Social media influencers are promoting at-home “parasitic cleanses” as a remedy for symptoms such as constipation, fatigue, poor sleep and brain fog. These cleanses typically involve pills containing “natural” ingredients like wormwood, clove, turmeric, thyme and black walnut. However, health experts are warning that there is little evidence these products work, and they may cause harm.
Professor Aaron Jex, who leads an infectious disease research laboratory at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, says parasitic infections are uncommon among healthy people in major developed cities. He notes that many individuals who believe they have a parasitic infection often have symptoms that are more likely due to difficult-to-diagnose autoimmune, dietary or inflammatory conditions. Jex emphasises that modern medical systems have well-established methods for diagnosing parasitic infections, making it unlikely that a significant infection would go undetected.
While some natural ingredients in these cleanses have been used to derive potent antiparasitic drugs—such as artemisinin from wormwood and ivermectin from soil bacteria—Jex explains that these compounds require purification and synthesis to be effective at curative doses. The amount of natural material needed far exceeds what a person could consume in a supplement. Other ingredients like garlic and black walnut oil have shown some effect in lab conditions but require further study and clinical validation.
Accredited dietitian and nutritionist Danielle Shine warns that these cleanses are not necessarily harmless. They may contain combinations of herbs, laxatives and other compounds that can cause side effects including diarrhoea, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal irritation and medication interactions. Severe liver injury and, in rare cases, acute liver failure have been reported from supplements. Shine adds that substances like zeolites, clays, diatomaceous earth and activated charcoal have no clinical evidence of benefit for parasite cleansing and may interfere with nutrient and medication absorption.
Experts advise that anyone concerned about a parasitic infection should consult a doctor, as prescribed antiparasitic drugs are readily available, well tested, highly effective and have minimal side effects. Relying on unproven cleanses promoted on social media could delay proper diagnosis and treatment.
