Understanding Parasites: Types, Symptoms & Herbal Allies to Fight Back

Nikki
Jul 10
4 min read

Updated: Jul 27

Let’s talk about a topic that might make you squirm a little: parasites. Yep, those unwanted freeloaders that can live in our bodies without us even knowing. But before you panic—take a breath. Parasites are more common than most people think, and thankfully, nature has equipped us with powerful herbal allies to help us kick them to the curb.

I have heard many people state how they are afraid of "what's going to come out", when doing a parasite cleanse, but to that I say... Do you want them to stay and mulitply? Eat your nutrients, wreck havoc on your digestive system? Keep you from sleeping well?

As an herbalist, I’ve seen firsthand how restoring balance in the body often starts with clearing out what shouldn’t be there. Parasites can be a hidden root cause of fatigue, bloating, brain fog, itchy skin, teeth grinding at night, anal itching or even food cravings. The good news? Herbs have been used for centuries to gently but effectively cleanse the body of these invaders.

🦠 The Different Types of Parasites (and How We Get Them)

1. Protozoa

Microscopic single-celled organisms like Giardia or Entamoeba histolytica.

Common sources:

Contaminated drinking water
Unwashed produce
International travel
Poor hygiene

2. Helminths (Parasitic Worms)

These include roundworms, pinworms, tapeworms, and flukes.

Common sources:

Undercooked pork, beef, or fish
Walking barefoot on contaminated soil
Poor handwashing or exposure to fecal matter

3. Ectoparasites

These include lice, mites, and fleas, which may carry internal parasites too.

Common sources:

Contact with household pets
Shared bedding, towels, or personal care items
Outdoor exposure (camping, livestock care)

🌿 Herbal Allies That Help Clear Parasites

Here are some of the most effective herbs used traditionally for parasite cleansing, with notes on safety for kids and pets:

Herb	Key Benefit	Safe for Kids?	Safe for Pets?
Wormwood	Kills intestinal worms	❌	✅ (small dose, short term)
Black Walnut Hull	Potent anti-parasitic, esp. for worms	❌	✅ (small dose, short term)
Clove	Kills parasite eggs	✅ (tiny amounts in blends)	❌
Neem	Interrupts parasite life cycle	❌	✅ (topical or in pet formulas)
Garlic	Broad-spectrum antimicrobial	✅ (raw or aged garlic)	✅ (especially in food)
Barberry / Oregon Grape	Berberine-rich, supports liver and gut	❌	✅ (with caution)
Pumpkin Seeds	Paralyzes worms gently	✅	✅
Thyme	Antimicrobial and antiparasitic	✅ (tea or tincture)	✅
Quassia Bark	Strong bitter for worm expulsion	❌	❌
Diatomaceous Earth (food-grade)	Mechanical expulsion of parasites	✅ (small amount in water)	✅ (in food)

🧪 How to Use These Herbs (And Why Detox Pathways Matter)

Most anti-parasitic herbs are taken in combination for synergy, over a 2–4 week period, followed by a break. This allows your body to expel parasites in all life stages.

However, killing parasites isn’t enough—you must also eliminate them properly. That means keeping your elimination pathways open so your body can flush out waste.

Support your detox pathways with:

Daily bowel movements: If you’re constipated, parasites and their toxins linger longer. My Apex Laxative Capsules can help gently encourage movement.
Hydration: Drink plenty of clean, filtered water.
Exercise: Even light movement improves circulation and lymphatic flow.
Lymphatic brushing: Dry brushing helps move lymph, supporting detoxification.
Sweating: Saunas or movement help release toxins through the skin.

If elimination channels are not open, you may feel more detox symptoms from the die-off of the parasites. These detox symptoms can feel like a cold: itchy eyes, runny nose, headache, and nausea.

Binders like my Capture Capsules (made with activated charcoal, bentonite clay, zeolite, and more) can help mop up parasite die-off, but are NOT necessary. Make sure if you are taking a binder, to also drink lots of water.

Important: Do not take binders within 1–2 hours of medications or supplements—they can interfere with absorption.

🥦 What to Eat During a Parasite Cleanse

Diet is key! Parasites thrive in sugary, processed environments. Help starve them out and nourish your body by eating:

✅ Best Foods:

Cooked vegetables, leafy greens, and fiber-rich foods
Garlic, onions, ginger, turmeric
Clean protein (beans, pastured meat, eggs)
Pumpkin seeds, papaya seeds, coconut
Bone broth and herbal teas (like ginger or thyme)

🚫 Avoid:

Sugar (even honey, juice, dried fruit)
Processed foods and refined grains
Alcohol and caffeine
Dairy (can be mucus-forming)

How Often Should I Do A Parasite Cleanse?

It is recommended to do a parasite cleanse twice a year. Most people will do a cleanse with the change of seasons: spring and fall.

Can I do more than one cleanse at a time?

I do not recommend doing more than one cleanse at a time. Cleansing the body can be harsh and taxing on the organs and systems. Also, if you do more than one at a time, you don't know what is working and what is not. You can feel the difference after each cleanse and you can re-evaluate if you need more of that cleanse or if you are good. I only recommend doing a cleanse for a maximum of three weeks, then give the body at least a one week break before starting a new cleanse if you feel it is necessary.

⚠️ Cautions & Who Should Not Cleanse

As powerful as herbs are, they aren’t for everyone at every time. Please consult your practitioner if you are:

Pregnant or breastfeeding – Avoid parasite cleanses during this time.
On prescription medications – Don’t take binders within 1–2 hours of any medication.
Very young children or frail adults – Use only gentle options like garlic, pumpkin seeds, or thyme, and do so with support.

If you’re not sure where to start, reach out—I’m happy to help guide you to the safest and most effective option for your situation.

🌿 Final Thoughts From Your Herbalist

Parasite cleansing doesn’t have to be scary—it can be a game-changer for your energy, digestion, mental clarity, and more. I’ve seen lives transformed from simply addressing this hidden root cause.

Nature provides us with powerful, gentle herbs that work with your body. At Monarch Herbs, I’ve created parasite support formulas and detox kits to take the guesswork out of it, you can check them out below.

You don’t have to go it alone—I’m here for you.

🫶 Have questions? Reach out—I’m always just a message away.