
Home Remedy #2: Carrots
Carrots are a great remedy for pinworms that has been in use over many years to treat the symptoms and get rid of the worms. Carrots are rich in the vitamin A precursor called beta-carotene, which plays a part in strengthening the body’s defense against infection and disease. Beta carotene may also act as a deworming agent that kills the worms and their eggs. Carrots are also rich in fiber, which helps improve bowel movements such that the worms and their eggs are expelled from the gut.
To use carrots as a home remedy for pinworms, wash two or three carrots thoroughly and eat them on an empty stomach twice per day for 7 days.
Home Remedy #3: Papaya Seeds
This is yet another effective home remedy for pinworms. Papaya is a fruit that grows only in tropical areas where it has been used as a traditional remedy over the years. However, papaya is no longer limited to people in tropical areas. The fruit is now available for most of the year, making the use of papaya seeds a practical alternative across the world. Papaya and its seeds are used for many health conditions such as lowering the risk of heart problems, diabetes mellitus, cancers, and gastrointestinal tract problems, and improving blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
A 2012 study showed that papaya seeds are effective against worm infections in rats. They can eliminate parasites from the body especially H. diminuta. To use them for pinworms, just chew on a teaspoon of them on their own or with some honey.
Home Remedy #4: Wormwood
Wormwood is a traditional remedy used for treating pinworms in both humans and animals. All parts of the herb have medicinal properties. Besides fighting pinworms, wormwood is used medicinally for many other conditions. These include loss of appetite, stomach aches, intestinal problems, fever, liver problems, muscle pain, and other parasite infections.
Wormwood has been widely studied with many studies showing that it is effective in eliminating pinworms from the body. You can use it by adding it to your tea or any other hot drink. You may need to talk to your doctor before using wormwood. Also do not overuse it to prevent any complications.
Home Remedy #5: Apple Cider Vinegar
Another great natural remedy for parasites is apple cider vinegar. It is rich in B-vitamins and other beneficial properties. Apple cider vinegar improves the bowel movements and balances the gut’s pH. Despite the fact that it doesn’t taste good, many people get used to it after taking it for a while.
Apple cider vinegar can help fight pinworms infestation. You can use it as a wash or add it to meals or drinks. Apple cider vinegar lowers your gut’s pH to a level in which pinworms cannot survive. This leads to elimination of the worms and their eggs. To use apple cider vinegar as a remedy for pinworms, start with one tablespoon per day and increase this to two tablespoons once you can withstand the taste. Rinse your mouth with water after taking apple cider vinegar to prevent erosion of your teeth enamel.
Home Remedy #6: Castor Oil
Besides working as a natural remedy for many conditions, castor oil can help to clear pinworm infestation. Castor oil has both antibacterial and antiparasitic properties. As an antiparasitic, it can kill pinworms and destroy their eggs effectively. And because castor oil is a laxative, it helps to flush out the parasite and its eggs from the digestive system.
To use castor oil for pinworms, take one tablespoon daily for three days to one week. If you find the taste overwhelming, you can mix it with some coconut oil. Other medicinal uses of castor oil include relieving constipation, treating acne, and rejuvenating skin and hair.
Home Remedy #7: Grapefruit Seed Extract
Another great remedy for pinworms is grapefruit seed extract. For centuries, grapefruit seeds have been used to treat parasites like pinworms and others. That they are still in use is testament that they work. Grapefruit extract has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. These properties come in handy in keeping the digestive system clean and functional.
People living in areas where pinworms are common usually eat grapefruit to protect themselves against them. Those traveling to these areas may also buy grapefruit seed extract for preventive use. It is also possible that people who live in grapefruit-growing areas and who eat lots of it may have lower pinworm infestations. The recommended dose of grapefruit extract is 3 to 4 drops three times per day.
Home Remedy #8: Pineapple
Pineapples are popular with people because they are rich in vitamin C. Pineapples are also rich in manganese, copper, and some B vitamins. However, the most outstanding reason for most of the medicinal benefits of pineapples is the presence of the bromelain enzyme. Bromelain helps in protein digestion. It also prevents clots, is anti-inflammatory, and a powerful antiparasitic.
Bromelain kills pinworms and their eggs by destroying their outer membranes. To get rid of worms, drink pineapple juice regularly for a while. You can also include it in your diet for preventive purposes. Besides the juice, pineapple skin is also rich in bromelain. Therefore, don’t throw it away. You can boil them, sweeten with honey, and drink the beverage once daily to help keep your digestive system free from pinworms. Alternatively, you can try bromelain supplements.
Home Remedy #9: Bitter Gourd
Similar to pumpkin seeds, bitter gourd contains curcurbitin, an active compound that paralyzes pinworms and helps to expel them from the body. Additionally, bitter gourd boosts your immune system significantly. It contains several B vitamins including folate, vitamin C, and minerals like magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and fiber. These help to nourish your body and enable it to fight health issues including infestation with pinworms.
The only downside is that bitter gourd is really bitter. For this reason, it helps to choose the smaller sized fruits. Overuse of bitter gourd can also lead to diarrhea and stomach pain. For purposes of expelling pinworms, use it for only one week.
Home Remedy #10: Clove Essential Oil
Clove essential oil is one of the most powerful antibacterial and antiparasitic home remedies. A 2010 study suggested that clove kills bacteria and parasites by destroying their cellular membranes. It also inhibits growth of the organisms, which enables the immune system to get rid of them.
To boost the effectiveness of clove essential oil for pinworms, mix it with flaxseeds. If you are using the cloves in seed form, crush them together with flaxseeds and take the mixture on its own with some water. You can also add the powder to food, especially soft meals such as oatmeal. You can also take a tablespoon of the mixture daily.
