7 Powerful Foods and Ayurvedic Herbs for Deworming in Kids

Children are the future of our country; so, their health and well-being hold great significance. About 241 million kids between the ages of 1 to 14 in our country are at risk of suffering from an infection due to parasitic intestinal worms (i.e. Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH)) as per the World Health Organization (WHO). STH  infections are a marked public health concern for the young population in our nation. Worms affecting children happen to hamper their nutrient uptake, thereby contributing to malnourishment, impaired physical and mental development, and anaemia. So, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India takes efforts in holding 10^th February as the National Deworming Day. It’s observed biannually in February and August. Its objective is to deworm children between 1 and 19 years of age group through schools and Anganwadi centres to improve their nutritional status, health, access to education, and quality of life. This is one of the biggest public health initiatives reaching a plethora of kids in a short span.

Fortunately, a healthy diet, Ayurvedic herbs, and good hygiene practices can help avoid or manage worm infestations and subsequent infections in children and residents of India largely. So, you might be wondering which foods and best herbs for deworming are effective in combating or preventing worm infections in children, aren’t you? Check out the list of foods and herbs that can help beat deworming and improve the health and quality of life of children.

7 Powerful Foods for Deworming:

Here are some nutritious foods that can help prevent or manage worm infestation in children and people effectively.

1. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are abundant in cucurbitacin, which is an amino acid. It’s antiparasitic and aids in paralyzing worms prevailing in the digestive tract. Post-paralyzing the intestinal parasites, they get eliminated from the stools easily. So, pumpkin seeds are often used as a traditional solution to eliminate intestinal parasites. These medicinal seeds are also effective in the removal of harmful tapeworms. So, you can use pumpkin seeds in the diet for deworming your kids naturally.

2. Carrots

Packed with vitamin A and beta-carotene, carrots are nutrient-dense foods that help deworm children smoothly. This orange-coloured vegetable’s beta-carotene content is effective in destroying the eggs of intestinal worms. Carrots help scrape the mucous, where parasites dwell, and help push away worms out of the intestine. So, fresh carrots are regarded as one of the best foods for deworming in children. Wash carrots well and eat them raw, as it is the best way for deforming children.

3. Papaya Seeds

Another healthy food for deworming children is papaya seed. These seeds comprise essential nutrients. The strong anti-amoebic and anthelmintic properties of these seeds can kill intestinal parasites thriving in the digestive tract. Having papaya seeds with a dash of honey aids in eliminating intestinal parasites. So, mix the powder of papaya seeds with honey in warm water and give it to your child on an empty stomach in the morning to prevent or manage worm infestation.

4. Coconut

Coconut also aids in the deworming process. Coconut water is highly nutritious and also helps in clearing out toxins from our system while offering a cooling effect. Besides this, coconut oil comprises caprylic acid which offers anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic effects that help in deworming in children. You may have a tbsp of freshly grated coconut along with some boiled garlic; later, after three hours, drink a glass of warm milk.

5. Pineapple

This tropical fruit offers plenty of health benefits. The fruit’s core is rich in bromelain, an enzyme which improves digestion and kills parasites. This enzyme is also effective in breaking down protein foods that help us combat intestinal parasites Also, pineapple juice is effective in reducing the formation of proinflammatory cytokines that can cause inflammation of the colon. Regular intake of pineapple strengthens your immune system and helps you combat and eliminate parasites.

6. Cucumber Seeds

Cucumber seeds are quite effective in eliminating tapeworms present in your digestive tract. It contains enzymes that can kill tapeworms. Even if you don’t have a parasite affecting the digestive system, it is better to consume these seeds as a precautionary measure.

7. Garlic

We use garlic as a common kitchen ingredient for ages. This vegetable is known for its anti-parasite and antiseptic properties that help in destroying harmful intestinal worms and their eggs. Eating garlic also prevents female pinworms from laying more eggs. Thus, garlic plays an effective role in deworming children. Regular consumption of garlic is effective in preventing oxidation resulting due to parasitic toxins.

7 Herbs That Help Deworming

Here are some herbs for deworming.

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is a common ingredient that we use in cooking preparations. However, it’s an effective herb for deworming kids. It is known for its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, which help in the removal of intestinal worms. You may give your child a glass of fresh buttermilk by adding a tsp of turmeric daily.

2. Giloy

Giloy is an essential herb in Ayurvedic medicines. It is known to be an effective deworming agent. Also, it can treat a range of health conditions. Giloy contains alkaloids, terpenoids, lignans, and other compounds. These compounds provide antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects that help boost your immunity, improve digestion and alleviate bloating, gas, constipation, and acidity.

3. Tulsi

Tulsi is another Ayurvedic herb that has been scientifically proven to have medicinal properties. It’s also quite effective in deworming children. It offers antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects. Its vitamin C and zinc content are also effective in boosting your child’s immunity and keeping infection at bay. Tulsi also helps relieve digestion issues, soothes constipation problems, and helps in getting rid of harmful stomach worms.

4. Ginger

The consumption of freshly grated ginger through our cooking preparations helps increase the secretion of stomach acid, which helps kill parasites and avoid the risk of infections. Also, ginger can improve blood circulation and is beneficial for managing all sorts of digestive issues..

5. Pomegranate & its Bark

Eating pomegranate promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria and minimizes inflammation in your digestive tract. And, the bark of the pomegranate is effective in eliminating intestinal worms. The bark of this nutritious fruit contains punicine, which is an alkaloid that has anthelmintic properties that help eliminate intestinal worms.

6. Neem Leaves

Neem leaves are known for their medicinal and antibacterial effects. Chewing a few leaves of neem on an empty stomach helps in keeping your gut healthy and safe. It helps improve your digestion and destroy bad bacteria present in your intestine.

7. Clove

Clove is used in our culinary delights to add a great flavour. The herb is also quite effective in killing parasitic larvae and eggs and microscopic parasites. Clove is known for its antiparasitic and antiseptic properties that help destroy intestinal worms and their eggs. You may add a cup of water and 2-3 cloves to a saucepan and boil them. Simmer for five minutes, strain it, and drink the healthy fluid three to four times daily for a week for experiencing the deworming effect.

Besides adding these effective foods and herbs to the diet for deworming, you should also practice and teach your kids good hygiene practices. These include washing hands before eating and after visiting the toilet, trimming the nails regularly to avoid the accumulation of dirt in them, using the sanitized toilet, and keeping the surroundings clean.

So, let’s pledge to care for the health of our young ones this National Deworming Day by enriching their diet with these nutritious and beneficial foods and herbs. Consulting certified nutritionists, such as health experts at Health Total can help you receive a customized diet plan for deworming that would suit the needs of your child the best. Our diet plan not only helps eliminate the harmful worms and parasites from your body but also eliminates all nutritional deficiencies, boosts your immunity, lowers the potential health risks, and improves overall health naturally and safely. So, be quick, get in touch with us at Health Total, and take a step forward to ensure the good health of your child with a personalized diet for deworming.

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