Herbs that expel intestinal worms and parasites: black walnut, wormwood, pumpkin seed and the old strong vermifuges, always given with a laxative to sweep the parasites out. Chapter 5 teaches this family as a whole.
- Black Walnut
- Wormwood
- Male Fern
- Pomegranate
- Jerusalem Oak
- Kousso
- Pink Root
- Tansy
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Santonica
- Hyssop
No. 14Black Walnut
Traditional uses and main actions
Christopher's miracle herb: his black walnut tincture cleared the "incurable" impetigo at Fort Lewis and went on to heal jungle rot, ringworm, fungus, eczema, shingles and boils. It expels worms and parasites, tightens tissue and is rich in natural iodine and tannins. Part of his BF&C and INF formulas and Schulze's Anti-Infection formula.
How it's prepared
Tincture of the hulls (Christopher's: 8 ounces green or dry hulls in a quart of 90-proof alcohol, 14 days); compress; capsules.
Typical amounts
Tincture, 10–30 drops 2–3 times a day for parasites, for 2 weeks, with a laxative; outside, as a compress or painted on fungus.
Cautions and interactions
Stains skin and cloth dark brown. Long, heavy use is not advised. Not in pregnancy. People allergic to tree nuts should avoid it.
Taught in Lessons 4, 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapters of the same number in this book).
No. 15Wormwood
Traditional uses and main actions
One of the bitterest herbs known and one of the oldest worm remedies, used for roundworms and pinworms and as a bitter tonic for weak digestion, gas and a sluggish liver and gallbladder. Part of Christopher's BF&C formula.
How it's prepared
Tincture; capsules; a little in bitter tea.
Typical amounts
Tincture, 5–20 drops before meals, or as directed for parasites, for no more than 2–4 weeks.
Cautions and interactions
Its thujone can affect the nervous system in large amounts or long use. Short courses only. Not in pregnancy or breastfeeding, for young children, or with seizures. Never take the essential oil by mouth.
Taught in Lesson 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapter of the same number in this book).
No. 16Male Fern
Traditional uses and main actions
A classic tapeworm remedy of the old herbalists and physicians, given as a single measured dose of the root extract on an empty stomach, followed by a laxative.
How it's prepared
Historically, the oleoresin of the rhizome, given once.
Typical amounts
Historically a single measured dose under an experienced practitioner, followed by a laxative; today pumpkin seed, black walnut and wormwood do this work more gently.
Cautions and interactions
A strong herb: too much affects the nerves and eyes. Not with castor oil or fats, which increase absorption. Not for children, in pregnancy, or for the elderly.
Taught in Lesson 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapter of the same number in this book).
No. 17Pomegranate
Traditional uses and main actions
The bark was an ancient remedy for tapeworm in Egypt, Greece and India; the astringent rind is used for diarrhea and as a gargle. The fruit, one of the seven species of the land of Israel, is food and an antioxidant.
How it's prepared
Decoction of the bark or rind.
Typical amounts
Rind decoction, 1 teaspoon per cup, 2–3 cups a day for diarrhea; the bark for worms only in a short, measured course with a laxative.
Cautions and interactions
The root and stem bark are strong and can cause dizziness and vomiting in large amounts; not in pregnancy. The fruit and juice are safe.
Taught in Lesson 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapter of the same number in this book).
No. 18Jerusalem Oak
Traditional uses and main actions
Christopher's syllabus lists the seeds for roundworms and hookworms. The leaf, as epazote, is a culinary herb in Mexico, cooked with beans to ease gas.
How it's prepared
Leaf in cooking; the seed for worms in a short, measured course.
Typical amounts
As a cooking herb, a few leaves in a pot of beans. Medicinal use of the seed in short courses only.
Cautions and interactions
The seed oil (oil of chenopodium) is toxic; never use the oil. Not in pregnancy or for children beyond culinary amounts.
Taught in Lesson 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapter of the same number in this book).
No. 19Kousso
Traditional uses and main actions
An Ethiopian tree whose flowers were a famous remedy for tapeworm, imported to Europe and America in the 1800s and listed by Christopher among the vermifuges.
How it's prepared
Infusion of the powdered flowers, as a single dose.
Typical amounts
Historically a single measured dose followed by a laxative; rarely available today.
Cautions and interactions
Causes nausea and vomiting in larger doses. Not in pregnancy or for children.
Taught in Lesson 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapter of the same number in this book).
No. 20Pink Root
Traditional uses and main actions
A Cherokee worm remedy adopted by American physicians for roundworms in the 1800s, often combined with senna.
How it's prepared
Infusion or fluid extract, with a laxative.
Typical amounts
Historically measured doses for a few days with senna; rarely used today.
Cautions and interactions
Too much affects the heart and nerves (fast pulse, dizziness). Not for children or in pregnancy; use only in measured amounts.
Taught in Lesson 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapter of the same number in this book).
No. 21Tansy
Traditional uses and main actions
An old worm remedy and bitter, also used outside as an insect repellent and to bring on a delayed period. Christopher lists it under both anthelmintics and emmenagogues.
How it's prepared
Weak tea, briefly; strewn or hung to repel insects.
Typical amounts
Weak tea, ½–1 teaspoon per cup, for a few days only.
Cautions and interactions
Contains thujone: strong amounts are toxic. Never in pregnancy. Never use the essential oil. Short courses only.
Taught in Lesson 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapter of the same number in this book).
No. 22Pumpkin Seeds
Traditional uses and main actions
The gentlest worm remedy, safe for children and pregnant women, a traditional American and Mexican cure for tapeworm and roundworm. The seeds are also a food rich in zinc and magnesium and are used for the prostate.
How it's prepared
Raw seeds, freshly ground, mixed with honey or milk, followed in a few hours by a laxative.
Typical amounts
For worms, about 2 ounces (½ cup) of raw seeds for adults, ground, on an empty stomach, followed by a laxative; children, a quarter to a half of that.
Cautions and interactions
Very safe. Use raw, not roasted.
Taught in Lesson 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapter of the same number in this book).
No. 23Santonica
Traditional uses and main actions
The source of santonin, once the standard remedy for roundworm in children. (Homeopathic Cina, made from it, is still used for children with worms.)
How it's prepared
Historically, measured doses of the flower heads or santonin.
Typical amounts
No longer used as an herb; gentler vermifuges do the job.
Cautions and interactions
Santonin caused yellow vision and was toxic in overdose; it was withdrawn from use. Not a home remedy.
Taught in Lesson 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapter of the same number in this book).
No. 24Hyssop
Traditional uses and main actions
An aromatic mint-family herb listed by Christopher as both a worm herb and a diaphoretic. Used in hot tea for colds, coughs, congestion and fevers, and to expel worms. (The ezov of the Bible was most likely a related wild oregano.)
How it's prepared
Tea; syrup with honey for coughs.
Typical amounts
Tea, 1–2 teaspoons per cup, 3 cups a day.
Cautions and interactions
The herb tea is safe; the essential oil can cause seizures and is never taken by mouth. Not in pregnancy beyond culinary amounts.
Taught in Lesson 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapter of the same number in this book).