Intestinal worms, liver flukes, and other internal parasites usually live in the digestive tract but may move to other parts of the body. Parasites weaken the whole system. The best defense is a strong immune system, but infestations may still occur. When parasites invade the body, herbs offer effective treatment.

Symptoms of parasite infection include fever, cramping, anemia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, weight loss, bloating, and lack of energy. Just one tapeworm can cause intestinal obstruction and severe distress. Parasite infections may be caused by poor diet, poor hygiene, spoiled meat, undercooked meat and fish, kissing infected pets, and poor water quality.

Amaranth grain and pumpkin seeds can help remove parasites. A good cleansing program begins with a fast. Drink only apple juice, green drinks, and water with fresh garlic cloves or garlic capsules for one day. The next day drink peppermint and wormwood tea, papaya juice, and take one tablespoon of castor oil. Eat a handful of raw pumpkin seeds or some amaranth every four hours along with fresh vegetables and citrus fruits. Resume a healthy diet including lots of onions, garlic, and water.

Cucumbers can help expel worms. Eat a large cucumber followed by two cups of senna tea and a half cup of pumpkin seeds.

Amoebic dysentery is also caused by parasites. Take carrot, beet, and cucumber juice once a day to cleanse the kidneys. Drink lemon juice with a fresh egg white every morning for three days. Take two teaspoons of Epsom salts to purge the bowels.

Black walnut hulls are an effective remedy for worms. Other herbs to try include valerian, barberry, goldenseal, myrrh, witch hazel, cayenne, and garlic. Take in tea or tincture form six times a day. Drink extra water to flush out dead parasites.

External parasites include lice and scabies mites. Try applications of thyme oil, tea tree oil, and myrrh powder mixed with a little carrier oil.

Sometimes liver flukes are diagnosed as liver cancer and patients are treated with chemotherapy. Liver flukes feed on blood and are difficult to kill. Building the immunity is very important in cases of these stubborn parasites. Good diet, daily exercise, and herbs like dandelion, astragalus, goldenseal, and ginseng should be taken regularly.

*Senna is a well known, extremely effective laxative herb and must be used with caution. Senna should be used only a couple of days and never on a regular basis. Pregnant or nursing women and children should not use senna. Senna should not be used by people with colitis, Crohn's disease, hemorrhoids, blood vessel disease, congestive heart failure, heart disease, anemia, abdominal hernia, gastrointestinal cancer, recent colon surgery, or liver and kidney disease. Side effects from drinking senna tea may include strong cramps in the abdomen (due to muscle contractions). Senna can cause electrolyte imbalance, loss of body fluids, nausea, rash, swelling of the fingertips, and weight loss. Discontinue use immediately if you experience any side effects. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy.