Unwelcome Guests – Treating Parasites and Fungal Infections with Herbs

Treating Fungal Infections infection on foot

Detox is a popular health practice, as people seek to rid their body of “toxins” that interfere with their everyday energy levels, digestion, appearance, cognitive function – and to meet their health goals.

Beyond everyday toxins, there may be some other unwanted visitors in your body that could be impacting your health. Parasites and fungi. Read on to learn about treating parasites and fungal infections with herbs.

The Presence of Parasites

Parasites are more common than you think – and you don’t need to visit an exotic location to pick one up. Because they are often not visible, and symptoms are immediate or obvious, a parasitic infection can often go unchecked for extended periods.  

In Canada, some common parasites include pinworms (small worms approximately 1 cm long that are most common among children), roundworms (can grow up to 20 cm to 40 cm long). Less common – except in cases of outbreaks – are trichinella (thread-like worms) and tapeworms (can grow from 4 m to 12 m). These parasites are often found in the intestinal tract although some can enter the bloodstream and/or organs such as the lungs or liver.

Parasites come from contaminated food, water, soil and can come from handling animals – yes, even your beloved dog or cat!

Parasites can interfere with absorption of nutrients, cause inflammation, pain, and irritation throughout the body, affect mental health and release toxic metabolic waste into your body. Some symptoms can include:

  • Itching and discomfort of the anal area especially at night
  • Irritation around the anus
  • Abdominal pain
  • Urinary tract issues
  • Chronic fatigue or exhaustion
  • Headaches
  • Teeth grind and drooling during sleep
  • Food and/or sugar cravings
  • Recurring skin issues
  • Anxiety or moodiness
  • Stiff joints



Getting rid of parasites can be tricky because they are often undetected, and that they can quickly reproduce, making it difficult to eliminate completely before the next generation arrives. You may require a consultation with a health practitioner to diagnose a parasitic infection.

Herbs have a long history of treating parasite infections. Black walnut has been used for centuries to treat parasitic worm infections, as well as parasites that cause skin irritations such as ringworm.

Black Walnut Complete combines antiparasitic herbs in a tincture that helps to treat intestinal parasites and efficiently expel them from the body. Black Walnut hulls are rich in astringent tannins, and a compound known as juglone that has anthelmintic (worm-killing) properties. These substances disrupt the metabolic processes of the parasites, killing them and making the environment within the host body inhospitable for their survival, also breaking the cycle of reproduction.

Oregon Grape root contains berberine, another powerful antimicrobial, and licorice root is rich in a polyphenol known as glabridin, a polyphenol that has antiparasitic effects.

Adults can take 2 ml (60 drops) of Black Walnut Complete 3 times daily in a little water on an empty stomach to treat parasitic infections and ringworm.

It is best to continue past the subsiding of symptoms, to ensure a new generation doesn’t take advantage of the treatment break. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact a health practitioner. Sometime a stool sample is required for a treatment plan.

Fight Fungal Infections

Fungal and yeast infections are a little better at making their presence known, as they often present externally, in the form or athlete’s foot, dandruff, vaginal yeast infections, nail fungus and oral thrush. Candida is a more systemic form of yeast proliferation in the body that can cause more widespread health issues.

There is “fungus among us” – millions of species in fact, but only a small portion of them can infect humans. People with weakened immune systems, on antibiotics or in fungi-rife environments are more likely to be exposed to fungi that can become infectious.

Fortunately, many of the common fungal infections in Canada can be successfully treated!

Taken internally, herbs can help the body battle yeast and fungal infections. Fungafect® combines antifungal and immune enhancing herbs to help fight existing fungal infections and helps defend against reoccurrence. It can also effectively help to treat yeast-related issues.

Pau D’arco leads the formula, containing compounds known as naphthoquinones – powerful chemicals that help to kill yeast cells. The tincture also contains oregano, a potent antimicrobial herb that helps fight yeast and fungal infections. It is a popular treatment herb for candida.

To successfully treat infections, Fungafect® can be taken 3 times daily in a little water (2.4 mL or ~72 drops). With meals. As symptoms can subside and look like they are gone, it is best to continue to treat until you are sure the infection is completely gone.

Fungafect® also helps to enhance immune function, helping the body to remain resilient against recurrence of infections – and new ones.

Protect yourself!

There are simple ways to lessen your chances of a parasitic or fungal infection.  

Washing hands thoroughly several times a day is so important, especially before meals and after handling soil (gardening) or animals.  

Keep fingernails short to prevent these tiny creatures from hiding out underneath them. 

Wash produce thoroughly before cooking and/or eating. 

In the house, ensure that shared surfaces are frequently wiped, bedding and upholstery is frequently washed and completely dry. 

Wear slippers or flip flops in damp shared areas like public pools and locker rooms.  

These simple acts can help reduce the risk of both parasitic and fungal infections.  

If you suspect a parasitic or fungal infection, your health practitioner can help you come up with the most effective treatment plan.

Related Products

  • Pau d'Arco

    Pau D’Arco

    $20.49$109.95 Select options

    For sore throats and colds and as an antiparasitic

  • Fungafect

    Fungafect®

    $21.99$119.95 Select options

    Helps combat fungal infections and enhances immune function

  • Black Walnut Hulls - By St. Francis Herb Farm

    Black Walnut Hulls

    $20.49$109.95 Select options

    Helps treat intestinal parasites

  • Black Walnut Complete

    Black Walnut Complete

    $21.99$119.95 Select options

    Helps expel intestinal worms and eliminate ringworm

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