A parasite is an organism that infects a host—a person or animal—and survives by feeding from its host’s blood and other materials. A parasitic infection can throw off the balance of your inner workings and can cause stomach upset, inflammation or irritation, depending on where in your body the parasites have invaded. Common types of parasitic infections are those of the skin and the intestinal tract. Anti-parasitic medications are sometimes required to rid yourself of the infection. Several herbs and spices that are used to season foods contain natural anti-parasitic properties. Check with your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of an infection.
Garlic
Garlic is often used in different types of cooking, from Asian to Italian cuisines, due to its savory taste. Garlic is known as an anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic, according to The Kitchen Herbalist, and was used to preserve food before refrigeration was possible. It is still used as a natural preservative for the preparation of raw foods like sushi, or meats that are cooked rare. The October 2005 issue of “Trends in Parasitology” explains that garlic oil can sometimes be helpful in addition to conventional treatment for parasitic infection. Some of garlic’s near relatives, including ginger and horseradish, deliver anti-microbial activity as well as a pungent taste and aroma when used in your favorite dish.
Oregano
Oregano is a spice widely used in Mediterranean cultures. The antibacterial and anti-parasitic activity of oregano is derived from the plant called wild oregano, according to The Wolfe Clinic, and can prevent food from premature spoilage as well as kill parasites. The active ingredients in oregano are called isomeric phenols and are contained in the oil of the plant. Phenols are also antioxidants, and can not only discourage parasitic infection, but also protect against oxidative stress, a type of cellular damage your body develops from free radicals.
Rosemary
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that another Mediterranean herb, rosemary, is a powerful antioxidant and has the capacity to kill viruses, fungi and neutralize parasitic activity. Like oregano, rosemary’s power comes from its oil; using fresh rosemary in your cooking exposes you more to the oil and its benefits than choosing dried spices. Rosemary is traditionally used to treat indigestion and joint pain.
Thyme
Thyme and thyme oil can protect you from a variety of illness when used to flavor food dishes, according to The World’s Healthiest Foods. The oils from this spice have been shown to kill different species from Shigella to Staphylococcus bacteria. A 2009 issue of the “International Journal of Agriculture and Biology” reports that Moroccan thyme oil signficantly reduces the presence of microbes on samples; rinsing produce in a mixture of water and thyme oil in addition to cooking with the spice can protect you from food-borne illness.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a golden-colored spice that is used to spice Indian cooking and curries. The Kitchen Herbalist includes turmeric on its list of spices to include in your meal preparation because it can protect from parasites and bacteria. It also reduces inflammation. The active ingredient in turmeric is an antioxidant called curcumin. Curcumin may protect against cancer, promotes blood vessel health and treats indigestion as well as acting as a natural anti-parasitic.
