Have you heard about this? Infestation of worms in the digestive system is common throughout the world, particularly in young children. Worms can sometimes be seen around the anus or in the feces, and they inflame the area of the bowel or rectum where they attach themselves. The most common worms in humans in the United States are pinworms. Other type of worms occurs, too, such as hookworms in tropical countries.

Intestinal worms present many symptoms such as diarrhea, bad breath, dark circles under the eyes, restlessness at night, anemia, and itching around the anus.

There are many natural ways to treat this situation depending on the type of worm such as:

• Rescue Remedy is good for discomfort or distress. Rub into the pulse points, around the anus to relieve itching. Crab Apple is excellent if you feel unclean or polluted.
• Rub a drop each of eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree oil into a bland ointment, such as petroleum jelly or chickweed. Rub around the anus to prevent itching and to prevent eggs from being laid. This is particularly helpful at night.
• A teaspoon each of cayenne pepper and senna can be combined in a cup of yogurt with live cultures and taken by teaspoon before meals. The former stuns the worms and the latter encourages their explosion.
• Wormwood tea will stun the worms, but should only be taken under the supervision of a registered herbalist.
• Garlic is toxic to worms. Crush and add it to a tablespoon of honey and take before meals, followed by a tincture of laxative herbs, such as licorice and dandelion root to aid expulsion.
Conventional treatment is always necessary for any tapeworm infestations. Call your doctor if treatment is not effective after two courses, or if you begin to lose weight.