Adios PESKY PARASITES
- Maddie
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Once a year I like to ‘clean out the gut’.
Why?
The human body can pick up parasites easily and if there is too big a build-up, things become toxic and can cause many annoying problems. Here's why you should consider a cleanse:
Parasites can live quietly in the digestive tract, but when they overgrow, they interfere with nutrient absorption, digestion, and immune function.
Symptoms may be mild or quite noticeable, and often mimic other digestive disorders.
Common signs include:
Digestive upset: bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhoea, cramping, nausea
Unexplained weight changes: weight loss or difficulty gaining weight despite eating well
Persistent fatigue: feeling drained or “wiped out” even with rest
Food cravings: especially for sugar and processed foods (parasites thrive on them)
Poor nutrient absorption: anaemia, low B12, or other deficiencies
Itchy skin or rashes: sometimes around the anus (especially at night)
Mood or brain fog: anxiety, irritability, difficulty focusing
Grinding teeth at night (bruxism): a classic symptom in children but also adults
Increased appetite or loss of appetite without clear cause
Immune weakness: recurring colds, flu, or infections
A targeted parasite cleanse supports not only digestion but the whole body, since the gut is central to immunity, detoxification, and energy production. I will follow up with a course of probiotics.
Key benefits include:
Improved digestion: less bloating, gas, cramping, and more regular bowel movements
Better nutrient absorption: improved energy, skin, hair, and overall vitality
Increased energy and mental clarity: less brain fog, more stable mood
Stronger immune system: better resilience against infections
Balanced appetite and reduced cravings: especially for sugar and junk food
Clearer skin: reduction in rashes, acne, and itchiness linked to gut toxins
Reduced inflammation: easing joint pain, allergies, and auto-immune flares
Overall detoxification: liver, lymph, and kidneys all function more efficiently
I have to admit I haven’t cleansed for a couple of years now and would love to hear what you do ….. I love expanding on what I already know, which is …..
Black Walnut Hull (Juglans nigra)
Traditionally used for its strong anti-parasitic and antifungal activity.
Works especially well against intestinal worms.
Usually taken as a tincture (green hulls are strongest).
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
Famous in European, Chinese, and Middle Eastern traditions for driving out worms. The clue is in the name!
Contains thujone, which can be toxic in high doses — so dosing must be careful.
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
Kills eggs and larval stages, complementing black walnut (adult worms) and wormwood (intermediate stages).
Very warming and antimicrobial.
These three together are often called the “classic parasite cleanse trio.”
I'll add loads of garlic which is time-honoured anti-parasitic and antimicrobial.
You might also consider ....
Oregano oil – broad-spectrum antimicrobial.
Thyme (I take it as tea or tincture) – supports cleansing and gut balance.
Cycle the cleanse: Parasites lay eggs that hatch later.
Most cleanses run for 10–14 days, then pause, and repeat 2–3 times.
Support elimination: Make sure bowels are moving well - fibre and hydration important so dead parasites/toxins don’t linger.
Liver and gut support: Milk thistle or dandelion, can support detox pathways.
Probiotics afterward help restore balance.
Diet: Reduce sugar and refined carbs (parasites thrive on them).
However .....
Wormwood is not for pregnancy, nursing, seizures, or liver disease.
Black walnut can cause allergic reactions in those sensitive to nuts.
Always stick to recommended dosages—these are strong herbs.
If under medical care, check with your practitioner first.
Prepare for the cleanse for a couple of days with diet changes and high hydration.
You may be able to access a specific combination (see Baldwins at the end of this blog), but if not simply follow the RDA. Start gently (half doses for the first 2 days), then build up in a way that feels it's resonating with your body..
Pairing a parasite cleanse with Energy Medicine makes the process gentler and more effective, because you’re helping the body move out toxins instead of “getting stuck” with them. As Donna Eden says: 'energy has to move', I would add that everything needs to move or risk becoming congested, stagnant and toxic.
Here’s what I do ….
Neurolymphatic Reflex Massage – quick and easy to do, it supports the body’s ‘garbage disposal’, getting rid of toxic waste – here is my friend Margie Fein demonstrating (she explains it way better than me!) …..
LARGE INTESTINE #4 (Joining Valley) NOT IF YOU ARE PREGNANT! – on each side of the body
(This diagram is with enormous thanks to A Manual of Acupuncture - digital version. A great resource if you like, or need, pinpoint accuracy!)
One of the master 4 Gates of the body.
Think of this as opening the ‘gates’ to enable energy to run in the upper body.
The other 'gates' are the Liver 3 points on the top of each foot, they enable energies to run in the lower body.
They don't take long, so I would rub/massage/tap/hold (whatever you feel moves the energy most) both sets of points, for a minute, to stimulate the energies.
An easy way to find it is to place your index finger and thumb next to each other and where the 'crease' ends is a landmark for the point. Or ... squeeze the thumb against the base of the index finger, and locate L.I.-4 at the highest point of the bulge of the muscle and approximately level with the end of the crease.
In addition to supporting the cleanse, LI4 is also excellent for:
· for letting go of anything energetically/emotionally that we are holding on to that is way past it’s sell-by date
· pain relief in the upper body, particularly the head – I personally always use it when I visit the dentist, it enables me to often have work without an anaesthetic
Parasites mainly lodge in the intestines, so keeping the this meridian flowing helps move things out.
You might trace the meridian – again on both sides of the body – 2-3 times.
Start at the index finger nail (thumb side).
Trace up the arm, across the shoulder, up the neck, across the face, under the nostril and end at the side of the nose.... here schools differ, you can either go out under the nostril and then back to the side of the nose (i.e. on the side you've just traced) OR out under the nostril and to the side of the nose on the other side - don't worry too much for this exercise, if you hold intention clear, your body's energies will 'know' what you are intending!
Support+ you SPLEEN with …
Spleen 6 (SP6) – Three Yin Intersection
Spleen 6 is one of the most important acupuncture points, often called a “Master Point” because of its wide-reaching effects on the body, mind, and spirit.
It is known as the Three Yin Intersection, where the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney meridians all cross.
Located on the inner lower leg, about 3 thumb-widths above the highest point of the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus), just behind the shinbone (tibia).
Because it connects three major Yin meridians, SP6 has influence over digestion, reproduction, urogenital health, blood, and overall Yin balance in the body. It is a powerful 'harmoniser'.
Why am I suggesting it here?
Parasites thrive when digestion and elimination are weak.
SP6 strengthens the Spleen and Kidney energies, both of which are essential for filtering, detoxification, and building a strong immune response.
Because it also harmonizes the Liver, it supports the body’s ability to clear toxins and regulate detox pathways.
Working this point during a parasite cleanse can help:
· Improve digestion and absorption of nutrients
· Support detoxification and elimination
· Strengthen immunity to resist reinfection
· Restore energy and balance after cleansing
You can work it in 3 different ways ….
1. Use your thumb, fingers or knuckle to press firmly but comfortably on SP6 for 1–3 minutes on each leg. You may feel a slight tenderness—this is normal.
2. Rub in small circles to stimulate energy flow.
3. Hold the point lightly with intention, or gently tap it to activate the meridians.
⚠️ Note: Avoid strong stimulation of SP6 during pregnancy, as it can induce labour.
Baldwins is a traditional herbalist based in the UK – here is the link to their Wormwood, Clove and Black Walnut tincture: https://www.baldwins.co.uk/natures-answer-black-walnut-clove-wormwood-alcohol-free-fluid-extract-30ml