A parasite is relatively easy to define—it is any living organism that lives on or in a host organism, receiving nutrients at the expense of the host organism. Parasites in humans can cause devastating damage to internal organ systems and, if left untreated, can result in fatality. While parasitic infection is generally more common in communities in tropic and sub-tropic areas, inhabitants in more Westernized areas are also susceptible to these unique and dangerous organisms. With increased air travel and untreated water contamination, parasites have been able to gain a foothold in nearly every faction of society. However, while parasitic contamination has remained extremely prevalent worldwide, many practitioners—especially those trained in the ways of traditional Western medicine—are more likely to misdiagnose the symptoms of a true parasitic infection.

One major indicator of a parasitic infection is the development of a chronic digestive condition that has resisted traditional medical treatment upon the return to the United States from such continents as Asia, South America, and Africa. Poor governmental regulation of water sewer, and garbage systems all contribute to the high prevalence in these topic and subtopic areas. Those with compromised immune systems are also more likely to contract a parasitic infection. The unfortunate truth is that many nations who are unable to acquire basic healthcare and successfully perpetuate the knowledge of preventative medicine oftentimes allow for the overall persistence of the parasitic infection in human populations.

Before discussing the basics behind self help, let us first explore some of the most common parasitic infections known to medicine:

• Giardia: Intestinal protozoa stemming from contaminated food, water, or soil.
• Cryptosporidium: Gastrointestinal protozoa resulting in serious and potentially chronic gastrointestinal distress.
• Toxoplasmosis: A parasitic protozoa generally contracted through contact with cat litter or cat feces.
• Malaria: An infectious parasitic disease caused by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito, which carries the infection in its saliva.

Self Help

These are just a few of the parasitic infections that can ultimately lead to hospitalization or death if left untreated. However, there are multiple measures that can be taken in the prevention of parasites, both at home and abroad. Many of these precautions can be taken to avoid serious negative consequences in the future.

• Filter water. This step proves to be the most beneficial for both international travelers and those who have compromised immune systems. If you are traveling, be sure to bring a water sterilization kit with you—available at most outdoor and camping supply stores.
• Be wise about your restaurant choices. Be sure that all food is cooked thoroughly and ensure that all fruits and vegetables are cleaned and peeled.
• Separate the cutting boards. Make sure to designate which cutting board is used for meat products only so as to avoid cross contamination during meal preparation.
• Manage your pet’s cleanliness. Be sure to get your four legged friends checked regularly for parasites, ensuring that the pet never licks your face or attempts to sleep in the family bed.
• Immune Compromised Individuals. Should never handle cat litter directly. Always use sterile gloves and a face mask, keeping the litter as far away from the body as possible.
• Children. Should, at all times, be protected from any and all animal droppings.
• Preparing meats before cooking. To ensure that all parasitic larvae are killed before consumption, be sure to freeze fish for 48 hours and beef and pork for 24 hours.
• Preparing vegetables before consumption. Try a chlorine food bath of ½ tsp Clorox bleach to 1 gallon of water. Leafy veggies, thin-skinned fruits, and all meats should be placed in the bath for 20 minutes before being transferred to a bath of clean water for 10 minutes. Thoroughly clean and dry all food before consumption. This method is especially effective for individuals living in areas where infestation and contamination are known dangers.
• Thoroughly cook all meat products. Thoroughly cooked meat should have no pink showing. At home, meats should be cooked at a minimum of 325 degrees Fahrenheit, while fish should be cooked at no lower than 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Beef, lamb, veal, and pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit, while fish should be cooked at 140 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 5 minutes.

Western Treatments

Flagyl (metronidazole) is perhaps the most commonly prescribed drug used in Western treatment of parasitic infection in the US. Unfortunately, this drug comes with many negative side effects. This inevitability leads many patients struggling with parasites to seek out alternative methods of treatment for their unique conditions.

Depending on the type and severity of the parasitic infection, there are different Western approaches to each sort of infection that is known to medical science. The CDC provides an extensive list of Western treatments for parasitic and fungal infections, available for public viewing. The unfortunate truth is that many—if not all—of these various pharmaceuticals come with their own assortment of side effects that may result in both temporary and permanent damage to the health and well being of the patient.

A Case Study in TCM Treatment

A young female health professional developed symptoms of what appeared to be a parasitic infection after a vacation in Mexico four years prior. She had had a thorough biomedical evaluation and the chronic gastrointestinal symptoms persisted regardless of the treatment program that she was given. Aside from violent bouts of gastrointestinal distress, the patient also displayed symptoms of fatigue, headaches, and joint pain. Her tongue was pale and swollen, and her pulse was relatively weak. Tired of trying traditional Western remedies, the patient opted to try an herbal mixture to help alleviate her symptoms.

Initially, this patient was prescribed a mix of Ailanthus cortex, baked astragalus root, white Ginseng root, white and red atractylodes rhizome, among other ingredients. This mixture was combined with a combination of Artemisia anua concentrate, dichroa root, brucea fruit, pulsatilla root, magnolia bark, pinellia rhizome, pogostemon herb, dolichos seed, and a few other choice herbs. After several weeks, the patient claimed that some, but not all, of her symptoms where alleviated. The patient later tested positive for the presence of a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum. The dosage of the second combination of herbs was recommended. Approximately three months later, all of the patient’s symptoms had essentially disappeared and the parasite tests began to come up negative.