Summary
see also
Infections to compare bacterial, viral, fungal,
and parasitical.
The most common parasites affecting humans are those that
live in the intestines and on the skin. They range in
size from the single cell amoeba to much larger flukes,
roundworms, and tapeworms. A human parasite is defined
as an organism or animal which lives on or inside the host
human and survives and thrives by either eating the food
ingested by the host, or by eating body cells and tissues of
the host. The parasite, which is able to find enough food to
survive, will reproduce and eventually cause an infestation.
The four common groups are:
•
protozoa
•
round worms
•
tapeworms
•
flukes
They are most common in the
third world but with much more travel abroad they are not
uncommon in the developed nations. A very common parasite is
the one cell protozoa, the amoeba responsible for
amoebic
dysentery. Symptoms of the various types of intestinal
infection can include:
•
Anemia or loss of energy
•
Appetite loss
•
Diarrhea
•
Fever
• Gas
and bloating
•
Vomiting
Oils, blends & products
recommended:
Oils & Blends:
The most common essential oils/blends for
parasites include: ClearSkin, cinnamon, DigestZen, lemon, melaleuca, mountain savory,
OnGuard, oregano, Roman chamomile, thyme
Suggested protocols:
See individual health concerns for detailed protocols.
Note that an infection can be the result of a variety of
strains of bacteria, virus, parasites, etc. and that different oils may
be more potent than others against a particular strain.
That is the advantage of some of the blends of oils such as ClearSkin, DigestZen, OnGuard, Purify. These blends
are made up of some of the most potent oils hence the blend
when used will cover a much wider variety of potential
strains.
What Science & Research are saying
From PubMed.com
Effects of essential oils on the growth
of Giardia lamblia trophozoites.
Machado M, Sousa Mdo C, Salgueiro L, Cavaleiro C.,
January 2010
Centro de Estudos Farmacêuticos/Faculdade de Farmácia,
Universidade de Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.
Abstract
Giardia lamblia is one of the most important worldwide
causes of intestinal infections produced by protozoa.
Current therapy for giardiasis is unsatisfactory due to high
incidence of undesirable side effects and significant
failure in clearing parasites from the gastrointestinal
tract. In the search for new therapeutic agents, we report
on the effect of several essential oils on G. lamblia
growth. Among eighteen tested essential oils, those with
phenolic compositions were the most active, particularly if
containing high contents of carvacrol, such as Thymbra
capitata and Origanum virens (IC50 values of 71 and 85
microg x mL(-1), respectively). The oils from Syzygium
aromaticum and Thymus zygis subsp. sylvestris (IC50 values
from 100 to 200 microg x mL(-1)), as well as, those from
Mentha x piperita and Lippia graveolens (IC50 values over
200 microg x mL(-1)) were less active. Results support the
concept that several essential oils or some of their
constituents may be useful in the clinical management of
Giardia infections.
Editor's note: The oils mentioned above are
commonly known as thyme, oregano, clove, peppermint, and
Mexican oregano.
Essential oils in the treatment of
intestinal dysbiosis: A preliminary in vitro study.
Hawrelak JA, Cattley T, Myers SP.
School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross
University.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Dysbiosis is associated with a number of
gastrointestinal and systemic disorders. There is a need for
selectively acting antimicrobial agents capable of
inhibiting the growth of potentially pathogenic
microorganisms, or those found to be out of balance, while
not negatively impacting the bulk gastrointestinal tract
microflora.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this in vitro study is to
examine the potential of a selection of essential oils as
agents to treat dysbiosis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight essential oils were examined
using the agar dilution method, including Carum carvi,
Citrus aurantium var. amara, Foeniculum vulgare dulce,
Illicium verum, Lavandula angustifolia, Mentha arvensis,
Mentha x piperita, and Trachyspermum copticum. Doubling
dilutions of the essential oils were tested against 12
species of intestinal bacteria, which represent the major
genera found in the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT).
RESULTS: Carum carvi, Lavandula angustifolia,
Trachyspermum copticum, and Citrus aurantium var. amara
essential oils displayed the greatest degree of selectivity,
inhibiting the growth of potential pathogens at
concentrations that had no effect on the beneficial bacteria
examined.
CONCLUSION: The most promising essential oils for the
treatment of intestinal dysbiosis are Carum carvi, Lavandula
angustifolia, Trachyspermum copticum, and Citrus aurantium
var. amara. The herbs from which these oils are derived have
long been used in the treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms
and the in vitro results of this study suggest that their
ingestion will have little detrimental impact on beneficial
members of the GIT microflora. More research is needed,
however, to investigate tolerability and safety concerns,
and verify the selective action of these agents.
Editor's note: the oils mentioned in the Materials and Methods
section are commonly known as caraway, petitgrain, sweet fennel,
star anise, lavender, Japanese peppermint, peppermint, ajowan
caraway.
Ready, Set, Grow
