Bloating, an unsettled stomach, changes in appetite or an itchy bottom: when something is off in the gut, many people wonder about parasites. This guide covers how plants have traditionally been used for gut cleansing, which GreenPharm remedies fit where, and why getting tested comes first. It is not medical advice, and none of our products is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Rooted in tradition
The wormwoods (Artemisia) are among the oldest bitter herbs in the world. African wormwood (Artemisia afra, "lengana") is a southern African staple in traditional medicine. Chinese wormwood and European wormwood have their own long histories in Chinese and European herbal practice. Black walnut hulls and cloves are the other two herbs that most often appear in traditional "cleansing" blends.
All of this is tradition, not proof. A herbal tincture is not a tested treatment for a parasite infection, and the stool tests and prescription treatments that doctors use are far more reliable.
Why testing comes first
Many things cause gut symptoms, including food intolerances, irritable bowel, stress, infections and medicines. Parasites such as giardia, amoeba and worms are real, particularly after travel, after drinking untreated water, or in households with young children or pets. A stool test or a doctor's assessment tells you what you actually have, and gets you effective treatment, rather than weeks of guessing. If you suspect an infection, please see a doctor or pharmacist first.
The foundations that do the heavy lifting
- Wash your hands after the toilet and before eating, and wash fruit and vegetables.
- Use safe water. Boil or filter water from boreholes, rivers and dams, or on the road.
- Cook meat and fish properly.
- Deworm pets and treat the household together if a doctor finds worms. Re-infection is the reason cleansing often "doesn't work."
- Feed your gut. Fibre, fermented foods and plenty of water.
- Be careful travelling. If you have a fever after time in a malaria area (parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal), see a doctor immediately. Malaria is a medical emergency and not a plant job.
Where plants can support you
Tinctures made or sourced by herbalist Eduan Joubert. Start with one, follow the label, and read the "check first" column first.
| Product | What it is | Check first | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ParasiteKILL No. 37 | A 50 ml tincture combining black walnut with African, Chinese and European wormwood (25% each), in an alcohol base. The package insert lists an adult dose of 40 drops in water, twice daily. Confirm against the current bottle label. | Does not replace prescribed treatment, and the name is not a guarantee. Contains alcohol. See a healthcare practitioner if you suspect an infection. Not in pregnancy or breastfeeding. | R120 |
| African wormwood | A traditional southern African bitter herb. | Not in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask first if you take any medication. | R120 |
| Chinese wormwood | Traditionally used in Chinese herbal practice. | Not in pregnancy. It is not a treatment for malaria, which needs medical care. | R120 |
| Europe wormwood | A bitter herb traditionally used for appetite and digestion. | Not in pregnancy or breastfeeding. High doses can cause thujone poisoning, with confusion, hallucinations and seizures. Do not exceed the label. | R120 |
| Black walnut | Traditionally used in "cleansing" blends and for the skin. | Not in pregnancy or breastfeeding. | R120 |
| Cloves | A warming spice traditionally used for nausea, wind and as an antiseptic. | Ask first if you take blood thinners. | R120 |
Before you start: the medication check
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: all of the wormwoods and black walnut. Avoid them.
- Children: do not give wormwood products to children without a doctor's advice.
- Seizure disorders: wormwoods, because of thujone. Ask your doctor.
- Liver conditions or any long-term medication: speak to your doctor first.
- Time limits: wormwood is not for continuous use. Ask the practitioner how long to take it, and follow the label.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist first if you take any prescription medicine, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a long-term condition. Start with one product at a time, follow the directions on the label, and stop and seek help if you feel unwell.
When to see a doctor
- Fever, especially after time in a malaria area. Go the same day.
- Blood or mucus in your stool, or black stools
- Diarrhoea for more than a few days, or signs of dehydration
- Unexplained weight loss, ongoing fatigue or severe abdominal pain
- Worms seen in the stool, or an itchy bottom in a child
- Symptoms in a baby, a pregnant woman or someone with a weak immune system
A simple way to start
Get tested if you suspect an infection. Fix the foundations: hands, water, pets. If your doctor says a plant is reasonable alongside that, start with one, follow the label, and note how you feel after the first week.
Every plant we sell is made or sourced by herbalist Eduan Joubert, who has worked with herbs since 2012 on a smallholding north-east of Pretoria. Browse the full Gut Cleansing range, or send us a message if you are unsure where to begin.
Free delivery on orders over R600, R150 below that. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication.