Pinworms

The pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) is extremely common, and there are over 40 million cases of pinworm infections in the US alone. This small, thin, white roundworm causes symptoms that can include an itchy rectal area. The symptoms typically are worse at night because the female worm will crawl out of the anus and deposit their eggs. Pinworms rarely cause serious health problems; they are just very annoying.

Anyone can get pinworms, but the most frequent infections occur in school children from five to ten years of age, those persons who are institutionalized as in a nursing home, and other members of the household where someone has a pinworm infection.

Natural Remedies for Pinworms

Pinworm infestations are caused by swallowing pinworm eggs. Once the eggs are swallowed, pinworms hatch in the lower gastrointestinal tract and are mature within 2-6 weeks. While pinworm eggs are primarily found on the anus and in feces, they may also be picked up from touching clothing, counters, furniture, bedding, and other surfaces; they may also be found on the fingers and under the fingernails, and can be transmitted between individuals in this way. While pinworms may be found in many other mammals, such as mice, rats, dogs, and horses, such pinworms do not migrate between species. It is only possible to get pinworms from other infested humans.

Children infected with pinworms often lose their appetite, sleep poorly, and become irritable. The pinworm has an incubation period of over one or two months from the first contact with the eggs until symptoms appear.

Anthelminitic/Parasitic Control Remedies

An anthelminitic is an agent used to destroy or that causes the expulsion of parasitic intestinal worms. Common natural anthelmintics are:

  • Black Walnut
  • Wormwood
  • Clove
  • Tansy Tea
  • Hagenia
  • Kaljoni (Nigella sativa seeds)
  • Male Fern
  • Garlic

Used together, the three major worm herbs—Black Walnut Green Tincture, Wormwood Tincture, and Cloves Tincture—will kill all stages of the pinworms, including the eggs. (Do not take wormwood if you are pregnant.) Other treatments for parasitic worms include grapefruit seed extract (which can be used as a wash as well as internally), and pumpkin extract.

Other herbs and treatments can help with the symptoms of pinworm infestation. Aloe vera juice treats inflammation, while calendula ointment can help relieve anal itching and irritation.

Foods to Eat

There are several foods that can help against pinworms or parasitic infection. The foods that should be used as a natural remedy include pumpkin seeds, papaya, watermelon, and pomegranate. You can also combine milk with turmeric juice to prevent pinworms. Adding these items to your diet can help prevent future infections.

Cinnamon Tea

Cinnamon in any form can be used to help prevent parasitic infections such as pinworms. Use the spice liberally on fruit and other foods. Making cinnamon tea is a great way to treat pinworms.

Warm Water Enema

A warm water enema can help to flush the bowels of pinworms. Combine 2 cups of warm water with 1 teaspoon sea salt (don't use regular table salt), then mix well. It is best to do this on an empty stomach.

Wash Clothes and Shower

If you have an infection of pinworms, it is important to shower carefully every day. Cleanse the area around the anus to remove pinworm eggs. A shower works better than a bath as there is less chance of swallowing any of the infected water. In the same way, it is important to wash and dry underwear, pajamas, and bedding each day during treatment. This will help prevent re-infection.

Preventing Pinworms

There are many ways to help prevent the spread of pinworms from an infected person, as well as prevent reinfection. Hygiene is essential:

  • Once a day, clean toilet seats, change underwear, and change bed linens daily to remove eggs.
  • Wash your hands, particularly before eating and after using the bathroom or changing diapers.
  • Trim your or your child's fingernails, and discourage nail biting, excessive thumb sucking, and other activities which bring the hands into the mouth.
  • Avoid scratching the anus. If the area still itches, use anti-itch treatments to ease the discomfort.

Finally, it is important to remember that once the adult pinworms have been eradicated, it is still possible for eggs to live in the intestinal tract for two to three weeks before hatching and maturing, leading to a re-infestation.