Do I Need A Parasite Cleanse?
- Cynthia A. Barrington, BCHHP, CNHP
- May 25
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 13
Parasites can inhabit most any part of the human body and can cause a vast array of symptoms. Research has shown that nearly 300 helminth species and 70 protoza species have been known to infect humans, causing nearly 200,000 deaths each year.
This space is too small to do an in-depth study on the types of parasites. But we will look at common symptoms possibly caused by parasitic infections, and the types of herbals that may cleanse the body and restore balance.
Not all symptoms are parasites and not all parasites cause symptoms. If you are having chronic problems, then a parasite cleanse may be a good place to start.
How can I get parasites?
Anal sex
Contaminated produce
Drinking lake, pond, river water
Eating freshwater plants
Eating raw or undercooked fish (if infected)
Eating raw or undercooked meat (if infected)
Exotic cuisines
Indoor pets
Not washing hands properly
Pools
Poor hyigene
Poor sanitation
Recreational water parks
Soil
Symptoms
Abdominal pain
Acne, especially back-ne
Anorexia
Appendicitis
B-12 deficiency (most common in middle-aged men)
Bloating
Blood in stool
Bowel perforation
Brain fog
Constipation
Coughing
Diarrhea, profuse and/or bloody
Eosinophilic liver abscess
Fatigue
Food sensitivities
Gas
Hemorrhage
Hydatid cyst disease
Inflammed gallbladder (cholecystitis), can be recurrent
Inflammation of the bile duct (cholangitis), dilation and/or obstruction, bile duct cancer
Insomnia
Iron-deficiency anemia
Irritability
Loeffler syndrome
Malabsorption
Mood swings
Nausea
Neurocysticercosis, frequent cause of epilepsy (caused by tapeworm from pork)
Nutritional deficiencies
Pancreatitis, acute
Perianal itching (pruritis)
Protein-losing enteropathy
Rectal bleeding, prolapse
Shortness of breath
Skin issues or rashes
Small bowel obstruction, partial or complete
Stomach erosion, ulcers, or perforation
Teeth grinding
Vaginitis
Weight loss
Wheezing
Cancer and Parasites
It may surprise you to know that some cancers are caused by parasites. Apparently, this has been known for a very long time. I only found out in the last couple of years.
I have done some research on parasites and cancer, the tip of the iceberg kind of research. I can't say with certainity that the types of cancers mentioned here are always caused by parasites or if parasites are just one of the ways these types of cancers come to be. Either way, cleansing from parasites sounds like a good idea. Here are a few things I have found:
Parasite | Associated Cancer |
Blood Flukes |
|
Liver flukes |
|
Various parasites in the plasmodium genus responsible for malaria |
|
Roundworms aka threadworms |
|
Protozoan - Trypanosoma cruzi |
|
Trichomonas vaginalis |
|
Protozoan - Apicomplexan Toxoplasma gondii |
|
Herbals with Anti-Parasitic Properties
This is not an all-inclusive list, but it does contain some of the most effective herbs.
Black or Green Walnut Hull - used to remove parasites (used with wormwood and clove) - eliminates pinworm, ringworm, tapeworm, threadworm
Clove - kills eggs of parasites (used with wormwood and black walnut) - eliminates broad-spectrum of parasites, specifially at the egg stage of the lifecycle
Cumin - kills eggs of parasites - eliminates liver flukes, roundworms
Garlic - disrupts the parasites antioxidant defense and leads to cell death
Hyssop - used to get rid of parasites - eliminates flukes, hookworms, ringworms, tapeworms
Ivermectin - kills a broad spectrum of parasites
Marjoram - inhibits growth of the parasite, including the embryo and larvae, kills eggs and adults - eliminates roundworms
Onions - effective against parasites causing growth inhibition and parasite death
Oregano - broad spectrum activity against intestinal parasites, stops the proliferation of the parasite that causes Chagas disease, stops the destruction of the cell belonging to the host to which the parasite is attached, slows the growth of the parasite slowing reproduction, reduces the number of parasites, reduces hatchability, decreases larvae activity, inhibits the embryo, decreases fertile eggs, reduces number of larvae
Radicchio - used to expel parasites - eliminates roundworms
Rosemary - causes cell death in parasites, inhibits the embryo, reduces larvae activity,
Thyme - inhibits growth of parasites, stops the destruction of the cell belonging to the host to which the parasite is attached, inhibits larvae development and motility, kills adult parasites, inhibits eggs hatching, decreased adult parasite motility
Wormwood - used to get rid of parasites (used with clove and black walnut) - eliminates pinworms, roundworms, and tapeworms
Food-grade diatomaceous earth - because it doesn't dissolve or absorb when taken, it is damaging to eggs, larvae, and adults as it passes through the digestive system. (see directions below)
When choosing a supplement for parasite cleansing, choose one with multiple herbs to target the entire lifecycle of the parasite. You must have herbs to kill eggs, kill larvae, stop reproduction, slow down the adults, kill the adults, then expel the parasites.
When buying supplements, as a general rule, always look at the "other ingredients". Choose a supplement with minimal other ingredients, and make sure you know what they are. The more "other" the less of the ingredients that actually do the work.
Many of the remedies listed in this section are everyday herbs used in cooking. Use them regularly when you cook to keep the parasite population under control.
Instructions for Herbal Parasite Cleanse
It is vital to modify your diet while on a parasite cleanse. Parasites thrive on sugar and refined carbohydrates. Avoid sugar, alcohol, processed foods, and foods containing yeast. Adhering to this protocol increases the effectiveness of the cleanse.
When doing a parasite cleanse, be sure to stay hydrated. Good, clean water helps to flush out parasites and toxins.
Parasite cleanses generally run 14 days on, 30 days off, then 14 days on. This helps to cover the lifecycle of the parasites.
There is a lot of debate about using binders like activated charchoal, bentonite clay, zeolite, and chlorella to bind to the toxins release by dead parasites. Die-off, or Herxheimer reaction, can cause symptoms to temporarily worsen as the toxins leave the body. Symptoms may include flu-like symptoms, headache, fatigue, skin rashes, etc.
Some say binders are necessary to keep the body from reabsorbing the toxins released by the parasites. Others say the detox pathways, like the colon, liver, and kidneys, are capable of handling the toxins without using binders. They believe the binders can cause more problems than benefits.
Taking L-Ornithine, an amino acid, can help flush the system of ammonia and nitrogen released by dying parasites, helping to reduce symptoms.
It is important that you do your own research in using binders and in doing a parasite cleanse.
Instructions for Diatomaceous Earth Parasite Cleanse
If you choose to use food-grade diatomaceous earth as a cleanse, begin with 1 teaspoon in 8oz of water or juice. You can also use applesauce, yogurt, a smoothie, or whatever works for you. Just remember this does not dissolve, so it may be a little gritty in whatever method you choose.
Repeat the diatomaceous earth everyday for 10 days, gradually inceasing to 2 teaspoons. After 10 days, stop for 7 days. Then repeat for another 10 days.
This should be taken on an empty stomach an hour before food or two hours after food. To avoid a side effect of constipation, drink an extra glass of water with each dose.
Instructions for Ivermectin Parasite Cleanse
200mcg to 400mcg is considered safe depending on age and weight. It is safe for children in low doses. High doses can cause adverse ocular (eye) events.
During the Cleanse
Support your liver with dandelion or milk thistle. These strengthen the liver and help it to function more efficiently as it works to detox the body from parasites.
After the Cleanse
Get on a good probiotic, preferably one with HSOs, homeostatic soil organisms. Probiotics are the good bacteria that keeps pests away. It creates a healthy microbiome in the gut that affects the entire body. Probiotics can also be found in sauerkraut, kombucha, milk kefir, water kefir, and kimchi as well.
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Resources
Braseth, A. L., Elliott, D. E., & Ince, M. N. (2021). Parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal track and liver. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, 50(2), 361–381. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gtc.2021.02.011
Haque R. Human intestinal parasites. J Health Popul Nutr. 2007 Dec;25(4):387-91. PMID: 18402180; PMCID: PMC2754014.
Price, A. (2024, August 30). Wormwood benefits, uses, tea recipe and side effects - dr. axe. Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/nutrition/wormwood/
Strothmann, A. L., Berne, M. E. A., De Almeida Capella, G., De Moura, M. Q., Da Silva Terto, W. D., Da Costa, C. M., & Pinheiro, N. B. (2022). Antiparasitic treatment using herbs and spices: A review of the literature of the phytotherapy. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Medicine/Revista Brasileira De Medicina Veterinária, 44, e004722. https://doi.org/10.29374/2527-2179.bjvm004722
Nutritionist, J. D. C. (2026, May 10). 15 Natural Anti-Parasitic Herbs: An Evidence-Based Guide. Zuma Nutrition. https://www.zumanutrition.com/blogs/health/top-9-natural-anti-parasitic-herbs
Krstin, S., Sobeh, M., Braun, M. S., & Wink, M. (2018). Anti-Parasitic Activities of Allium sativum and Allium cepa against Trypanosoma b. brucei and Leishmania tarentolae. Medicines, 5(2), 37. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines5020037
Krstin, S., Sobeh, M., Braun, M. S., & Wink, M. (2018b). Anti-Parasitic Activities of Allium sativum and Allium cepa against Trypanosoma b. brucei and Leishmania tarentolae. Medicines, 5(2), 37. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines5020037
Mesa, L. (2025, October 9). How to do a parasite cleanse: A Step-by-Step Protocol. Remedy’s Nutrition®. https://remedysnutrition.com/blogs/herbal-formulas/how-to-do-a-parasite-cleanse
Andrew. (2026, January 26). How to use diatomaceous earth for parasite cleansing in humans, pets, and livestock - the ultimate homestead. The Ultimate Homestead. https://theultimatehomestead.com/how-to-use-diatomaceous-earth-as-a-parasite-cleanse/#How_it_may_help_remove_parasites
Vidal, M. (2025, October 9). Parasites & Detox: What You Need to Know — Native Healing & Wellness Massage Therapy - Deep Tissue Massage - Sports Massage - Lymphatic Massage - Recovery Massage. Native Healing & Wellness. https://www.nativehealingwellness.com/blog/parasites-amp-detox-what-you-need-to-know
How to use Diatomaceous Earth As A Parasite Cleanse. (n.d.). Green Willow Homestead. https://www.greenwillowhomestead.com/blog/how-to-use-diatomaceous-earth-as-a-parasite-cleanse-for-humans-pets-and-livestock
Failoc-Rojas, V. E., Silva-Díaz, H., Maguiña, J. L., Rodriguez-Morales, A. J., Díaz-Velez, C., Apolaya-Segura, M., & Valladares-Garrido, M. J. (2023). Evidence-based indications for ivermectin in parasitic diseases: An integrated approach to context and challenges in Peru. Parasite Epidemiology and Control, 23, e00320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00320
Van Tong, H., Brindley, P. J., Meyer, C. G., & Velavan, T. P. (2016). Parasite infection, carcinogenesis and human malignancy. EBioMedicine, 15, 12–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.11.034
Benamrouz, S., Conseil, V., Creusy, C., Calderon, E., Dei-Cas, E., & Certad, G. (2012). Parasites and malignancies, a review, with emphasis on digestive cancer induced byCryptosporidium parvum(Alveolata: Apicomplexa). Parasite, 19(2), 101–115. https://doi.org/10.1051/parasite/2012192101
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