We have researched scientific studies to find the best natural herbs that have data to backup their antiparasitic properties.
In fact, some of these natural ingredients may surprise you with just how effective they are at fighting off parasites and their eggs while helping to reduce symptoms!
Ingredient #1 - Garlic
Garlic is a powerful antimicrobial herb that has traditionally been known to help all sorts of intestinal infections. It can be used against bacteria, fungi like candida, and parasites as well. Modern science has validated its impressive antiparasitic activity†.
Research has shown that it works against giardia - a parasite that causes severe digestive distress - as well as nasty nematodes like hookworms, pinworms, and whipworms that can take up residence in your gut and make you miserable.†3
Most of the time garlic exhibits antiparasitic activity by reducing the number of “adult forms” of the parasites and “larvae.”†3
Garlic has also been shown to boost the immune system. In a 2015 scientific review, researchers stated, “Garlic appears to enhance the functioning of the immune system by stimulating certain cell types, such as macrophages, lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells, and eosinophils.” They also claimed it decreased the parasite survival rate by “improved host immune responses”.†5
Ingredient #2 - Cloves
This aromatic herb contains eugenol, one of the most potent natural germicides in the world. Traditional herbal medicine practitioners believe clove is a very effective broad spectrum agent† with a plethora of modern research having shown the antimicrobial abilities of cloves 6,7.
In one 2011 study, clove oil “inhibited trophozoites adherence since the first hour of incubation and was able to kill almost 50% of the parasite’s population in a time dependent manner.”†6
The other benefit of cloves is that it’s also shown strong anti-inflammatory properties,† which may help minimize digestive symptoms caused by parasites.8,9
Ingredient #3 - Berberine
Berberine (the active component of Oregon Grape Root, Goldenseal, and Golden Thread), has been used for thousands of years, notably in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for infections of the gut.
Berberine has been evidenced by research to have antiparasitic properties†10,11. One in vitro study suggested that Berberine attacks the DNA of parasites, causing parasites to eat themselves through autophagy.12
There is some evidence that golden thread and berberine complement each other in killing ability13†. Goldenseal is also an antibacterial and antiviral herb†.
Berberine has also been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. A 2014 study stated it “inhibited oxidative stress and inflammation in a variety of tissues including liver, adipose tissue, kidney and pancreas.”†14
Ingredient #4 - Papaya
Green papaya, as well as the seeds, have been shown to have antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.†15,16
It contains high levels of proteolytic enzymes called cysteine proteinases that break down the protective “shields” that parasites put up to try and thwart your immune system†. Researchers measured a 97% “worm reduction rate” caused by the enzymes.†16
In another 2015 study, an extract of Papaya was shown to reduce inflammation associated with oxidative damage and up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes.17
Ingredient #5 - Pumpkin Seeds
Cucurbitins, a compound naturally found in high levels in pumpkin seeds, is believed to paralyze parasites and prevent them from hanging onto intestinal walls during a bowel movement†. When they can’t hold on for dear life, they get expelled naturally.
Pumpkin seed extract has also shown promise at reducing parasite egg “load.” In one 2013 study, animals were given pumpkin seed extract to measure its effects on parasites. After 10 days, a smaller dose of pumpkin seed extract had a 38% reduction in fecal parasite egg count while a larger pumpkin seed extract dose caused a 65.6% decrease in fecal parasite egg count. Meanwhile there was no reduction in the control group.†18
Another study in 2016 confirmed the same: “A decrease in faecal egg counts (FEC) was accompanied by a significant reduction in worm burden … compared to the control group”.†19
Ingredient #6 - Wormwood
Wormwood, as its name implies, has been used throughout history to rid the body of worms, particularly pinworms and roundworms.
This herb has been tested and shown to have substantial efficacy against a host of other parasites20. Studies in labs have validated wormwood’s broad spectrum effectiveness.†20
Another benefit of wormwood is its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A study in 2015 showed multiple extracts of Wormwood (Artemisia annua L.) showed significant anti-inflammatory effects against a number of inflammation markers including proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β , IL-6, and IL-10.21
In modern times, Wormwood has also been used to help support the liver and gallbladder by increasing bile production, and improving digestion and the absorption of nutrients†.
Ingredient #7 - Echinacea
Echinacea has long been used as a herb for colds and flu to help reduce the signs, symptoms, and duration of colds by boosting the immune system†.
Some studies have shown an increase in T cells and interferon in animals. Interferon is a protein that inhibits the replication of viruses and parasites.22
But other research has also shown it to have antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties†23. In a 2010 study on echinacea’s effects on the trypanasomatid parasite, all echinacea solutions inhibited parasite growth with a 1/10 solution, showing a 92% reduction in parasite proliferation after just 72 hours†23.
The study also tested one solution of Echinacea extract and found it reversed the inflammatory effects of leishmania.23
Ingredient #8 - Pau D'Arco
Pau D’Arco is a tropical rainforest herb that has been used traditionally for its antifungal and immune stimulant properties†.
However, Pau D’Arco has also shown promise as an anti-inflammatory with a 2014 study published in the Journal of Toxicology showing “In vivo pau d’arco increased the expression of Nrf2-target genes in the intestine”.24
The results suggest that the activation of Nrf2 could mediate beneficial anti-inflammatory effects of pau d'arco, particularly in the intestine†.
Ingredient #9 - Cranberry
Although Cranberry is more associated with kidney and bladder health, it has also been evidenced to decrease inflammation in the intestine†. In a 2015 paper in Clinical Science, cranberry was evidenced to decrease many inflammatory cytokines in the intestines, including TNF-α, interleukin-6, cyclo-oxygenase-2, and prostaglandin E2. This suggests that cranberry has potential as an intestinal anti-inflammatory.25
In another study, cranberry extract consumption in humans increases T cell proliferation and reduced the number and symptoms associated with colds and influenza, suggesting cranberry has immune-stimulating properties, which suggests it can help boost the bodies natural defenses against parasites.†26
Cranberries also increase the acidity levels in your intestines, making them inhospitable to many different kinds of parasites†.
Ingredient #10 - Black Wallnut
Black walnuts are found in abundance in natural woodland areas. Their hulls are often dried and ground. Black walnut is often used in herbal remedies to help bolster the body’s immune system in ridding itself of pinworms, candida albicans (the fungus that causes yeast infections), and ringworm, a parasite that causes skin infections†.
In Russia, black walnut is a favorite herb in the fight against parasites. It’s reported to be effective against echinococcosis, ascaridia, eimeria, and roundworm found in various animals and chickens†.
Ingredient #1 - Garlic
Garlic is a powerful antimicrobial herb that has traditionally been known to help all sorts of intestinal infections. It can be used against bacteria, fungi like candida, and parasites as well. Modern science has validated its impressive antiparasitic activity†.
Research has shown that it works against giardia - a parasite that causes severe digestive distress - as well as nasty nematodes like hookworms, pinworms, and whipworms that can take up residence in your gut and make you miserable.†3
Most of the time garlic exhibits antiparasitic activity by reducing the number of “adult forms” of the parasites and “larvae.”†3
Garlic has also been shown to boost the immune system. In a 2015 scientific review, researchers stated, “Garlic appears to enhance the functioning of the immune system by stimulating certain cell types, such as macrophages, lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells, and eosinophils.” They also claimed it decreased the parasite survival rate by “improved host immune responses”.†5
Ingredient #2 - Cloves
This aromatic herb contains eugenol, one of the most potent natural germicides in the world. Traditional herbal medicine practitioners believe clove is a very effective broad spectrum agent† with a plethora of modern research having shown the antimicrobial abilities of cloves 6,7.
In one 2011 study, clove oil “inhibited trophozoites adherence since the first hour of incubation and was able to kill almost 50% of the parasite’s population in a time dependent manner.”†6
The other benefit of cloves is that it’s also shown strong anti-inflammatory properties,† which may help minimize digestive symptoms caused by parasites.8,9
Ingredient #3 - Berberine
Berberine (the active component of Oregon Grape Root, Goldenseal, and Golden Thread), has been used for thousands of years, notably in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for infections of the gut.
Berberine has been evidenced by research to have antiparasitic properties†10,11. One in vitro study suggested that Berberine attacks the DNA of parasites, causing parasites to eat themselves through autophagy.12
There is some evidence that golden thread and berberine complement each other in killing ability13†. Goldenseal is also an antibacterial and antiviral herb†.
Berberine has also been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. A 2014 study stated it “inhibited oxidative stress and inflammation in a variety of tissues including liver, adipose tissue, kidney and pancreas.”†14
Ingredient #4 - Papaya
Green papaya, as well as the seeds, have been shown to have antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.†15,16
It contains high levels of proteolytic enzymes called cysteine proteinases that break down the protective “shields” that parasites put up to try and thwart your immune system†. Researchers measured a 97% “worm reduction rate” caused by the enzymes.†16
In another 2015 study, an extract of Papaya was shown to reduce inflammation associated with oxidative damage and up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes.17
Ingredient #5 - Pumpkin Seeds
Cucurbitins, a compound naturally found in high levels in pumpkin seeds, is believed to paralyze parasites and prevent them from hanging onto intestinal walls during a bowel movement†. When they can’t hold on for dear life, they get expelled naturally.
Pumpkin seed extract has also shown promise at reducing parasite egg “load.” In one 2013 study, animals were given pumpkin seed extract to measure its effects on parasites. After 10 days, a smaller dose of pumpkin seed extract had a 38% reduction in fecal parasite egg count while a larger pumpkin seed extract dose caused a 65.6% decrease in fecal parasite egg count. Meanwhile there was no reduction in the control group.†18
Another study in 2016 confirmed the same: “A decrease in faecal egg counts (FEC) was accompanied by a significant reduction in worm burden … compared to the control group”.†19
Ingredient #6 - Wormwood
Wormwood, as its name implies, has been used throughout history to rid the body of worms, particularly pinworms and roundworms.
This herb has been tested and shown to have substantial efficacy against a host of other parasites20. Studies in labs have validated wormwood’s broad spectrum effectiveness.†20
Another benefit of wormwood is its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A study in 2015 showed multiple extracts of Wormwood (Artemisia annua L.) showed significant anti-inflammatory effects against a number of inflammation markers including proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β , IL-6, and IL-10.21
In modern times, Wormwood has also been used to help support the liver and gallbladder by increasing bile production, and improving digestion and the absorption of nutrients†.
Ingredient #7 - Echinacea
Echinacea has long been used as a herb for colds and flu to help reduce the signs, symptoms, and duration of colds by boosting the immune system†.
Some studies have shown an increase in T cells and interferon in animals. Interferon is a protein that inhibits the replication of viruses and parasites.22
But other research has also shown it to have antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties†23. In a 2010 study on echinacea’s effects on the trypanasomatid parasite, all echinacea solutions inhibited parasite growth with a 1/10 solution, showing a 92% reduction in parasite proliferation after just 72 hours†23.
The study also tested one solution of Echinacea extract and found it reversed the inflammatory effects of leishmania.23
Ingredient #8 - Pau D'Arco
Pau D’Arco is a tropical rainforest herb that has been used traditionally for its antifungal and immune stimulant properties†.
However, Pau D’Arco has also shown promise as an anti-inflammatory with a 2014 study published in the Journal of Toxicology showing “In vivo pau d’arco increased the expression of Nrf2-target genes in the intestine”.24
The results suggest that the activation of Nrf2 could mediate beneficial anti-inflammatory effects of pau d'arco, particularly in the intestine†.
Ingredient #9 - Cranberry
Although Cranberry is more associated with kidney and bladder health, it has also been evidenced to decrease inflammation in the intestine†. In a 2015 paper in Clinical Science, cranberry was evidenced to decrease many inflammatory cytokines in the intestines, including TNF-α, interleukin-6, cyclo-oxygenase-2, and prostaglandin E2. This suggests that cranberry has potential as an intestinal anti-inflammatory.25
In another study, cranberry extract consumption in humans increases T cell proliferation and reduced the number and symptoms associated with colds and influenza, suggesting cranberry has immune-stimulating properties, which suggests it can help boost the bodies natural defenses against parasites.†26
Cranberries also increase the acidity levels in your intestines, making them inhospitable to many different kinds of parasites†.
Ingredient #10 - Black Wallnut
Black walnuts are found in abundance in natural woodland areas. Their hulls are often dried and ground. Black walnut is often used in herbal remedies to help bolster the body’s immune system in ridding itself of pinworms, candida albicans (the fungus that causes yeast infections), and ringworm, a parasite that causes skin infections†.
In Russia, black walnut is a favorite herb in the fight against parasites. It’s reported to be effective against echinococcosis, ascaridia, eimeria, and roundworm found in various animals and chickens†.