Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Parasites
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Berberine | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner |  [2 stars] Berberine is derived from several plants, including barberry, Oregon grape, goldenseal, and goldthread. Studies have shown that berberine kills amoebae and can be used successfully to treat giardia infections. |
Ipecac | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] Emetine and other alkaloids in ipecac kill several types of parasites, including amoeba, pinworms, and tapeworms. |
Papaya Seed | Single administration of 4 grams | [2 stars] Seeds of the papaya fruit have been used in folk medicine to treat intestinal parasites. In one trial, supplementation eradicated intestinal parasites in 71 to 100% of children.
|
Anise | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Anise may have modest antiparasitic actions and has been recommended by some practitioners as a treatment for mild intestinal parasite infections. |
Barberry | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Berberine is derived from several plants, including barberry. Studies have shown that berberine kills amoebae and can be used successfully to treat giardia infections. |
Black Walnut | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Black walnut has been traditionally used for treatment of parasites. Numerous studies have suggested the herb can be helpful for some parasitic infections. |
Chaparral | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Chaparral has been historically used in some cultures as a way to detoxify and eliminate parasites. |
Cloves | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Cloves have been traditionally used for treatment of parasites. Numerous studies have suggested the herb can be helpful for some parasitic infections. |
Curled Mint | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Curled mint leaf has been shown to help relieve the symptoms of giardia and amoeba infections, as well as to eliminate these parasites in many cases. |
Garlic | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Garlic has been shown to kill parasites, including amoeba and hookworm, in test tubes and in animals. Other studies support the use of garlic to treat roundworm, pinworm, and hookworm. |
Goldenseal | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Berberine is derived from several plants, including goldenseal. Studies have shown that berberine kills amoebae and can be used successfully to treat giardia infections. |
Goldthread | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Berberine is derived from several plants, including goldthread. Studies have shown that berberine kills amoebae and can be used successfully to treat giardia infections. |
Male Fern | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Male fern has been traditionally used for treatment of parasites. Numerous studies have suggested the herb can be helpful for some parasitic infections. |
Oregon Grape | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Berberine is derived from several plants, including Oregon grape. Studies have shown that berberine kills amoebae and can be used successfully to treat giardia infections. |
Pumpkin Seeds | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Pumpkin seeds have purported effects against tapeworms. Given their safety, they are often recommended as an addition to other, more reliable therapies. |
Sweet Annie | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Sweet Annie has been traditionally used for treatment of parasites. Numerous studies have suggested the herb can be helpful for some parasitic infections. |
Tansy | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Tansy has been traditionally used for treatment of parasites. Numerous studies have suggested the herb can be helpful for some parasitic infections. |
Wormseed | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Wormseed is a traditional remedy for infections with worms. |
Wormwood | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Wormwood has been traditionally used for treatment of parasites. Numerous studies have suggested the herb can be helpful for some parasitic infections. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.