Threadworm prevention
Do you have any suggestions for the prevention of threadworm? My six-year-old daughter has had an infection about six times a year, ever since she was two. I am worried about all the tablets she is taking but if she stops, the problem drives her to distraction. Please do not suggest anything to do with hygiene - I’ve done that with no results.
A three-pronged attack is needed to rid the body of any parasitic infection. First, you need to kill off the organism, then expel it and finally, take steps to prevent re-infection. The infection your daughter has affects some 40% of all children under the age of 10, so try not to feel mortified. Instead, take heart from the fact there are so many natural remedies that can help.
Alison Loftus, a nutritionist who has specialised in treating parasitic infections, recommends grapefruit seed extract which she says has proven especially effective in treating children. Give your daughter two drops, twice a day, in a non-acidic fruit juice such as apple. Also, avoid sugar in her diet until the treatment ends.
For adults, there are many herbs that can help. Black walnut, for example, is a favourite among herbalists who use it to kill off the worms. False Unicorn will help expel them while ground pumpkin seeds, sprinkled on your cereal, will do both jobs fast. Horsetail kills off both the parasite and its eggs, and garlic contains sulphur which, although not a favourite with children, is also deadly for such infections.
Herbs are very potent and can interfere with medication you are already taking so it is always best to find a qualified practitioner. The National Institute of Medical Herbalists (01392-426022) holds a register for the UK. Alison Loftus charges £60 for an initial consultation and £30 for follow-up appointments. For details call 0171-631 0156.
Revital (0800-252875) sells grapefruit seed extract. 50ml costs £7.30. Kyolic is a liquid garlic extract which you can also give to children. It costs £18.45 for 60ml. Take a few drops in juice each day.