ANTIPARASITICAL AND ANTHELMINTIC HERBS

Anthelmintics are herbs that help destroy and dispel worms. In

Ayurveda, the concept of krumi, often translated as worm has broader
implications. It includes all parasites, bacterial, fungal and yeast
infections, which were accessible to the subtle vision of the yogis.
Anthelmintics are useful in these conditions as well. They have value in
treating the wide-spread yeast infection of Candida albicans, and related
food allergy problems.
Parasitical infections are treated like Ama, as undigested food while it
stagnates will eventually breed some sort of parasite. They are treated
with a detoxifying therapy; tonification would only feed the infestation.
For this reason anthelmintic herbs have an emaciating effect upon the
body and can
weaken the tissues. In this regard, sperm is also considered a kind of
worm or krumi. Anthelmintic herbs may reduce sperm and deplete
vitality. Therefore, we should use these herbs symptomaticaUy and with
care, especially when the patient is already weak or emaciated.
Ayurveda identifies parasites with the aggravated Dosha through which
they are manifested. Kafha-type parasites reside primarily in mucus or
phlegm; Pitta-type parasites in the blood; and Vata-type parasites are
found in the feces. Care must be taken to treat the aggravated Dosha as
well as the specific parasites.
Antiparasitical action is possessed mainly by pungent or bitter-tasting
herbs, yet it is often more a matter of special potency Prabhava, than of
general energetics. Still we should be cautious in using hot, pungent
anthelmintics on Pitta-types or cold, bitter ones on Vata-types.
Typical antiparasitical herbs: ajwan, asafoetida, cayenne pepper, cloves,
garlic, golden seal, pennyroyal, pomegranate, prickly ash, pumpkin
seeds, rue, tansy, thyme, wormseed and wormwood.
Worms and parasites often cause an acute condition which should be
referred to a qualified practitioner.