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How to treat pinworms naturally through home remedies

Enterobius vermicularis, commonly known as the pinworm, is a worm from a class of parasites known as nematodes, or simply roundworms. Pinworms are a common source of infection, especially in children, who have a high chance of contracting a pinworm infection.[1]

More than 30% of children are infected with pinworms all around the world, but adults also can be infected with pinworms if they do not take the necessary precautions. Pinworms are usually half an inch in size, and they can be easily seen with the naked eye. The most common signs and symptoms of pinworms include peri-anal itching, nausea, and occasional abdominal pain.

Also, the presence of pinworms in the stool can lead to disturbed sleep due to the irritated anal region and the frequent itching and irritation in the anal area [2].

This infection can be very troublesome and irritating in the long run. This is why you should treat this condition as soon as possible. Pinworm infection is caused by accidental ingestion or inhalation of the eggs by animals or humans, where the eggs are usually transferred via contaminated foods, drinks, or other infected utensils. Pinworm eggs are very small that they cannot be seen by the naked eye.

Adult pinworms then continue to move in the body, and later they lay more eggs around the anal region of the infected person, where the person then becomes infective to other people within hours. This cycle then continues on and on until the infection is cured, and the entire household of the infected person is disinfected. You need to talk with your doctor if you have pinworms before you start using some of the home remedies mentioned below.

16 Home remedies for pinworms

Onions

It is known that onions are rich in sulfur which can help to eliminate pinworms from your system in a period of a day or two.

You should peel one to two medium-sized onions, wash them thoroughly, and then cut them into thin slices. You should put the onion slices in a bowl and then add a pint of water. You should let the onion slices soak in water overnight for at least twelve hours. You should then strain the water using cheesecloth and drink this home remedy three times per day for a period of two days.

Castor oil

The scientific name of castor oil is Ricinus communis. This is a very popular antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent,[3] which can destroy and eliminate harmful worms and parasites from the body.

Pinworms are usually attached to the walls of the intestines, and this is a reason why they are not excreted from the body. The castor oil can dislodge them from the intestines because they have laxative properties, and this, in turn, will push the pinworms out of your body via excretion. You should consume a teaspoon of castor oil once per day.

Wormwood tea

Wormwood extract has an anti-parasitic effect which can help to kill parasites such as pinworms and combat the infection.[4,5]

You should add three to four drops of wormwood extract to one cup of hot water and consume the tea. Also, you can add honey to the mix for flavoring. You should drink it 3 times a day for around a week.

Yogurt

This natural cure is rich in probiotics which can help to restore the natural balance of bacteria in the digestive system [6]. Probiotics can also destroy and eliminate harmful bacteria and germs from the body. You should consume about one cup of plain yogurt and do it at least once per day.

Bitter gourd

Bitter gourd has a bitter-tasting compound called cucurbitacin, which can help to eliminate pinworms from your system. You should blend two medium-sized bitter gourds with one cup of water. Also, you can add honey or any fruit juice to this blend to combat the bitter flavor. You should drink this home remedy intermittently throughout the day.

Natural cures for pinworms

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds have compounds known as cucurbitacins which are known for their anthelmintic activity.[7]

This component can paralyze pinworms which makes it easier to expel them from your body. You will need to take one cup of raw pumpkin seeds and blend it with ½-1 cup of water to make a creamy paste. You should then consume it on an empty stomach. You should take this natural treatment once per day in the morning.

Carrots

Carrots are rich in fiber which can improve digestion and bowel movements.[8]

This can push the pinworms out of your body via your intestines. You will need one medium-sized carrot. You should take the carrot and then wash it thoroughly, peel it, shred it, and take the carrot pieces with your meal or as a snack. You must eat about a cup of shredded carrots one to two times per day.

Pineapple juice

Bromelain is an enzyme in pineapples that has antimicrobial activities[9,10], and it can help you to rid of pinworms. You will need a ¼ of a pineapple. You should peel and cut the pineapple, then blend the pineapple pieces with one glass of water. You should drink this juice at least once per day.

Lemon juice

Lemon has an acidic nature which can lower the pH of the body, and it can make the survival of the pinworms difficult. You should squeeze half a lemon into one glass of water. If you want, you can add honey. You should consume it at least once per day.

Grapefruit seed extract

Grapefruit seeds have polyphenols that exhibit strong antimicrobial activity against pinworms.[11]

You should take 200 mg grapefruit seed extract supplements twice per week. You need to talk with your physician before you start consuming these supplements.

Clove essential oil

This oil is derived from an aromatic flower called cloves. It has a component known as eugenol, which exhibits powerful antimicrobial properties.[12]

Also, clove oil has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, which can help in the natural treatment of pinworm infection.

You will need one to two drops of clove essential oil. You should apply the clove essential oil directly to your infected area. If you have sensitive skin, then you should dilute the clove essential oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil because, in this way, you will avoid irritation. You should use this natural treatment once per day, every night.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can combat parasiticinfection.[13]

You should mix one to two drops of tea tree oil with one to two teaspoons of coconut oil. You should apply this home remedy to the affected area and apply it every night. However, be cautious because people with sensitive skin can get irritation from it. You should apply it once per day.

Garlic

These are antioxidants that exhibit antifungal and antibacterial properties. You can chew raw garlic cloves on a daily basis, or you can also add garlic cloves to the food that you consume. There is another option, and that is to mince garlic cloves, mix them with petroleum jelly, and apply the paste to the affected area. It is preferred to apply this paste once every night.

Coconut oil

This is a natural antioxidant that has antifungal and antibacterial properties. This can be helpful in eradicating the pinworm infection and its symptoms. You should consume one teaspoon of coconut oil every morning or apply coconut oil to the infected area every night as a second option. You should use this natural treatment on a daily basis.

Apple cider vinegar

It has 6% acetic acid, which can lower the pH of the body while also restoring the hydrochloric acid balance. It creates an uninhabitable environment for the pinworms, which makes it difficult for the worm to survive in the body. You should add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to one glass of water, mix it well, and drink it at least twice per day. You may also add honey for flavoring.

Hygiene and environmental disinfection

Pinworm infection is highly contagious. Therefore, only treating the infected person probably won’t be enough. That’s why it is very important to regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water after using the bathroom or after contact with any utensils that have a possibility of being infected.

You should also disinfect your entire house with hot water to help completely get rid of any residual pinworms as well as prevent their recurrence. You should soak your fabrics as well as clothes that may be infected with hot water for at least thirty minutes before you wash them. You can disinfect the bathrooms by cleaning them on a daily basis with hot water and soap. You should do this on a daily basis until your house is completely clear of pinworms.

References

[1] Caldwell JP. Pinworms (enterobius vermicularis). Canadian Family Physician Medecin de Famille Canadien. 1982;28:306-309.

[2] Arca MJ, Gates RL, Groner JI, et al. Clinical manifestations of appendiceal pinworms in children: an institutional experience and a review of the literature. Pediatric Surgery International. 2004;20(5):372-375.

[3] Nisha M, Kalyanasundaram M, Paily KP, et al. In vitro screening of medicinal plant extracts for macrofilaricidal activity. Parasitology Research. 2007;100(3):575-579.

[4] Yildiz K, Basalan M, Duru O, Gökpınar S. Antiparasitic efficiency of Artemisia absinthium on Toxocara cati in naturally infected cats. Turkish Journal of Parasitology. 2011;35(1):10-4.

[5] Azizi K, Shahidi-Hakak F, Asgari Q, et al. In vitro efficacy of ethanolic extract of Artemisia absinthium (Asteraceae) against Leishmania major L. using cell sensitivity and flow cytometry assays. Journal of Parasitic Diseases : Official Organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology. 2016;40(3):735-740.

[6] Singh RK, Chang HW, Yan D, et al. Influence of diet on the gut microbiome and implications for human health. Journal of Translational Medicine. 2017;15(1):73-73.

[7] Grzybek M, Kukula-Koch W, Strachecka A, et al. Evaluation of anthelmintic activity and composition of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) seed extracts – in vitro and in vivo studies. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2016;17(9):1456.

[8] Yang J, Wang HP, Zhou L, Xu CF. Effect of dietary fiber on constipation: a meta analysis. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2012;18(48):7378-7383.

[9] dos Anjos MM, da Silva AA, de Pascoli IC, et al. Antibacterial activity of papain and bromelain on Alicyclobacillus spp. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 2016;216:121-126.

[10] Praveen NC, Rajesh A, Madan M, et al. In vitro evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of pineapple extract (Bromelain) on periodontal pathogens. Journal of International Oral Health : JIOH. 2014;6(5):96-98.

[11] Spiegler V, Liebau E, Hensel A. Medicinal plant extracts and plant-derived polyphenols with anthelmintic activity against intestinal nematodes. Natural Product Reports. 2017;34(6):627-643.

[12] Pessoa LM, Morais SM, Bevilaqua CM, Luciano JH. Anthelmintic activity of essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum Linn. and eugenol against Haemonchus contortus. Veterinary Parasitology. 2002;109(1):59-63.

[13] Cox SD, Mann CM, Markham JL, et al. The mode of antimicrobial action of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil). Journal of Applied Microbiology. 2000;88(1):170-175.

Dina Mohy
Dina Mohy
Dr. Dina M., a medical graduate (MBBCh), and currently a medical intern who has interest in scientific and data research. Dina likes reading novels and baking during free time. She is more interested in basic sciences like immunology and molecular biology.

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