How to Treat Pinworms Naturally

What Are Pinworms

Pinworms are a type of parasite that can make life pretty miserable. Fortunately, pinworm treatments can be supported with great effect with natural remedies. An alkaline diet is one such solution that can help restore the body’s natural balance and reduce pinworm symptoms.  Eating more leafy greens, vegetables, nuts, and legumes helps to create an environment in which pinworms find it difficult to survive.

Pinworms, also known as threadworms, are tiny parasites that can cause uncomfortable symptoms like itching around the anus and difficulty sleeping. The pinworm eggs can be passed from person to person through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

They look like little white worms that can be seen around the anus or on clothing, bed sheets, and the toilet bowl.

How to Treat Pinworms Naturally:

There are three ways we can help to treat pinworms, as well as the general suggestions at the bottom of this guide around hygene.  The best way to approach it is with topical, nutritional and supplemental/herbal remedies.  All of these have been proven to support the body recovering from, expelling and preventing parasitic infection, particularly pinworm.

It’s important to remember – if you think you have pinworms, you should see your doctor and get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. The below suggestions will aid any treatment.

Topical Treatments for Pinworm:

In addition to eating an alkaline diet, pinworm infections can also be treated with topical remedies.

1. Applying tea tree oil to the anus and groin area is one natural treatment that has been known to reduce pinworm infestations. Additionally, raw garlic applied directly to the skin around the anus may help kill pinworms in their tracks. Finally, applying a warm compress or taking a hot bath may provide relief from pinworm symptoms. I LOVE this tea tree skin oil and for my kids I use this tea tree balm.
2. Coconut oil is a great option to keep pinworms at bay! Coconut oil has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties that can help protect against pinworm infestations. Try applying a small amount of coconut oil around the anus area each day to reduce pinworm symptoms and help prevent future infections
3. A mix of zinc oxide and shea butter makes an excellent topical barrier for pinworm, when applied to the anal region. Zinc oxide is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while shea butter helps to soothe the skin and reduce pinworm symptoms.
4. Magnesium sulfite cream has been shown to be effective against pinworm too (I personally love this brand for muscle cramps and recovery, so recommend it for this use too)

Nutritional Treatments for Pinworm:

In addition to topical treatments, pinworms can also be treated with nutritional remedies. Eating a balanced diet full of natural whole foods is essential for keeping pinworm infestations in check.

• Carrots: Carrots are rich in Vitamin A, which helps boost the immune system and fight pinworm infections. Eating just a few carrots each day can help reduce pinworm symptoms and keep pinworms at bay.
• Garlic: Garlic contains sulfur compounds known to have antimicrobial properties that can help kill pinworms. Try adding some garlic to your meals on a daily basis, or taking a garlic supplement if necessary.
• Pumpkin seeds: Rich in zinc and fatty acids, pumpkin seeds are an excellent way to get rid of pinworms naturally. Eating 1-2 tablespoons of pumpkin seed oil each day has been known to reduce pinworm infestations significantly.
• Papaya seeds: Papaya seeds contain powerful enzymes that can help kill pinworms and reduce pinworm symptoms. Try adding papaya seeds to your morning smoothie or juicing them for a pinworm-fighting snack!
• Coconut oil: Coconut oil has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties that can help protect against pinworm infestations. Try adding coconut oil to your diet each day for pinworm relief.
• Turmeric: Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce pinworm symptoms. Try making a pinworm tea by adding 1 teaspoon of turmeric to boiling water and drinking regularly until pinworms subside.

Supplements & Herbs to Treat Pinworm:

In addition to dietary and topical pinworm treatments, there are also a variety of pinworm supplements and herbs that can help reduce pinworm symptoms. These natural remedies are generally safe for most people, but it’s best to consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplements or herbs if you have any pre-existing conditions.

Pau d’arco: Pau d’arco is a type of tree bark known for its antifungal properties that can help fight pinworms. Try taking pau d’arco capsules with meals twice daily until pinworms subside.

Wormwood: Wormwood is an herb known for its powerful anti-parasitic properties that can help kill pinworms. Try adding wormwood to your pinworm tea for an extra pinworm-fighting boost.

Grapefruit seed extract: Grapefruit seed extract is a powerful pinworm treatment that can help reduce pinworm symptoms and prevent future pinworm infestations. Try taking 1 teaspoon of grapefruit seed extract with meals twice daily until pinworms subside.

Black walnut: Black walnut is known for its powerful anti-parasitic properties that can help fight pinworms. Try taking black walnut capsules with meals twice daily until pinworms subside.

Curcumin: Curcumin is an active compound found in turmeric that can help fight pinworm infestations. Try taking curcumin capsules with meals twice daily until pinworms subside.

This is a great ALL-IN-ONE supplement that is really effective.  It contains the turmeric, psyllium husks for fibre (pinworms do not like fiber!), wormwood, black walnut and more.

Finally, try following an alkaline diet to naturally reduce pinworm symptoms and prevent future pinworm infestations. Eating a balanced diet full of whole foods like leafy greens, vegetables, nuts, seeds and healthy fats can help your body stay in balance and protect against pinworm infestations. With the right combination of topical treatments, dietary changes and natural supplements or herbs, you can treat pinworms naturally!

Extra: Tips for prevention

The best way to prevent reinfection is by frequently washing your hands with soap and warm water. Always remember to wash your hands:

-After using the restroom

-Before preparing food or eating

-When you’re around sick people

Consider keeping your nails short; this may help prevent pinworm eggs from becoming trapped under them. If you don’t wash your hands properly, you can ingest the eggs.

What an absolute pain and annoyance pinworms can be.  And they can easily be recurring.  The last thing you want to do is be constantly taking the medication as this isn’t great for your immune or digestive system.  In consultation with your doctor, you should consider some of the above as part of your protocol to lower your risk of infection, and reinfection and increase the efficacy of your treatment.

This article should not be taken as medical advice – when you are treating pinworms naturally, always consult your healthcare provider for more information regarding pinworm prevention and treatment.