Let’s Talk Worms, Water, and Wild Ones: Parasite Awareness for Everyday Families
This might be one of my longer posts—because, honestly, I really nerd out over parasites. It’s one of the most overlooked pieces of root cause healing, and the more I’ve learned over the years, the more I see how it connects to so much: our kids’ health, our hormones, our mood, even how our nervous systems function day to day.
I know the topic can feel intimidating (and kind of gross — I hear that a lot). But I promise, once you get past that part, it’s actually incredibly empowering. My hope with this post is that it helps you see parasites through a different lens — one that’s practical, mama-friendly, and maybe even a little fascinating. You might walk away realizing this has been a missing link in your healing (or your child’s) all along.
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Parasites aren’t just something you pick up traveling to a foreign country or see on extreme medical shows. They’re actually far more common than most people realize - and no, this isn’t about fear or shock value. It’s about education and empowerment.
I’ve been doing parasite cleanses on and off for over five years, and the shifts I’ve experienced in my own health have been undeniable. From mental clarity to reduced inflammation, cleansing has become one of my most trusted wellness tools—especially during seasons like postpartum when my body needed deeper restoration.
But the more I’ve learned about parasites, the more I’ve realized they’re not just a personal health topic—they’re a family topic. Because when I watch my kids play in ponds, streams, puddles, and the wild places we love… I know they’re being exposed, too.
Let’s unpack what parasites actually are, how they affect your body (and your kids), and why seasonal cleansing makes such a difference - without the gross factor.
What Are Parasites, Really?
Parasites are organisms that live in or on another organism (like us) and draw nutrients from their host. While that may sound extreme, the truth is many people are hosting parasites without ever knowing it —and yes, that includes children.
They can come from:
Undercooked meat or sushi
Contaminated water or unwashed produce
Travel (even within the U.S.)
Pets, farm animals, and biting insects (it's so important to do parasite cleanses with your pets too!)
Soil and sandboxes
Lakes, ponds, splash pads, pools - even the backyard hose
A weakened immune system or chronic stress (parasites THRIVE a host body that is weakened)
Certain medications and vaccine components, which can contain biological contaminants or ingredients that weaken the immune system’s ability to clear parasites naturally
Children are especially susceptible because of their play habits: barefoot in the dirt, splashing in natural water sources, or touching their faces without washing hands. This isn’t about stopping outdoor play (I’ll absolutely never do that) — it’s about knowing how to support their bodies when they do get exposed.
What Other Cultures and Our Ancestors Knew
Since diving into the world of parasite cleansing, I’ve become fascinated by how regularly other cultures integrate this into everyday life. In many parts of the world, routine parasite cleansing isn’t a fringe idea— it’s normal.
In regions across Asia, Africa, and Latin America:
Parasite cleansing is part of seasonal wellness, especially after rainy seasons or holidays
Children are given deworming herbs as a normal part of growth and development
Many traditional diets include anti-parasitic herbs and bitters (like turmeric, garlic, clove, papaya seeds, and neem)
And the part that continues to facinate me? These same regions often report lower rates of chronic disease, autoimmune issues, and inflammatory conditions —especially among communities that continue to use traditional herbal medicine and natural detox practices.
Even our ancestors practiced cleansing through:
Fasting and detox before seasonal transitions
Bitter tonics, clay, and root herbs
Rhythms that supported the body’s ability to release waste and restore balance
We’ve largely lost that rhythm in the modern Western world. But our bodies haven’t forgotten how powerful it is.
Signs of Parasites & How Parasites Can Affect the Body
Parasites don’t just "hang out" in the gut. They release waste into your system that can disrupt everything from digestion to hormones to mood.
Common signs of parasite overload include (in adults + children):
Bloating, gas, or irregular digestion
Sugar or carb cravings
Brain fog and poor focus
Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability
Fatigue and sluggish feeling
Skin rashes or histamine issues
Teeth grinding
Dark circles under the eyes
Restless sleep or frequent waking
When most common in children can also show up as:
Behavioral outbursts
Sleep disturbances (especially around full moons)
Itchy bottoms
Bedwetting (after being fully potty trained)
Heightened food sensitivities or allergies
My Personal Journey with Parasite Cleansing
I began cleansing five years ago and followed a seasonal rhythm for two full years — roughly every three months. Then I paused while pregnant and breastfeeding. After weaning my third child, I restarted.
Here’s what I’ve personally noticed:
I feel lighter — an actual lightness in my body and energy
Mental clarity — less overwhelm, more grounded focus
Reduced anxiety — emotional heaviness lifted in a way I didn’t expect
Cravings disappeared, especially sugar
Improved digestion — bloating and gut discomfort significantly reduced
Quick postpartum recovery — especially after baby #2
Inflammation down — less puffiness, achiness, and reactivity
Why I Cleanse Around the Full Moon
Parasites are more active during the full moon due to changes in serotonin and melatonin. This makes the body more vulnerable and also more primed to eliminate. Timing a cleanse with the lunar cycle helps the body release more effectively.
Click here for a moon cycle + parasite detox description.
How I Support My Body During a Cleanse (for Myself + Family)
A parasite cleanse is more than just taking a supplement. It’s about creating safety in the body so it can actually let go of what doesn’t belong.
What I focus on:
Nervous system regulation first: Parasites thrive in fight-or-flight states. I calm the body first through nervous system support and cellular repair.
Drainage pathways: Bowel, liver, lymph, and kidney support ensures waste can leave once it’s mobilized.
Binders: To trap toxins and escort them safely out
Gentle movement + castor oil packs: To reduce bloating and move lymph
Minerals + hydration: To replenish what the body loses
Final Thoughts 💭
If you’ve never done a parasite cleanse — or haven’t in years — there’s a real (big) chance your body (and your kids’) could benefit. This isn’t about fear. It’s about curiosity, confidence, and clearing what’s no longer serving your health.
The path to healing doesn’t always look like another supplement or lab test. Sometimes it starts with clearing what’s not meant to be there.
If you’re ready to explore what a personalized parasite cleanse could look like — for you or your child — I invite you to book a Holistic Wellness Support Consultation. We’ll build a practical plan that honors your biology, your season of life, and your nervous system.
You deserve to feel clear, calm, and resilient in your body.
And your kids do too. 🫶🏼
