8 Natural and Effective Ways to Get Rid of Pinworms

Pinworm
© Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock.com

Written by Karla Lewellyn

Published: December 21, 2023

Share on:

Advertisement


About the length of a staple, pinworms are thin, white roundworms that inhabit the rectum of an infected person when female pinworms leave the intestine and deposit their eggs on the infected skin. Most commonly affecting school-aged children and institutionalized persons, pinworms are not usually dangerous, but they are an extremely aggravating nuisance. While medical professionals often prescribe over-the-counter treatments for pinworms, many natural remedies exist to eliminate these pesky creatures. Let’s discover eight natural and effective ways to get rid of pinworms.

Here are 8 natural and effective ways to eliminate pinworms.

1. Coconut Oil

coconut oil

Coconut oil

can be used internally or externally for many health conditions.

©iStock.com/white bear studio

This oil’s antibacterial and antiviral properties may help eradicate a pinworm infection. Swallowing a teaspoon of coconut oil per day as well as topically and sterilely applying it to the infected area before bedtime provides a two-way attack on this common infection.

2. Garlic

Onion anzur or Onion Suvorov or elephant garlic (Allium suworowii) is a species of onion native to Afghanistan and Central Asia

This superfood’s antioxidants can help prevent certain cognitive diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.

©SHARKY PHOTOGRAPHY/Shutterstock.com

A paradigm of a health food, garlic contains allicin, an active component with antiviral properties that combat a large number of bacteria. Garlic may kill existing eggs and, moreover, prevent female pinworms from laying more eggs.

The infected person can ingest garlic raw or on toast, in pasta, or in other delicious recipes. You can also create a topical balm by mixing it with petroleum jelly or olive oil. Be sure to apply garlic sparingly and in a sterile environment.

3. Pumpkin Seeds

These healthy seeds are great for heart health.

©iStock.com/Wako Megumi

While not a scientifically proven cure, pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitin which may slow down pinworms and/or prevent them from adhering to the intestinal walls. Long known as a natural de-wormer for livestock, these immunity boosters prove healthy far beyond their possible pinworm-destroying value.

.

4. Wormwood

mugwort

This herb helps ease inflammation, improve digestion, treat skin infections, and kill parasites.

©kazmulka/Shutterstock.com

This bitter herb is used in alcoholic drinks, but its antiparasitic properties can damage the membrane of pinworms. Mix it with water or tea to make it more palatable.

Be cautioned that wormwood can be toxic even in small doses, so follow instructions for ingesting it very carefully. It should not be consumed by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

5. Carrots

fresh carrots bunch on rustic wooden background

These healthy vegetables promote healthy vision, balance blood sugar, and boost brain health.

©nblx/Shutterstock.com

A longstanding health food, raw carrots target pinworms by assisting one’s digestive tract to push the worms through the intestines more rapidly. Rich in fiber, carrots promote good digestion and bowel movement.

It is best to consume them raw, but for the pickier eaters, add them to casseroles, salads, and soups to make them more appetizing.

6. Bitter Melon

Bitter melon

These “melons” are part of the gourd family.

©Emily Li/Shutterstock.com

This plant attacks several intestinal disorders by producing a chemical that mimics insulin. Consuming the fresh juice of these melons, which can be found in grocery chains or health markets, may help lessen or eliminate pinworm infection. Mix the juice with water or tea, and drink it daily for two weeks.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is linked with helping with weight management, type 2 diabetes, heart health, and varicose veins, among others.

©iStock.com/alicjane

Although this healthy elixir will not kill the pinworms, it will create a hostile environment for the parasites. Apple cider vinegar decreases pH levels in humans that prevent pinworms’ growth within the intestines or anus.

A high-sugar diet, which intensifies parasitic infection, is common among school-aged children. Therefore, consuming a small amount of apple cider vinegar each day can be helpful. Pour a small amount and “chase” it with water. This quick method is preferable to attempting to combine it with water or juice.

8. Good Hygiene

Handwashing hands; washing with soap and water at stainless steel sink.

Frequent hand washing and linen laundering are excellent preventative and treatment measures for pinworms.

©Benjamin Clapp/Shutterstock.com

It seems cliche, but stringent hygiene practices go far in both preventing and eradicating pinworms. Be sure to wash your hands before eating and after using the restroom. Additionally, launder linens — bedding, bath towels, and kitchen towels — frequently in hot water. If possible, provide the infected person with a separate bathroom to use for the duration of the infection.

As with any natural remedy, proceed with caution and common sense. Be your own health advocate: Research the most recent information, and consult your healthcare provider if you have qualms and concerns. As most increasingly desire to treat ailments as naturally as possible, we must do so with wisdom and discernment.

Summary of 8 Natural and Effective Ways to Get Rid of Pinworms

Natural RemedyPinworm-Fighting Property
1.Coconut Oilantibacterial and antiviral
2.Garlicallicin antiviral
3.Pumpkin Seedscucurbitin
4.Wormwoodanti parisitic
5.Carrotsdigestive aid
6.Bitter Meloninsulin-mimicking chemical
7.Apple Cider Vinegarlowers pH levels
8.anti parasiticcleanliness


Share this post on:
About the Author

Karla Lewellyn is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on places, dogs, travel, and geography. Karla has been writing and researching for 10 years and holds a Master's degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. A resident of Tennessee, Karla loves reading, writing, and spending time outdoors in East Tennessee.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.