Worms: What You Need to Know (and How to Break the Cycle)

If you’ve ever had a child with worms, you’ll know how uncomfortable (and common!) they are. Worms are one of the most frequent childhood health complaints, with threadworms (also called pinworms) being the most common type. Other less common worms in Australia include roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms.

The Worm Cycle
Worms lay tiny eggs around the anus, especially at night. These cause itching, which leads to scratching. Eggs transfer onto hands, bedding, clothes, and toys—and from there into the mouth again. This is how the cycle continues unless it’s broken.

Moon Cycles & Worms
Parasites often become more active around the full moon. This is because shifts in serotonin and melatonin during this time affect the gut environment, making it easier for worms to move and reproduce. Many parents notice their child’s sleep, itching, or irritability worsens around the full moon—this isn’t a coincidence. It’s also why parasite cleanses and treatments are often timed to coincide with the lunar cycle.

How Long Eggs Survive
Threadworm eggs are incredibly hardy. They can survive up to 2–3 weeks on surfaces, clothing, or bedding and remain dormant until swallowed. This makes reinfection common if the home environment isn’t managed during treatment.

Natural Remedies & Support
Lots of conventional worming remedies strip the stomach and affect overall gut health. Often, a short-term solution involves working with the body's natural rhythms and healing processes.  

• Garlic – antiparasitic properties that help discourage worm activity.

• Pumpkin seeds – traditionally used to help paralyse worms and support elimination.

• Papaya seeds – aid in digestive cleansing.

• Coconut oil – supports gut health and immunity.

• Oil of oregano – a powerful natural antimicrobial (must be diluted and used under practitioner guidance).

• Dragon’s blood – resin traditionally used for its antimicrobial and antiparasitic effects.

• Red pine needle oil is antiparasitic while supporting detoxification and immune defence.

• Barrier oils/creams – coconut oil, castor oil, or zinc-based creams applied around the anus can create a protective layer, discouraging female worms from laying eggs at night.

• Probiotics & fermented foods – restore and balance the gut microbiome.

• Wormwood, Black Walnut & clove – herbal support, best used with practitioner guidance.

• Homeopathic remedies – Cina and Spigelia are commonly considered; a homeopath can select the remedy best suited to your child’s symptoms.

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The Terrain Matters
Worms thrive when the body becomes a “comfortable host.” Poor sleep, sugar-heavy diets, stress, low immunity, and toxic load make it easier for them to take hold. One overlooked factor is heavy metals—mercury, lead, and aluminium can accumulate in the body, and parasites feed on these toxins. In this sense, worms act like nature’s clean-up crew.

Detox First, Evict Later
If you detox and strengthen the terrain, worms won’t feel welcome:

• Support gentle detox pathways with zeolite, fulvic minerals, chlorella, or cilantro.

• Hydration + fibre help flush toxins.

• Whole Foods nourish and repair.

• Probiotics rebalance the gut.

When the terrain is strengthened, worms naturally move on—they’re far less interested in a healthy host.

Breaking the Cycle at Home

• Wash hands and nails regularly (especially after toileting and before eating).

• Wash bedding, pyjamas, and underwear daily on a hot cycle (at least 60°C).

• Keep fingernails short.
  Encourage kids to shower in the morning to wash away eggs laid overnight.
  Apply a thin layer of coconut oil or zinc cream around the anus at night to prevent egg-laying.
  Remember: eggs can live up to 3 weeks—so consistency is key.

• Focus on immunity with sleep, veggies, movement, and stress reduction.

Worms are a sign, not a sentence. By supporting the body with remedies, cleaning the terrain, aligning with natural cycles like the moon, and breaking the reinfection loop, you can help your child thrive in a body that feels safe, strong, and balanced.