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 symptomatically 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.