August 12, 2026

Happy Herbal Wednesday!

Today, let's start off with a great question that gets asked a LOT....regarding parasites...what to do? Here's another reader question answered for you.

IMPORTANT: I want to say reassuringly that worms are a common problem, and it's NOT a reflection of the reader's housekeeping or cleanliness at all. Where we have children in contact with other children at school and at home, as well as animals...worms are going to likely be part of the deal.

First, I'll share my opinion...then I'll follow up with some herbs to consider as gentle support and repair after the acute situation is dealt with.

Many people who write to me suspect they may have a parasite of one type or another. And then there are all the "parasite cleanses" on the market, and these can be dangerous and "iffy." It's enough to make us all afraid. But truly, there's nothing to be afraid of. We just need to be smart about our choices.

There are many aspects to consider with this question.

First, we have approximately nine people in the household, so this affects everyone.

Second, we have very young children, and when we're talking about clinical or community work with herbs, these fall into the "fragile people" category.

Third...anthelmintic herbs (deworming herbs, or anti-parasitics) are generally very powerful, and shouldn't be used with very young people. They are also for use for very short periods of time--two weeks or so maximum, and definitely not a "month-long" cleanse.

Fourth, there are red flags to be aware of, and we'll take a look at those, too.

Here's where I am the kind of herbalist who plays it safe. I have many ideas about wonderful herbs to work with, and with more information on specific worms we're dealing with, I could make generalized suggestions...however, we're dealing with a lot of variables here.

My thoughts and supports:

1) The worm the reader saw in her stool and the worm the cat threw up are probably not the same type of organism. Cats carry their own roundworm species (Toxocara), but those don't mature inside humans, therefore, a human will never see a Toxocara worm in the stool.

The type of roundworm more common to humans is Ascaris, or potentially pinworm, and the difference is everything because the treatments are different between the two.

However, there are some worms that both cats and humans can have, such as tapeworms, etc.

We must confirm the organism first. Then you treat it specifically. The reason for not relying on generalized deworming protocols is because gut dysbiosis or a functional bowel disorder can be completely missed, and these can cause a lot of problems. With a family this size, I'd want to know that what I'm giving is going to work, and this is worth a doctor's visit for stool testing. The species determines the medicine (and the herbs).

2) We're also dealing with an infant and younger children. Ascaris infections in young children can cause some real health issues in heavy loads, and unfortunately, this isn't a place for guessing with an herbal protocol.

3) Understanding anthelmintic herbs (dewormers): Most anthelmintics are toxic at doses not very far above therapeutic. This is acceptable for a careful adult or older children, but not for babies or toddlers. This is a case where I'd choose conventional medicine over herbs, and if you know me....I don't say that very often.

4) This is a very large family, and with worms, there's often the ping-pong pattern of reinfection. Especially with youngsters who like to put their hands into their mouth and who crawl on the floor where animals are---it's the perfect situation for re-spreading. Herbal protocols can work, but it takes a much longer time, and the stronger ones just aren't suitable for the very young or other fragile populations.

Sometimes worms may resolve on their own, especially pinworms or ascaris, however it takes quite a long time and is a burden on the immune system in the meantime. And, with a family this large, it's unlikely.

The Role of Medicinal Herbs:

Herbs are wonderful helpers as adjunct options and also for adults and older children who want to choose botanicals.

The classic combination of herbs is wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), black walnut, and garlic, often with clove and taken short-term (a couple of weeks, maximum).

Then you need to pair the "killing off" herbs with other herbs that help to move the dead organisms out of the system, such as gentle laxative herbs such as fennel, senna if needed, etc. There are other herbs that may be considered (barberry, andrographis, neem, chaparral, etc.), but these are beyond this newsletter.

Fiasco Farms has a reputable natural deworming formula that comes in two parts. This is a good place to check for animal health if you're interested in botanicals for them. She specializes in animals of all kinds and sizes. NOTE: It's wise to be careful, though, especially with cats, because they metabolize very differently than other mammals, due to them being obligate carnivores.

The Role of Hygiene:

Parasite eggs can live on surfaces such as in soil, in bedding, under fingernails, etc. So, keeping fingernails cut short, practicing strict handwashing, washing laundry in hot water during treatment periods, and keeping bathroom areas clean are helpful. For pinworms, especially, the hygiene matters just as much as the medicine because school age kids pass the eggs back and forth and on to parents---is a classic pattern.

Following up after treatments:

Be sure to track stool patterns, energy levels, appetite, and weight for the next three months or so after treatments of any kind. If symptoms persist, then there may be dysbiosis or something else happening. Don't just assume the worms are still there.

Red flags to pay attention to: bloody stool, high fever, persistent vomiting, dehydration, marked weight loss, or other signs that a child is declining are worth a visit to the doctor.

Are you a member of the Confident Herbalist Tribe?​

​The Tribe is the BEST place to get your wellness, herbal, and aromatic medicine questions answered, to be in fellowship with others who "get" you and your herbal ways, and to enjoy ongoing learning on your own time and path of choice.

*******************************

Herbal and Aromatic Things to Enjoy

The other day, I was in Lewiston with my mom, and we decided to check into the Hobby Lobby store. I LOVE Hobby Lobby!

They already had their fall items out, and honestly...it made me start yearning for those crisp fall days, falling leaves, and the smells of fall, too. If you're ready, like me, for the end of the summer days, you'll enjoy this newly updated article,

​Three Favorite Essential Oil Blends for Fall​

*******************

Do your feet get tired and achy? I know that mine sometimes do, especially after a few hours in the garden. If you're on your feet a lot, have sluggish circulation in your lower extremities, or just want some instant refreshment...then this aromatic foot soak is for you!

​

***********************************

If you're looking for my usual Encouragement and Inspiration section, it's now over on my Substack site, called Keep Your Lamp Lit, Always (KYLLA)!​

I'm so excited about this site because as a holistic herbalist and aromatherapist who's been practicing with clients, customers, and students since around 2012, I know for sure how emotional and spiritual health impact our physical health.

Herbs and oils can definitely play a role in this area....but we must take steps to heal any traumas, negative thinking patterns, and rid ourselves of "dimmers," the things that keep us from shining our lights and living a truly joyful life.

If you're ready to enjoy faith-based hopeful, uplifting, idea-making, life-changing thoughts and practices, then KYLLA is a place for you. ​

I would just love it if you chose to subscribe to my articles and posts there!

*******************************

That's it for today, and just thank you so much for being here!

I want to ask you how you're liking the new format of my herbal notes, with the reader questions being answered with details? Please hit "reply" and let me know what you think. Doing this helps me make sure these notes are what you need, want, and like.

Hugs, Health, and Herbs,

Heidi

​P.S. Be sure to take a look at all the FREE resources that are printable that I have for you. And if you have a friend who'd enjoy these, please forward this note along to them, too!

**If you want the free resources, please use the same email address you're receiving this note at so you don't get double notes from me.