A parasite is an organism that lives within, upon, or at the expense of another organism, known as the host. It is estimated that one in six people are infected with parasites worldwide, a figure strongly skewed to the developing world where hygiene and nutrition may be lacking. Since most parasites are transmitted fecal-orally and since a healthy immune system keeps the body relatively hostile to most parasites, hygiene and nutrition are consequently the best means of prevention. Hence parasite infections are far less common in the developed world, though recent travel to an endemic area may warrant parasites to be considered in the differential diagnosis. Parasites affecting humans fall broadly into two categories: protozoans and helminths. Common protozoan infections include entamebiasis, giardia, cryptosporidiosis, and malaria. With the exception of malaria, protozoan infections generally present with digestive symptoms and diarrhea, though appendicitis or liver abscess are possible complications. Giardia is the most common parasitic infection in the U.S., contracted by drinking untreated water contaminated with human or animal feces, often while camping or hiking. Symptoms of helminth infections are more diverse, depending on the parasite species, and can include the respiratory, musculoskeletal, and central nervous systems where some species migrate and/or encyst. Routes of acquiring parasite infections are equally diverse: some of these include walking barefoot on fecal-contaminated soil (hookworms), swimming in contaminated water (schistosomiasis), eating undercooked meat (taenia, trichinosis, diphyllobothrium), and being bitten by various insect vectors (leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, babesiosis, malaria).
Homeopathics
Colopar™- glandular homeopathic to support the large intestine, indicated for relief of constipation, flatulence, and rumbling in the colon.**
Colostat™- homeopathic detoxifier for the colon, indicated for relief of flatulence associated with constipation.**
Intestipar™- glandular homeopathic for intestinal support, indicated for relief of weak digestion, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.**
Vermiclear™- (Formerly called Parasite Detox) homeopathic detoxifier indicated for mild symptoms related to chronic parasite infection, such as skin and intestinal disorders, itching, bloating, fatigue, and tendency to catch colds.**
GI Clear P™- (Formerly called Parasite Infection) homeopathic indicated for mild symptoms associated with acute parasitic infection, such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever.**
* Vermistat™- (Formerly called Parastat) homeopathic detoxifier for symptoms of mild parasite infections, indicated for relief of colic, bloating, pain, constipation, and itching of anus.**
Scirrhinum- single homeopathic remedy indicated for helminth infections.**
Herbals
* Artemisiacom™- fortifier for the colon and digestive organs, indicated for digestive system detoxification and to support a healthy intestinal microbiome.
Black Walnut- single spagyric herbal known for its cleansing and laxative properties.
Cascaracom™- fortifier for the colon and liver, indicated for digestive system and detoxification support.
Digesticom™- fortifier for the digestive system, indicated to support pancreatic function, biliary secretion, intestinal comfort, and healthy bowel movements.
Fennelcom™- fortifier for the stomach and small intestines, indicated for colic, bloating, and occasional stomach upset.
Gencom™- fortifier for the blood and general system detoxifier.
Grapefruit (seed)- single spagyric herbal known for its antimicrobial properties, to support a healthy intestinal microbiome.
* Vermicom™- (Formerly called Paracom) fortifier for the colon, indicated to support a healthy intestinal microbiome.
Wormwood- single spagyric herbal specifically indicated to support the digestive tract.
Nutritionals
Arteriozyme™- enzyme formula designed to support the breakdown and elimination of foreign matter throughout the system.
* Colo-Cleanse™- nutritional formula designed to cleanse pockets in the colon.
Colo-Ease™- nutritional laxative formula indicated for occasional constipation.
* H.D.A. (High Delivery Acidophilus)- encapsulated live probiotic bacteria, specially processed to deliver the greatest amount of beneficial cultures to the intestines where it rehydrates and multiplies.
Immunique™- balanced nutritional formula indicated to support the immune system.
Additional Considerations
Cleansing enemas of two quarts lukewarm, purified water will rid the colon of undigested foods. You may wish to encourage your patient to seek the assistance of a colonic therapist.
Please note that parasites can be difficult to eliminate due to the various stages of development; therefore, we recommend at least three months on a parasite program to ensure expulsion.
*Denotes primary remedy.
**These statements are based upon traditional homeopathic practice.
**Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Revised 3/1/21