We ♥︎ honesty! We may earn a commission through affiliate links on this page at no extra cost to you.
1 in 3 Americans have them and don’t even know it.
Those that do know are often in denial.
Then there are the rare few who recognize the problem and are ready to tackle it head on.
That was me.
And if you’re reading this, I’m guessing that’s you too.
I’m talking about parasites.
Scary as it may sound, the human body is teeming with them. In most healthy individuals, they remain in proper balance and coexist freely without causing disease.
However, parasites are a different story when it comes to immunocompromised individuals.
When the immune system is down, it can’t fight back. When this happens, stealthy opportunistic “bugs” take over, and disease is the inevitable result.
Today, I want to talk to those of you who have decided to do a parasite cleanse but are fearing (or already enduring) the dreaded die-off reaction.
I’ve found that diatomaceous earth can be used to ease parasite die off symptoms, and I’ll show you how with an exact diatomaceous earth parasite protocol.
But first, let’s address the basics.
How Do We Get Parasites?
Humans and other living organisms on earth do not exist in isolated fashion but in an entangled relationship with each other.
This interdependence, in one way or another, completes the web of life.
By simple definition, a parasite is an organism that obtains its nutrients from a host while causing harm to that host.
To understand how we acquire parasites, it is important to explore the 2 primary types of parasites:
- Ectoparasites
- Endoparasites
Ectoparasites live on the skin surface of their hosts and include mites, ticks, etc. Endoparasites, on the other hand, live and thrive inside its host. This category includes intestinal worms, liver flukes and others.
Ectoparasites are usually obtained via poor hygiene, dust or exposure to sick animals, while endoparasites typically result from ingesting dirty water or undercooked food.
Signs That You’re Dealing with Parasites (And Need a Parasite Cleanse)
Tests for parasites are incredibly unreliable. In fact, many holistic practitioners diagnose simply based on symptoms.
The most common parasites we deal with today are:
- Pin worms
- Tapeworms
- Thread and hook worms
- Heart worms
- Round worms
Unfortunately, signs of a parasitic infection often resemble other conditions such as food poisoning, nutrient deficiencies and bacterial infections.
That, combined with mainstream medicine’s general disregard concerning parasites, makes it very hard to get a firm diagnosis.
There are a few symptoms, however, that are tell-tale signs that you have a parasite problem. These include:
- Rectal itching (especially at night)
- Persistent bloating
- Persistent and excessive gas
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
General body weakness, extreme fatigue and a decrease in body weight despite normal eating habits may also indicate a parasitic infection.
If left unaddressed, things like decreased appetite, allergies, fever and anemia set in, along with a potentially long list of conditions and diseases.
Once you suspect parasites, it’s important to do a parasite cleanse.
Treating Parasites: What to Expect with Parasite Die Off
The problem with treating parasites lies in what happens when they die.
They don’t go down without a fight.
As they die, they release toxic byproducts. If too many are killed off at once during a parasite detox, this toxic sludge can impair the function of certain cells and bodily processes.
This is known as a die-off or “herxheimer” reaction.
Too many people – my former self included – interpret a rough die-off reaction as a good thing. After all, it indicates the parasite detox is working, right?
However, the resulting symptoms can be so severe that you’ll be tempted to give up on the treatment prematurely. It can also make you so sick that it does more harm than good.
That’s the result of autointoxication or “retoxing” – but that’s a topic for another day.
Parasite die-off symptoms usually include generalized body aches and low-grade fever – sometimes referred to as flu-like syndrome.
If you’re experiencing a severe die-off reaction, please don’t just “tough it out.” You’re feeling that way because toxins are recirculating instead of being processed and eliminated properly – that’s a dangerous place to be.
Instead, there are things you can do to start filtering and processing those toxins.
Let’s look at a few options, then we’ll discuss the #1 thing I suggest for parasite die off symptoms, which is diatomaceous earth.
How to Manage Symptoms During Parasite Die Off
The key to avoiding dangerous die-off overload is to slow down the die-off rate to a point that your body can handle.
This reaction exerts a lot of stress on your internal organs, overwhelms your immune system and sometimes even shuts down your detox pathways.
Not good.
To avoid all that, you need to take steps to diminish the reaction.
5 Ways to Alleviate the Die Off from Parasites
- Increase Your Water Intake
The byproducts released by parasites are normally eliminated via your urinary system. Drinking a lot of water increases the volume of urine thus increasing its capacity to eliminate more toxins.
The idea with this method is to flush out the toxins as fast as possible to reduce the amount of recirculation that occurs.
- Relax and Get Enough Sleep
Research shows that extreme stress down-regulates the immune system. Under such conditions, your body isn’t able to clear the toxins effectively. Taking it easy and getting at least 8 hours of sleep at night helps restore normal physiologic processes within the body, making it easier to counter the die-off reaction.
- Reduce the Dosage of Your Medications
Rushing treatment may exacerbate the persistence of a parasite die-off reaction. You may need to give your body time to adapt to the treatment by either reducing the dosage or using alternative treatment methods.
- Take Epsom Salt Baths
Soaking in a tub with Epsom salts is a great way to encourage detox, and it’s quite relaxing too. I always use 2 cups of Epsom salts, but I know some people who use up to 3 with no side effects. To boost its effectiveness, you can also add a few drops of detoxifying essential oils like lemon or grapefruit.
- Keep Your Bowels Running Smoothly
The only way you can eliminate toxins properly is to ensure your detoxification pathways remain open. These include your bowel movements, urinary system and skin.
If you find yourself “backed up,” try an herbal laxative like cascara sagrada or a warm saline enema.
Besides these methods, one of the most effective ways to manage parasitic die-off symptoms is using diatomaceous earth. For the rest of this article, let’s look at how to use diatomaceous earth for parasites.
Using Diatomaceous Earth for Parasite Die Off Symptoms
Diatomaceous Earth is a soft white powder made from the crushed skeletons of fossilized hard-shell algae. It’s naturally occurring and highly absorbent, making it a safe and potent remedy for parasites.
Recently, diatomaceous earth has flooded wellness markets as a dietary supplement with many health benefits. For the sake of brevity, however, we’ll just focus on the uses of diatomaceous earth for parasites.
Although it has a low density, its strong negative charge is very useful for its ability to kill parasites.
Let me pause here for a moment and note that diatomaceous earth comes in 2 varieties – food grade and non-food grade.
It is absolutely critical that you only purchase food-grade diatomaceous earth for a parasite cleanse as the non-food grade is toxic and only used for industrial purposes. I use No products found..
How Diatomaceous Earth Reduces Symptoms of Parasite Die Off
As mentioned before, die-off reactions are caused by byproducts released from the parasites as they’re being killed.
The strong negative charge of diatomaceous earth enables it to naturally attach to and remove substances like chemicals, viruses, heavy metals, toxins and parasites from the body.
Not only that, but its very infrastructure is used to effectively kill parasites.
If you were to look at diatomaceous earth under a high-powered microscope, you would see what looks like broken pieces of cylindrical pottery. These are the shells of the algae I mentioned earlier.
Featuring a variety of shapes and sizes, the jagged edges of these crushed shells literally slice and dice parasites, absorbing their expelled fluids in the process.
Diatomaceous Earth Parasite Protocol
The following is simply a suggestion for how to use diatomaceous earth to kill parasites and ease die-off symptoms. However, I am not a doctor, and this does not constitute medical advice. Always check with a licensed healthcare practitioner.
Example of a parasite cleanse with diatomaceous earth:
1 – Start with approximately one teaspoon of food-grade diatomaceous earth with water once daily. It is best to take it on an empty stomach at least one to two hours before eating. You can simply dissolve it into the water and chug.
2 – Every few days, increase your dosage by a half teaspoon until you work your way up to 1 tablespoon once per day.
3 – After each dose, drink an additional cup of water to improve your state of hydration and increase the DE’s effects.
The reason for starting slow and working your way up is to avoid a parasite die off reaction. It’s important to monitor your symptoms and pace yourself as needed. The process of working up to this dose generally takes about 2-3 weeks.
A sample schedule make look like this:
Day 1 – one teaspoon
Day 4 – 1.5 teaspoons
Day 7 – 2 teaspoons
Day 10 – 2.5 teaspoons
Day 13 – 3 teaspoons which equals 1 tablespoon.
How Long Should I Take Diatomaceous Earth?
The jury is still out on this one.
Since I can’t point you to a source that gives you an exact time frame for using diatomaceous earth for parasites, I’ll just share what I’m doing.
For my first time actively detoxing parasites, I’m taking DE twice a day for 3 months.
At that point, I will do a maintenance parasite cleanse with diatomaceous earth for 3 weeks at a time, twice per year.
As you’re deciding your DE dosage and duration, just pay attention to your body and any die-off symptoms you may experience and alter your schedule accordingly.
How to Kill External Parasites with Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth isn’t just beneficial for internal parasites. You can use it as natural pest control around your house too!
Here’s how:
First, apply diatomaceous earth powder where necessary such as floors and door frames. You can use a broom to spread the powder evenly.
Let the powder sit undisturbed up to 12 hours before vacuuming or sweeping it off.
Repeat the process once per month for the best results.
Tips and Cautions for Using Diatomaceous Earth
Breathing in the dust of diatomaceous earth can irritate your lungs and cause respiratory issues. Its dust can also irritate the skin and dry out exposed mucosal surfaces such as the eyes and throat.
For these reasons, you should never inhale diatomaceous earth powder. I suggest wearing a mask when filling containers with it. Basically, any time you’re working with DE in such a way that causes it to release dust into the air, wear a mask.
As for using diatomaceous earth for parasite die off symptoms, keep in mind that mild detox reactions may occur as your gut tries to adapt to its changing conditions. Such symptoms typically subside within a week.
Also, be sure to remain hydrated while taking DE. Drink lots of water – at least half your body weight in ounces each day.
For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should drink 75 ounces of water per day.
I know the thought of having parasites is unnerving to say the least, but it’s better to get them out now, then let them mooch off your nutrients rent-free for years to come.
In my opinion, diatomaceous earth is one of the best ways to detox parasites and ease the severity of their die-off symptoms. It’s safe, cheap and incredibly effective.
I personally use this brand No products found..
No products found.
It lasts me about 6 months.
As someone who’s had to spend thousands on treatments for lyme disease, this was such a relief to find an affordable, yet effective solution for parasites.
I hope this answered some of your questions and encouraged you to use diatomaceous earth for parasite die-off symptoms. Please let me know if you noticed something I didn’t address or if you have any other questions!
Editor and researcher at Detox & Prosper. With years of experience creating a healthy home for my family, I now help others eliminate toxins from theirs! Read my story here.
Erin
IF I had parasites and my child or husband or whomever…did NOT have parasites but we kiss or share a drink or anything of that nature…can parasites be transferred that way??
Jordan Mitchell
Hi Erin,
I’m not a doctor, so I could be wrong, but in all my research and experience, the only way parasites are transferred from human to human is through fecal contact!
Kari
I’ve heard it said to take it before bed. I take medications at bedtime- is it not a good idea to take them at the same time?
Jordan Mitchell
Hi Kari,
I’ve never heard that it should be taken before bed, but it definitely needs to be taken away from any medication. Time of day isn’t as important as taking it away from other medications/supplements. So maybe there’s another time in the day you can take it? Perhaps 2 hours after breakfast or lunch? Thanks!
Nan
Hi Jordan,
I started a cleanse five days ago, with a wormwood kit, can I also use the
DE as well? Or should I wait until this 16 day kit is finished? I’m wondering if I can sprinkle the DE in or on our food as well. Thank you for your help.
Jordan Mitchell
To be absolutely certain, I would call and ask the manufacturer of your cleanse.
Just my opinion, I think it’s fine to take diatomaceous earth in tandem with other parasite cleanses as it can help manage the die off. I would just say take it 2-3 hours away from your wormwood dose.
I personally have never sprinkled it on food. It seems it would make the food grainy like you just ate sand? I’ve always been directed to dissolve it in water and swig it.
Michael
Your advise seems well thought out and very reasonably concerned. I’m trying my first dose right now. Thanks for making this information available.
Barbara Cox
Yes thank you for this! I have a question how about my hair and teeth?
Jordan Mitchell
Hi Barbara,
Are you asking if you can use diatomaceous earth for brushing your teeth? Or are you just wondering if it has any benefits for hair and teeth?
Joan
Will DE help with CLM sandworm/hookworm infection of the foot? Should it be drank or foot soak etc. What would the best approach be for this instance?
Jordan Mitchell
Hi Joan,
I’m not read up on sandworm infections, but I don’t think diatomaceous earth is effective as a foot soak. I could be wrong though, so I’d definitely check with your doctor. Best wishes for healing quickly!
Terry Kopf
Do you have to hold DE away from medications and supplements?
Jordan Mitchell
Yes, ideally it needs to be taken 3 hours away from meds & supplements. 2 hours minimum.
Lid
Hi there, do you think DE will clear up a pinworms infection? And should I take any other supplements to boost the affectiveness?
Jordan Mitchell
Hi,
I’m not a doctor and can’t give medical advice. I can only give my personal experience. I look at diatomaceous earth as a way to manage the die off reaction that can occur when killing & detoxing parasites. So it’s usually paired with some other kill method. It’s like the clean-up crew in getting them out with the least effect on you.
I’ve heard great things about Reese’s Pinworm. It’s OTC. Walmart may even have it!
Disclaimer: Always talk to your doctor first!
Maria
I started using DE as a parasite cleanse a few days ago. Due to the fatigue and headaches I get (probably parasite die-off symptoms — Yeah!), I only drink it 4 days a week (when I don’t have to work). Will this be good enough?
Jordan Mitchell
Hi Maria!
Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor and can’t give medical advice. Always talk to your doctor first before trying something new and if you have any questions.
In my personal experience, I feel that DE needs to be paired with some other kill method, which will depend on which parasites you’re dealing with.
As far as taking DE as a “mop up” crew to get them out fast, I think 4 days a week is still effective.
Hillary
Hi Jordan,
Just a quick question. In the article you made it sound like DE on its own would be a sufficient cleanse. However, in this comment you say it needs to be paired with some other kill method. Could you give some examples of other common kill methods or which ones you would recommend?
Thanks in advance.
Jordan Mitchell
Hi Hillary,
I apologize for the confusion. In some forums and FB groups I’m in, some people have used just DE with success, but I personally only used it as a means of easing the die off reaction. I don’t think it’s strong enough alone…at least in humans.
I stick to food-based anti-parasitics like ground papaya seeds and pumpkin seeds, black walnut hull, and mimosa pudica. Pure, undiluted noni juice on a daily basis is also great. I’ll be on that stuff the rest of my life for maintenance.
Disclaimer: Always check with your doctor before starting something new. These are just my opinions and experiences 🙂
Maria
Does putting it on the soles of your feet work as well as drinking it?
Jordan Mitchell
Hi Maria,
No, unfortunately I don’t believe DE does anything when applied to the feet.
nancy
What all have you found effective in helping eliminate your lyme disease? Just the DE?
Jordan Mitchell
Hi Nancy,
I wouldn’t say the DE helped with lyme at all. It helped with parasites, which often go hand-in-hand.
The single best thing that helped me with Lyme is Cistus Incanus tea. I drink 3 cups a day. And of course, a whole foods lifestyle and regular detox.
Lynn
in your opinion do you think it can rid your body of fleas or lice. Can they come out in your nose or skin?
Danielle
Hi, how much should an 8 year old child start on (to eliminate Threadworms)! Also, how long should I keep her on DE? Thx
Jordan Mitchell
Hi Danielle,
I can’t advise exact dosage for specific individuals. I’d speak with a holistic doctor for advice 🙂
Kathy
Just wondering if it’s ok to drink coffee when using DE? Also, does DE work on liver flukes? Thanks so much!