This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting a new supplement or health routine. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Since sharing my own experience with herbal parasite cleanses, I’ve often been asked what a typical day looks like. This article walks through a simple daily routine built around traditional herbs, fibre and food – along with the safety steps I’d now recommend to anyone considering it.
Before you start: get checked first
Symptoms often blamed on parasites – bloating, fatigue, itching or changes in bowel habits – have many possible causes. Before starting any cleanse, it’s worth finding out what’s actually going on:
- See your GP. They can arrange a stool test to check for parasites and look into other causes of your symptoms.
- Threadworms are the most common worm infection in the UK and are easily treated with medicine from a pharmacy. The NHS threadworms page explains the signs and treatment.
- If you’ve travelled abroad, tell your GP where you’ve been, as some parasites need specific tests and prescription treatment.
Herbal remedies haven’t been tested as thoroughly as medical treatments, and they aren’t a substitute for proper diagnosis.
Who should not follow this routine
Don’t start this routine without speaking to your GP or pharmacist first if any of the following apply:
- You’re pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding. Wormwood in particular should be avoided.
- It’s for a child.
- You have epilepsy or a history of seizures.
- You have kidney or liver problems.
- You take regular medication, especially blood thinners, epilepsy medication or diabetes medication.
- You have a tree nut allergy (black walnut comes from walnut trees).
Morning – herbal capsules
The three herbs most often used in traditional parasite cleanses are cloves, wormwood and black walnut. I take them as separate capsules on an empty stomach, because it lets me adjust each one individually.
Whichever products you choose, start at the lowest dose on the label and never exceed the maximum. Wormwood contains a compound called thujone, which can be harmful in large amounts, so it’s only suitable for short courses. Choose capsules or a tincture rather than taking both, so you don’t double up.
If you’d rather take a liquid, the Now Foods Black Walnut Wormwood Complex combines all three herbs in one tincture. Be warned: it’s very bitter.
Mid-morning – fibre
A couple of hours later, I take psyllium husk, a natural soluble fibre from the Plantago ovata plant. When mixed with water it forms a gel that adds bulk to your stool and helps keep your bowel movements regular, which is useful during any cleanse.
- Start small: half a teaspoon in a large glass of water, then build up gradually over a couple of weeks if you tolerate it well.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Psyllium without enough fluid can cause constipation or, rarely, a blockage.
- Take it at least 2 hours apart from any medication or supplements, as fibre can reduce how well they’re absorbed.
Midday – a better snack
I swapped most of my snacks for pumpkin seeds. They’re nutritious, filling and easy to carry around, and they’ve traditionally been used against intestinal worms. Some research has found anti-parasitic effects, although the evidence in people is still limited.
Afternoon and evening – second dose
If your product label recommends more than one dose a day, take your second dose in the afternoon or early evening, an hour before or after food. Stick to the label – taking more won’t make the herbs work faster, but it does increase the risk of side effects.
How long to continue
Follow the duration on your product labels, and keep courses short – particularly for wormwood. If your symptoms haven’t improved after a few weeks, stop and speak to your GP rather than continuing indefinitely.
Side effects and when to stop
When I started the herbs, I had headaches for the first few days. Mild digestive upset, nausea or headaches are fairly common with herbal supplements. If they’re more than mild, or don’t settle within a few days, stop and speak to a pharmacist or your GP.
Stop and get medical advice straight away if you notice:
- blood in your stool
- severe or worsening stomach pain
- a high temperature
- diarrhoea lasting more than a week
- unexplained weight loss
- yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
Call 999 if someone becomes confused, has slurred speech, a seizure, or difficulty breathing.
Food tips
A healthy diet supports your digestion during any cleanse. These are the habits I found most helpful:
- Pumpkin seeds as your go-to snack.
- Garlic and onion – both have been used traditionally for gut health. Finely chopped raw onion and garlic with olive oil and black pepper makes a strong but tasty side salad.
- Cut back on sugar and processed food, which is good for your gut health in general.
- If you sweeten your coffee, try cacao nibs instead of sugar.
- Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables.
Herbs and spices to cook with
Seasoning your meals with herbs and spices is an easy way to add flavour and variety: turmeric, garlic, ginger, oregano, thyme, sage, parsley and a pinch of cayenne pepper all work well.
A warming herbal tea
Simmer a thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, a teaspoon of dandelion root and a few whole cloves in a pot of water for 15–20 minutes, then add fresh lemon juice to taste. Leave wormwood out of your tea if you’re already taking it as a capsule or tincture.
Summary
Get checked by your GP first. If you decide to try a herbal routine, start low, stick to the label doses, keep courses short and stop if you have side effects. Pair it with fibre, plenty of water and a healthy diet, and don’t hesitate to get medical help if something doesn’t feel right.
For more on this topic, read How long does it take to get rid of parasites?