Parasites capture the imagination. Social media is full of dramatic “cleanse” stories and warnings that every sugar craving or rash is secretly a worm. But experienced clinical herbalists would take a very different stance: slow down, look for patterns, and don’t jump to conclusions.
Parasites or Something Else?
In modern Western settings, parasites are not the most common cause of gut distress. More often, persistent bloating, cramping, or skin irritation comes from issues like bacterial imbalance (SIBO), yeast overgrowth, food intolerance, or even stress.
That said, parasites do exist, and they tend to leave a trail of hints rather than one obvious red flag.
Looking at the Terrain
One leading herbal text reminds us: “Parasites only become problematic when the terrain is weakened” (Bone & Mills, 2013). In other words, a resilient gut-immune system normally keeps them in check. Signs that the terrain has been compromised might include:
Digestive irregularity: alternating constipation and diarrhea, undigested food in stool
Nutrient theft: stubborn iron deficiency, low B12, unexplained weight loss
Immune irritation: itchy rashes, especially around the anus in children, or chronic allergies
Rather than focusing only on killing organisms, the deeper question is: why is the body vulnerable in the first place?
Building a Practical Case
As another well-known herbalist has said: “You don’t guess parasites based on one symptom, you build a case from several” (Easley & Horne, 2016). That means looking at the whole story, not just isolated discomfort. The case gets stronger if:
There’s a history of travel, untreated water, or animal exposure
Digestive symptoms don’t improve with standard gut support (like probiotics or elimination diets)
Bloodwork shows unexplained ferritin issues or eosinophilia
Skin and nervous system clues appear—crawling sensations, irritability, disturbed sleep
And importantly: “Rule out the simpler causes first before assuming parasites” (Easley & Horne, 2016).
Where the Experts Agree
Parasites are possible, but not as widespread as many online claims.
Symptoms are indirect—nutrient depletion, immune irritation, digestive chaos.
Guesswork isn’t enough—testing matters (stool tests, PCR panels).
Even if parasites are found, the long-term solution is restoring host resilience—gut terrain, immune balance, and nourishment—not just “killing” the bug.
The Takeaway
If you’re wondering whether you have parasites, the balanced approach is this: don’t dismiss the idea, but don’t jump on the cleanse bandwagon either. Look at the whole system, test when possible, and strengthen the terrain so your body can do what it does best—maintain balance.
Sign up for an online private consultation here:
https://www.herbalarchitect.com/work-with-me
Love & Sunshine, Tricia
References
Bone, K. & Mills, S. (2013). Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine. 2nd Edition. Churchill Livingstone.
Easley, T. & Horne, S. (2016). The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide. North Atlantic Books.
Bone, K. (2003). Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs. Churchill Livingstone.
CDC. (2024). Parasites – General Information. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
WHO. (2022). Soil-transmitted helminth infections. World Health Organization.
