Unwanted Invaders
As biological humans, we are susceptible to parasites, just as any other living creature on earth.
We acquire parasites through food, water, soil and even our pets, and they affect carnivores, omnivores and vegans alike. Nobody is excluded. Some of these parasites can live in our bodies for many years without ever doing harm, as where others can be extremely problematic from the start.
Parasitic infections have been linked to the following:
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Gas or bloating
• Dysentery (loose stools containing blood and mucus)
• Rash or itching around the rectum or vulva
• Stomach pain or tendernes
Parasitic infections have also been linked to:
• MS ( Multiple sclerosis) and other neurological disorders
• Alzheimer’s & Dementia
• Auto Immune Disorders
• Hair and weight loss
• Anxiety & Depression
• Insomnia
Sadly there are many “American disorders” that can be attributed to parasitic infections, and unfortunately our healthcare system doesn’t focus on this possibility.
Parasite Cleanse
Since the dawn of existence, human beings have been using vermifuge plants to rid their body of unwanted parasites. In ancient India, we know that they were using neem fruit and in ancient China, wormwood. Here in the united states, indigenous people were using black walnut and other anti-parasitic plants like skunk cabbage roots.
Today there are lots of different methods, products and protocols used to remove parasites. Some people choose to eat a handful of papaya seeds as where others choose to take Ivermectin paste.
For us here at HealthPrimitive, we prefer a combination extract made from the most powerful and long used vermifuge plants in the world.
Our Black Walnut Blend
Black Walnuts
Black walnut (Juglans nigra), the hulls specifically, have long been used as an anti-parasitic plant.
The primary active constituent in Black Walnut is a “naphthoquinone”, known as juglone. Juglone is a natural herbicide that exerts an inhibitory effect on certain enzymes needed for metabolic function. It contains a high tannin content which is also responsible for the anti-parasitic properties, helping to eliminate microbes from the large intestine. The high tannin and juglone content is thought to oxygenate the blood which can kill parasites and working as a laxative, it expel them as part of its cleansing process.
Black walnut hulls are also considered a tonic that aids digestion and the intestinal system. It can help relieve heartburn and flatulence and as a cholagogue, it stimulates the flow of bile into the intestines and is thought to help the spleen.
Containing powerful anti-fungal properties, black walnut has been used to fight herpes, cold sores, athlete’s foot, and Candida. The hulls have also been used as an antiseptic to treat sexually transmitted infections and malaria and can be used to treat acne.
Wormwood
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) is a popular herb that is used to eliminate intestinal worms, including pinworms, roundworms and tapeworms from the human body. Pinworms are the most common worm infection in the U.S. due to the fact pinworm eggs spread directly from person to person.
A 2018 animal study published in the Journal of Helminthology indicates that wormwood induced worm paralysis, death and ultrastructural alternations in these unwanted invaders.
Another 2018 review explains that the bitter compounds in wormwood can stimulate gastric juices and bile and improve blood flow in the digestive system. It also showed that the herb can force out parasitic organisms and act against several pathogens.
Due to these reasons, wormwood is an effective ingredient in many parasite cleanse products.
Cloves
Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) are a popular spice that is used in many antiparasitic remedies. Some of the active compounds in clove buds are powerfully anthelmintic (anti-parasitic), and cloves have a long history as vermifuge, or worm-killing herb. Clove usage for parasites and gut health has also been extensively studied and is considered safe for long term use, unlike other anti-parasitic plants.
Pumpkin Seeds
The seeds of pumpkins (Cucurbita genus) and many other vine crops contain a deworming compounds called cucurbitacin, which has been used to expel worms from the body in both humans and animals for centuries.
Many farmers feed their goats, chickens, pigs, cows and even donkeys leftover pumpkins as a natural and cheap dewormer.
Oregano
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is another herb that can help us cleanse our bodies of parasites.
A study was conducted where oregano was orally administered to 14 adult patients whose stools tested positive for enteric parasites, Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba hartmanni and Endolimax nana. After 6 weeks of supplementation, there was complete disappearance of Entamoeba hartmanni (four cases), Endolimax nana (one case), and Blastocystis hominis in eight cases.
Oregano also offers powerful antimicrobial properties that help to fight off infections produced by parasites.
Proper Protocol
Now that we have gone over the herbs used and why we use them, let’s talk about the proper way to cleanse.
The first thing necessary to your cleanse is to open up your detoxifying pathways. These are the body’s avenues for removing toxins and parasites. The major detoxification pathways include the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Step 1: Open pathways
Nourishing Your Liver: Incorporate foods that support liver health, such as leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts), garlic, and turmeric.
Promoting Sweat: Regular exercise, saunas, or hot baths can help stimulate sweat and facilitate toxin removal.
Enhancing Respiratory Health: Deep breathing exercises can improve lung function and oxygenation, which are important for detoxification.
Optimizing Gastrointestinal Function: A diet rich in fiber promotes regular bowel movements, which are essential for eliminating waste and toxins.
Supporting the Lymphatic System: The lymphatic system is a crucial part of the body’s waste disposal system. Exercise, such as walking, biking, or even rebounding, can help stimulate lymphatic flow and promote detoxification.
It is recommended to practice several of these methods for at least 30 days prior to beginning the black walnut blend.
What about heavy metals
Some practitioners recommend doing a metal detox prior to a parasite cleanse. We actually recommend the opposite and here’s why.
See, when parasites die they release noxious gases and heavy metals back into the body. These toxins produce what is referred to as die off symptoms, which are uncomfortable symptoms such as nausea, indigestion, itching, etc.
During this time, it is recommended to use a binder to bind up these toxins and remove them from the body. Unfortunately, most binders aren’t as effective in removing heavy metals like something such as chlorella. This means there will be residual metals left in the body from what the parasites released and the binder didn’t bind.
If you did a metal detox prior to this, it means you would then have to do another one after your parasite cleanse, and this can be extremely hard on the systems of the body.
This is why here at HealthPrimitive, we prefer starting with the parasite cleanse and then moving to the metal detox once you are finished. This is the only way to ensure that all heavy metals have been removed from the body.
Step 2: Begin Antiparasitic Extract
Now that you have opened your detoxifying pathways, you are ready to begin starving and eliminating the parasites using our Black Walnut Blend.
It is recommended to take this extract in the morning on an empty stomach if possible. The suggested use is 20-30 drops, once daily for 20-30 days. Start slow and work your way up.
Die off symptoms & binders
As I said above, when parasites die, they can produce uncomfortable symptoms from the gases and toxins they will be releasing. If these gases and toxins are not bound up and removed from the body, they will reaabsorb back into the system.
Die off symptoms
• Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, headache, fatigue, and sweating
• Gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting
• Abdominal discomfort.
• Skin reactions such as rashes or itching.
• Fatigue and weakness
• Joint and muscle pain
• Mood changes, including irritability and anxiety
• Headaches
• Sleep disturbances
• Brain fog
• Temporary worsening of existing symptoms
• Neuro-inflammation
• Symptoms related to ammonia buildup, such as nausea and headaches.
If these symptoms do occur, a binder can be taken that will absorb the toxins and ease symptoms, but should not be taken within two hours of the extract.
It is important to keep in mind however, that not everybody will experience die off symptoms. Some parasitic infections are worse than others, and some people’s bodies are more polluted then others. Those that are full of parasites and toxins naturally will experience worse symptoms.
Recommended Binders
TOP PICK— Humic/fulvic acid: Humic and fulvic acid, are often used as soil additives to increase nutrients and bind to toxins in the soil. They are superior when it comes to binding toxins and work systemically in the body, with the ability to cross the blood brain barrier. Unlike other binders, fulvic acid does not inhibit nutrient absorption but actually increases bioavailability. It also provides nutrients and contains 72 plus trace minerals that are essential to human health. This is the number one binder we recommend for most detoxification, including each from parasites, metals and even mycotoxins. View our Fulvic+Humic Complex here to learn more.
Charcoal: charcoal is our second runner up! This substance binds to bile, so it prevents bile and the toxins in bile from being reabsorbed into the body. In fact, charcoal is so effective at binding toxins, it is used in emergency room poisoning cases. Charcoal will bind to nearly any toxin excreted in the gut. The only problem with charcoal is that it stays in the digestive tract. Charcoal does not have the ability to move systemically throughout the body like fulvic acid, but for most parasite cleanse cases, it is an effective binder. View our recommended supplement here.
Clay: Various types of clay, including bentonite, zeolite, and montmorillonite are effective in binding, especially to aflatoxins produced by certain molds and metals. Clay is also helpful for binding to other toxins, including zearalenone, OTA, and gliotoxin.
Chlorella: This binder, considered a superfood, is a freshwater alga available in tablets, liquid extracts, and powders. It’s high in protein, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and E. It’s also very effective in binding to heavy metals and aflatoxins. It has been shown to inhibit aflatoxin B1-induced liver cancer. We use chlorella in our Heavy Metal Detox Elixir, which we recommend as a secondary cleanse to our Black Walnut Blend.
Recommended Diet
During your cleanse, a healthy lifestyle must be practiced. This includes getting adequate rest, exercise, hydration and nutritious foods.
Foods to consume
Focus on easy-to-digest foods: Cooked vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats are easier for the digestive system to process.
Incorporate antiparasitic foods: Certain foods like garlic, ginger, pumpkin seeds, and papaya seeds contain compounds that may help fight parasites.
Prioritize fiber: Fiber helps cleanse the digestive tract and promotes regular bowel movements, which are crucial for eliminating parasites.
Support gut health with probiotics: Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and fermented vegetables can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut.
Foods to avoid
Sugar: Parasites thrive on sugar, so reducing or eliminating it can help create an unfavorable environment for them.
Processed foods: These often contain additives and unhealthy fats that can disrupt gut health.
Alcohol and caffeine: These can burden the liver, which plays a vital role in detoxification.
Raw or undercooked meat and seafood: These can potentially carry parasite eggs or larvae.
Developing healthier eating habits is going to help your overall health and wellness in general, and many people maintain these healthy eating habits, even after they’re cleanse.
Other effective methods
Aside from eating healthy and taking your daily regimen of black walnut blend, there are some other options that can assist your cleanse.
Papaya Seeds: papaya seeds are often used to remove parasites from the body. The parasites will attach to the seeds and be removed when the seeds are excreted. Take one tsp daily, by swallowing the seeds whole. Think of the seed as a magnet for parasites, and if you chew these seeds, they will lose their magnetism. This is safe to do while taking the black walnut blend.
Diatomaceous Earth: food grade Diatomaceous Earth is an excellent binder and substance to remove parasites. The sharp, abrasive edges of diatomaceous earth can damage the exoskeletons of insects, making them vulnerable to dehydration. And because it contains these sharp edges, when taken daily, it can slice in half, kill and remove regenerative parasites such as tapeworms. Above this, diatomaceous earth is an excellent binder that can help remove heavy metals and toxins from the body. It also is over 80% silica, which is a necessary mineral for the human body.
You have completed the cleanse
Now that you have completed 20-30 days of our Black Walnut Blend, you can choose to follow up with our Heavy Metal Detox. We typically recommend this as a secondary cleanse, which helps to remove residual heavy metals that have been released into the system.
Our Heavy Metal Detox can also be used solo as a supplement for detoxifying the body of heavy metals. If you want to learn more about this product, click here.
If you choose not to follow up with the heavy metal cleanse, that is okay too.
Should I do another cleanse
Because parasites eggs can sometimes be missed during a cleanse, it is optional to do another parasite detox 2-3 months after the first. This of course should only be done by people who are still experiencing symptoms. Otherwise we recommend parasite cleansing as a maintenance every 6-12 months, as needed.
Remember, you don’t want to over detoxing the body. When you have a properly functioning immune system and a healthy gut, parasites usually do not become problematic and it is not necessary to cleanse your system of them. This is why it is important for every individual to really listen to their body.
Most people that have been affected by parasites usually develop chronic illness or disease. These issues will have to be addressed separately once the parasites themselves have been removed and they maintenance program has been set in place.
From there we can begin to heal.
Safety Considerations
Herbs such as black walnut and wormwood should not be used in high doses. Always take these supplements as directed.
Individuals with chronic conditions, especially those affecting the liver or kidneys, should avoid parasite cleanses as some herbs and supplements can exacerbate existing health issues or interact with medications.
Certain herbs and supplements used in parasite cleanses can interact with prescription medications, potentially affecting their efficacy or causing adverse effects.
Pregnant and nursing women should avoid detoxing. Parasite cleansing is not for children under 2 years of age. To learn more about children’s parasite cleansing, click here.
Always make sure you do your own research so that you can make the best informed decision for what meets the needs of you and your family. The information shared in this article is for educational purposes only. View our disclaimer here.
Final Thought
Ultimately, parasite cleansing is most effective when combined with a wholesome diet and a healthy lifestyle. By nourishing your body with nutrient-dense foods, staying hydrated, and managing stress, you create an environment that supports your body’s natural ability to detoxify and heal. Remember, true wellness is a holistic journey—taking care of all aspects of your health will help you achieve vital, sustained well-being.
Stay Wild
Kayce Heister
Kayce is an Author, Clinical Herbalist, Naturopathic Practitioner (HHP), Active Forager, Wild Food Chef and Mother of three. She has spent the last 20 years practicing herbalism and natural health, and spends most of her time educating others on the amazing potential the natural world can offer.
Sources Below
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6719079
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6316014/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1567576922009006
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7070545/
http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd33/7/3391irka.html
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10815019/
healthprimitive(https://healthprimitive.com)