Natural Remedy for Intestinal Worms. Safe for Adults and Children

There are a number of different kinds of worms, each with a unique life cycle. Four of the most common are:

• The Pinworm or Threadworm – The adult pinworm migrates out the anus, usually at night or early morning, and lays her eggs on the skin around the anus. This causes itching and as your child scratches they can pick up eggs on their fingers as well as spread the eggs to bedclothes and other surfaces. The eggs can survive on surfaces for up to 2 weeks! These eggs can then be passed on to others, or themselves again, and swallowed so that more adult worms develop in the intestine. Pinworms are extremely common and are whitish in color and about 1 cm long, looking just like a small thread.
• The Whipworm – Eggs are passed out in the faeces, into the soil, and then become infective under moist conditions. These infective eggs can then be found in the soil and on the outside of unwashed fruit and vegetables. Once ingested the eggs hatch into larvae in the small intestine and then move down to the large intestine. Here the adult worms attach themselves to the gut lining and start to produce eggs which are passed out in the faeces again..
• The Roundworm – Following a similar process to the Whipworm the Roundworm eggs are also found in the soil and on the outside of unwashed fruit and vegetables. The eggs also hatch into larvae in the intestine but then pass into the bloodstream and get carried to the lungs. The larvae develop further in the lungs and are then coughed up and swallowed back into the intestine where they develop into adults and produce more eggs
• The Hookworm – Eggs are also passed out in the faeces and then into the soil where the larvae hatch under moist conditions. These larvae then infect humans by burrowing through the skin and entering the bloodstream from where they are carried to the lungs. From the lungs they get coughed up and swallowed and attach themselves to the lining of the intestine where they develop into new adults.

With milder infection you may notice the following symptoms of worms:

• Itchy bottom, usually at night or early morning.
• The irritation around the anus can result in sleep disturbances and bedwetting and irritability in children with worms is not uncommon
• You may see pinworms in the stool or around the anus
• Loss of appetite
• Listlessness and generally feeling unwell

Symptoms of heavier worm infestation can include the following:

• Distended abdomen
• Painful abdomen
• Loss of weight
• In females the worms can move into the vagina and cause itching and a discharge
• Coughing
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Listlessness and generally feeling unwell

One of the first problems is that the worms can cause malnutrition on two levels. Firstly, they decrease the appetite so that less food is eaten and, secondly, they stop the food from being absorbed properly once it has been eaten. Severe cases of chronic long term infections in children with large numbers of worms can result in stunting of growth and normal physical development. In addition the heavier the infection, the more likely the child is to feel ill and stay off school, all of which have a negative impact on future potential.

The next most common problem is that of anaemia. As the worms attach to the lining of the gut, they result in a small amount of bleeding. When there are a large number of worms, especially the hookworm, this bleeding can result in sufficient blood loss to cause anaemia.

Respiratory problems are also possible. As the larvae pass through the lungs, they can cause irritation and allergic symptoms. Irritation of the digestive tract can also lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Heavy infections with roundworm can sometimes result in blockages of the gut, which can be very dangerous.

• Treat all family members at the same time
• Trim fingernails and keep them short
• Try to stop your child from scratching around the anus. Even though the worms may have been killed the eggs are still there
• Soothe the itchy peri-anal region using nappy-rash creams or ointments to reduce the scratching
• Get your child to sleep in underpants or pyjamas
• Wash all clothing, especially undergarments, and bedding in hot water - don’t shake the sheet as you take it off the bed!
• Disinfect the toilet seat regularly

• Good Hygiene - Children should be taught to wash their hands after using the toilet, after playing in dirty soil, after farming or gardening and before preparing or eating food.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables in clean water before eating
• Wear shoes or slippers outdoors in areas where hookworm is prevalent
• Water from septic tanks or other potentially contaminated sources should not be used for watering vegetables.
• Keep fingernails short and discourage nail biting and finger sucking
• Scrub fingernails with a nailbrush as often as possible
• Clean the toilet seat, handle and toilet door handle regularly

Children grow very rapidly and good nutrition is vital to this process. Worm Dr will support this by soothing the irritated digestive lining and promoting optimal digestive health and absorption of nutrients.

Like all Feelgood Health products, Worm Dr has been developed with care by our practising Clinical Psychologist, and is manufactured according to the highest pharmaceutical standards. Individual ingredients are well-researched and have been specially chosen for their high safety profile.

• Glycorrhiza Glabra (licorice root) has long been used as a herbal remedy for gastro-intestinal complaints and is well known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Licorice also exerts a gentle laxative action on the bowels which will assist the body to expel parasites such as worms. In addition, Licorice will also relieve abdominal cramps and protect the liver. The sweet taste of Licorice will ensure that even children will take Worm Dr. with ease.
• Agrimonia Eupatoria (Agrimony) has been used since Ancient Greece as a digestive tonic. The astringent properties of Agrimony make it an ideal remedy to help clear the digestive system of parasites. Agrimony will also reduce colicky stomach pains and soothe digestive irritation.
• Althea Officinalis (Marshmallow) is another herb that has enjoyed a long history of medicinal use. It contains large sugar molecules, called mucilage, which exert a soothing demulcent effect on the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. Together with its anti-inflammatory properties, this makes Marshmallow an ideal natural remedy to relieve gastric irritation and promote a healthy lining in the digestive tract.
• Artemesia Africana (Wormwood or Wilde-Als) has been well used since ancient times and it is not surprising to know that the name Wormwood was derived from its natural ability to expel intestinal worms. Wormwood will also stimulate and invigorate the whole digestive process while simultaneously promoting liver and gall bladder health.
• Chamomilla (30C) is a calming homeopathic remedy for digestive complaints that is excellent for soothing irritated membranes and relieving gastric upset.
• Cina (30C) is a homeopathic remedy traditionally used to aid the expulsion of intestinal worms and to relieve abdominal discomfort. The dried flowers of the plant are used as they contain a substance called santonin which is a natural vermicide and the homeopathic preparation is especially suited to children.

Worm Dr. contains less than 1% pure pharmaceutical grade ethanol when diluted as directed.

Directions:
Children 15 years and under: Use one drop per age year of the child.
Adults and children over 16 years: 15 - 20 drops.

Dilute in approx. 1/4 glass of water or juice before breakfast for four days. Repeat after two weeks.

Caution:
Not recommended for children under one year old or during pregnancy unless under medical supervision. Please consult a doctor should symptoms persist.