After years of painful acne, I was able to heal my acne through parasite cleansing and healing my gut. I’m here to share everything I’ve learned over the past few months with you!
I’ve been putting this post off for a while, partially because I have so much to say in regards to parasite cleansing for acne. Also because my skin is still nowhere near where I want it to be, and I still feel pretty down about it a lot of the time.
Being a blogger, I sometimes feel a lot of pressure to look a certain way and have perfect everything, so sharing my struggle with acne isn’t always easy.
That being said, parasite cleansing has dramatically helped my skin (as you’ll see soon!), so keeping quiet about it really doesn’t do anyone any good! It’s kind of an embarrassing and awkward topic to talk about, but here we are!
First and foremost, what is a parasite?
A parasite is an organism that lives in another organism (its host) and survives at the expense of the host (source). Parasites live in our bodies and thrive off of our vitamins and minerals.
This is why nutrient deficiencies (especially iron) are very common among people dealing with a parasitic infection. Parasites also feed off of heavy metals as well as other toxic waste matter.
What are the symptoms of having a parasite?
- Digestive discomfort**
- Skin rashes or irritations**
- Iron deficiency (with or without anemia)**
- Painful menstruation (parasites can live in the uterus)
- Itching around the anus (most common with Pinworm/Threadworms)**
- Gas and bloating**
- Anxiety**
- Difficulty sleeping (falling or staying asleep)**
- Teeth grinding**
- Dark under eye circles**
- Acne**
- Changes in appetite**
- Strong food cravings (especially sugar)
- Chronic Fatigue**
- Food sensitivities (can indicate long term parasite infection)**
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Aching muscles and joints
- Traveler’s diarrhea
The symptoms with ** are those that I personally dealt with prior to and during my parasite cleanse.
Keep in mind many of these symptoms can also be a sign of other health issues. Always work with a qualified health professional before beginning any new treatment to rule out an underlying condition.
How do you get parasites?
While parasites are more common in third world countries, they are by no means uncommon in developed countries. Most parasites are water born.
However, they can also be picked up from unwashed produce (which can become infected from animal waste runoff), poorly cooked meats, raw fish (sushi), at grocery stores, public restrooms, and even from your pets.
The hydrochloric acid in your stomach is intended to neutralize pathogens such as bacteria and parasites before they can infect the rest of your body.
Unfortunately, due to our processed diets, eating while stressed, and drinking while eating, our production of HCl is low, which makes it easier for opportunistic pathogens such as parasites to make their way into our bodies (source).
How to get rid of parasites
When I first decided to try a parasite cleanse, I wasn’t entirely sure I actually had parasites. I was just so sick of my acne that I was willing to give anything a shot.
I was also dealing with about 10 symptoms of parasites so I figured it was worth a try! While conventional medication exists to kill parasites and their eggs, I chose to take a natural route.
I chose an herbal parasite cleanse which works to kill the parasites and their eggs. It also helps support detoxification and improved overall digestive health.
Common herbs for killing parasites and the best parasite cleanse
- Black Walnut (can be irritating for sensitive individuals)
- Wormwood (source)
- Clove bud (especially good for killing the eggs)
- Garlic
- Olive Leaf
- Oregano
The parasites do not come out alive. You won’t feel them crawling out of you, and you may not even know they came out at all. They are usually embedded in your stool and may not be visible.
However, they very rarely come out alone (Pinworms for example, lay thousands of eggs per day-yikes!), so don’t be alarmed if you pass lots of parasites during a cleanse.
My experience parasite cleansing
I noticed the biggest change in my skin after the first round of the cleanse so I decided to do a second. During the first week of the second cleanse I actually saw a parasite (a pinworm) and was moderately terrified, not going to lie!!
Because of this, I opted to complete a third and final cleanse to make sure I got all the eggs out. In addition to the cleanse, I did a few sessions with a colon hydrotherapist every 3-4 weeks. This was to make sure I was actually eliminating all the toxic matter my body was stirring up while cleansing.
Additionally, I made sure to eat a very nourishing and nutrient dense diet while on the parasite cleanse. I stayed away from highly refined and processed foods and focused on whole, nutrient dense foods.
I drank about 3 liters of water per day to stay well hydrated and flush any toxins from my system.
How to complete a parasite cleanse
I completed three, yes three (!), rounds of Organic Olivia’s parasite cleanse. In the past, I had tried other cleanses but did not feel or notice any difference. I tried one that specifically contained black walnut hulls which kill parasites AND their eggs.
However, I experienced a lot of irritation and bloating from this particular ingredient, which is common. The cleanse I did is formulated without black walnut and it felt much more gentle on my body.
For the first round, I started with two capsules twice a day. I did this for about 5 days. It is recommended to start slowly to prevent severe die off reactions (explained below).
I felt fine, so after the first five days I upped my dose to two capsules three times a day. I took 2 weeks off in between each cleanse and made sure to take adequate probiotics to replenish my gut flora.
What are die off symptoms of parasites?
While completing a parasite cleanse, it is common to experience what is known as “die-off.” This is a period where you may feel worse or have new symptoms arise as the parasites die and make their way out of your body.
For this reason, it is important to work with a Doctor to mitigate the side effects and ensure the cleanse is done in the safest way possible. I took an herbal liver supplement (which I still take), to help my body process the toxic matter that was being released.
In the photo on the right, my skin is almost completely smooth and free of active blemishes. What you see is mostly scarring and hyper-pigmentation. In the photo on the left, you can see that my skin was covered in large, active breakouts.
parasite cleanse for acne: is it necessary?
I would by no means say parasite cleansing is a “cure” for acne because acne is complicated and requires a lot of different things. The results will certainly vary from person to person depending on their unique constitution, their current and past diet, etc. For me, it was definitely a piece of the puzzle I was missing.
Fortunately, many parasite cleanses, like the one I did, contain herbs that not only kill parasites and their eggs, but also other harmful yeasts and bacteria that could be contributing to your acne.
So, even if you don’t have parasites, a parasite cleanse is a great way to support overall gut health and improve dysbiosis. I did in fact have parasites (which I actually saw with my own eyes), so it confirmed my suspicion that I really needed to focus on healing my gut.
Update: The clear skin ebook is here!
I am SO excited to be sharing with you my CLEAR SKIN EBOOK! This ebook was something I always dreamed about making and is largely what got me through the toughest days while I had acne.
There is SO much information in this ebook, from understanding the difference between fungal acne and regular acne, how to heal your gut, develop a skincare routine, supplements you need and more, this ebook is designed to get you on the path to clear skin and help you get your glow back! To read more about the contents of the ebook follow this link!
Hi Claire,
Thank you very much for sharing this story. I wanted to ask you regarding the pain you described in regards to your picture from October 28, 2018. You said your lymphatic nodes in the neck were swollen and you were suffering a physical pain. I am too suffering very strong muscle pain and brain fog that sources from my stomach, as well as painful neck lymph nods and acne for 3 years (there is not any diagnosis that was found by the doctors this entire time). I was wondering if you also experienced muscle pain (feels like as if the muscles are poisoned) and lymphatic nodes pain that influenced your entire face (feels like you wear a masc). It would very much help me direct myself to a solution.
These days I am on an anti-candida diet, and taking a dysbiosis herbal treatment, but so far there is no much improvement.
Thanks,
Hila
Hi Hila,
I did not experience any muscle pain. The pain I am referring to was just because of the inflammation in my face. I’d suggest seeking out a qualified health professional to help you!
I would recommend using Rosehip seed oil for the hyperpigmentation. It’s kind off natural gentle skin peeler and moisturizer.
Thanks for sharing! I just had my first colonic I felt better immediately after. I plan to keep doing them and taking a parasite cleanse tincture.
Are colonics something that can be done at home? Or do you have to schedule an appointment with a professional to do it??
Colonics need to be done with a professional, but enemas can be done at home! I have never done an enema though so I can’t offer any advice 🙂 You can google colon hydrotherapy and you should be able to find someone near you!
You are so beautiful ma’am
Thank you for your post. I am currently curing of lots of parasites have had a huge tapeworm coming out of me during colonic irrigation after 3 days of water fast!It was still alive it was gross!I even have it on my video which will be on youtube soon! am planning to open a website on how to cure parasites!It is so important people understand its not a 3rd world thing but common stuff nowadays. So grateful you shared your story.
I stumbled across your post weeks ago and let me say, you have saved my skin!
Like you, I did some parasite cleanses in the past for my severe face and back acne but they never garnered the results I needed. Then after reading your post, I decided to try doing another cleanse but more aggressively this time (more pills and added antifungals) and with added colonics. Wow! That made all the difference and my back and skin cleared up in 2 weeks time! I am still getting some breakouts, but my skin is not consistently red and inflamed. And the woman who did my colonic confirmed I am full of Candida, yuck!
You have encouraged me to continue with the parasite cleanses and now the colonics until I can regain power of my body back from the little critters.
I wanted to thank you for sharing your experience with the world. You’ve helped me more than you know!
Wow, that’s amazing thank you so much for sharing!! I often question whether or not my posts are helpful to anyone, but it makes me SO happy to hear this information has helped you and your skin. I know the pain of having skin issues and I’m so glad you’ve seen such amazing progress. All the best!
Very interesting. Someone told me they have been doing this parasite cleanse and it has helped her hirsutism. Not sure if she has PCOS with excessive hair on face and body. I have alot of chin /neck hair. I am curious if you know or heard if it does in fact help us woman with hirsutism? Thank you
Carrie
Hi Carrie, I have not heard of any specific research showing hirsutism is linked with parasites, however, parasites are known to cause pretty extreme hormonal imbalances in the body and can therefore worsen symptoms of hirsutism. Hope that helps!
so happy for you dear… I’m also facing same issue… your experience/remedy will be helpful for me..
lots of love
sooraj
Thank you! All the best on your healing journey. I’m here if you have any questions.
Yes that would be good but only by email or private message on Facebook. Thank you. Luba Ryder.
Wow!! I’m so happy you found a cure to your acne!
I don’t live in the US so the ParaPro formula is very expensive to me. I also have a nut allergy so I can’t order other stuff that are available where I live because they contain black walnut. ALL of them… Do you think that garlic capsules and olive leaf extract are enough to kill parasites, or do I need more herbs? I’m thinking of buying some drops with clove and wormwood, and then buy olive leaf extract as well as garlic capsules… Or maybe just OLE and garlic capsules. I’ve never done a parasite cleanse before but my extreme digestive issues and acne makes me believe that I have parasites. I’m also kinda scared of trying herbs I’ve never tried before… like wormwood for instance…
Would really appreciate if you could help me because I’m desperate!
Unfortunately, I am unable to give health advice to anyone who is not a client. The herbs you need are very specific to you and your body, and without knowing more about your situation it is hard to say. I’d be happy to help you with your digestive/skin issues, but would need to take you on as a client to do so!
Best,
Claire
Why Dont you try wild oregano oil? I do it and it also helps to clear the parasites but it is very important to do colonic irrigations to clear all dead parasites.
Hi Claire Sorry misspelt your name. Regards Luba.
Such an interesting story. I have been having outbreaks for years and doing research. I am at present using wormwood that I have growing. Is this okay to use fresh? Can I please have a personal reply to my email address. Thank you
Hi Luba,
It will depend on exactly how you use it/how it is prepared. Generally, a dried herbal extract is going to be more effective and can better target certain imbalances in the microbiome.
Thank you Clare for your prompt reply. I have been using fresh wormwood as I have not had time to dry it. I have had pomegranate from my naturopath but it has not helped with my itchiness so resorted to fresh wormwood tea. One teaspoon brewed twice a day. How one should I do this?
I am 72 and getting breakouts constantly on my forehead. Cannot eat wheat as it makes it worse. Your article really struck a chord. I am thinking of having an internal cleanse. What do u think? Cheers Luba.
Hi Luba, I am unable to give any health advice to anyone who isn’t a client. There is a lot more I would need to know about you to understand what is going on. It sounds like you have Malassezia folliculitis on your forehead, which is caused by a yeast, but looks similar to acne. I am going to be publishing a skin healing ebook in the coming months, so you can subscribe to my email list if you want to be notified when that is available!
Best,
Claire
My word! I had come to the same conclusion after many years and did a search to see of any others had too. Some of us seem prone to harbouring pinworms, amongst other parasites, which seem to trigger adverse skin reactions. The acne is not the same as typical teenage breakouts (more cystic) is more persistent and can last way beyond adolescence. Having used the usually available pharmaceuticals and suffered adverse reactions, the walnut/wormwood/clove/garlic approach has worked well.
Glad to see others have twigged that this can assist in dealing with this aspect of such a distressing condition.
A healthy colon absorbs water, minerals and other nutrients. However, when the membrane of the colon is impacted with plaque, it cannot properly assimilate and absorb these minerals and nutrients. Accordingly, the body will begin to suffer from nutrient deficiencies. Most diseases are, in fact, deficiency disorders. They arise when certain parts of the body suffer mal-nourishment, particularly minerals. The most common cause of mal-nourishment is intestinal congestion. Stated simply, a clean colon is a prerequisite for a healthy body.
Awesome post! I absolutely learned a lot from this. I want to try this one. I’m going to show this to my wife. I’m sure she’s going to like this as well. Thanks for posting!
+1 You are doing amazing work! Thanks for sharing your wonderful posts.I had some problems with parasites. 😮 It is often a waste of time to try and find eggs in stools as they are extremely difficult to detect. Best is just to treat with Albendazole or Mebendazole-Vermox (got it from “VERM2GET”, you can search on Google) ❤️ This helped me a lot! Albendazole and mebendazole (vermox) are broad spectrum antihelmintics and most likely to be effective.