4 Easy Home Remedies To Treat Worms In Kids

Worms in kids (especially between 2-6 years of age?) is nothing new. There are many different types of intestinal worms, but the most common is threadworm (also called pinworm). Every time when you realize your kids have worms, you freak out, don’t you? But, you need not. Instead, look for ways to treat worms in kids effectively cause worms are pretty persistent (and annoying). Ask those little-itchy bums. Plenty of deworming medicines are available. And you wonder, “I am so particular but how did this happen?” And for first-time moms, it can be a challenge to attribute the symptoms to worms.

In spite of how particular you are as a mother, it is very easy for your child to get infested with worms. Playing barefoot in the garden/playground, eating unwashed, contaminated food, or water, not washing hands and putting them in their mouth, eating with dirty hands are some very common reasons to be infected with worms. Some can be under your control as a mother, but some at times is not possible. It is extremely difficult to avoid worms in kids.

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According to the World Health Organization, soil-transmitted helminth infections are among the most common infections in humans, caused by a group of parasites commonly referred to as worms, including roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms.

Here are 7 symptoms of worms in kids and effective home remedies to deworm:

1. An itchy bottom, especially during nighttime

2. Stomach ache

3. Increase in appetite but weight loss

4. Diarrhea

5. Bloated abdomen

6. Worms in stool

7. Grinding teeth in their sleep – this can be a myth, really! But, a lot of studies suggest that it could be a digestive parasite in your child’s system which causes teeth-grinding

While doctors do advice to deworm kids at least once a year (consult your pediatrician to administer doses of the right medicine), however, as moms you can do your bit by using ingredients from the kitchen all year round. Two from the below mentioned 4 home remedies for worms have been tried at home by my mother. Others’ have been recommended by friends and relatives. Those have worked well for them.

Here are 4 effective home remedies for worms in kids:

1. Turmeric

The most versatile ingredient in the kitchen, turmeric has many uses. A glass of warm milk with a spoon of turmeric is not only effective in fighting cough and cold but if taken continuously for five days, it will work as one of the best home remedies for worms. I prefer using raw turmeric because there is no doubt about it being adulterated.

2. Ajwain

Ajwain or carom seeds have always been considered good for stomach related ailments. The seeds are rich in thymol that prevents the growth of intestinal worms. Combining it with jaggery makes it an effective medicine to kill worms in kids. Good quality jaggery boosts immunity and is a natural sweetener. There are many ways it can be had, but the most hassle-free and kid-friendly way is to combine half a tsp each of ajwain and jaggery blended together can be given to kids twice a day. If you want to use just ajwain, then water boiled with ajwain can be given to the child throughout the day.

3. Neem

Another easily available ingredient, neem is known for its anti-parasitical properties. It is also one of the most effective home remedies for worms in kids that I have come across. It can be used both for internal as well as external consumption. A decoction of powdered neem leaves with honey and warm water can be given to your child once/twice a week. Another way is to blend in half a tsp of neem paste in a glass of warm water. This is to be had on an empty stomach for at least a week.

But I find it difficult to make children drink a bitter concoction. For me, the external application of neem paste at the bottom area has worked better. It kills the eggs laid by the worms and gives some relief to the extremely itchy bottom. Please apply the paste on your skin for a quick patch test to see if there’s no skin allergy before applying it to your child’s sensitive area.

4. Garlic

A natural dewormer, raw garlic is known for its anti-fungal properties and is antiseptic in nature. It can be applied externally as a paste and proves out to be one of the most popular and tested home remedies for worms in kids (apart from neem). A mild paste of crushed garlic pods mixed with Vaseline or coconut oil works wonders for itchy bottoms. Rub the paste/oil at the bottom area. It kills the eggs and gives relief in the itchiness. Please apply the paste on your skin for a quick patch test to see if there’s no skin allergy to either garlic, Vaseline or coconut oil (or the three-mixed altogether).

Pro-tip for adults: How long does it take to get rid of worms with garlic (anti-parasitic in nature): According to sources, eating three cloves of raw garlic on an empty stomach every day for one week is one of the simplest ways to get rid of all types of intestinal worm. Alternatively, two crushed garlic cloves can be boiled in a cup of milk and drunk on an empty stomach. However, for kids, this may be next to impossible, therefore, speak to your healthcare expert/doctor and check on the efficacy of this home remedy before implementing it.

These home remedies for worms in kids mentioned above can be used effectively for children above five years. These have worked for me and my family and friends, let us know if they worked for you too.

Disclaimer: Use the above-mentioned remedies with caution. Some ingredients might cause irritation in some children. For external application, a patch test is advised.

by Tasneem Dhinojwala