Why Are People Suddenly Convinced They’re Full of Parasites?
- Andree Noye
- Jun 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 7
By Andrée Noye, MA, Clinical Herbalist. Reading Time: 2-3 minutes
Tongue-in-cheek: Unless you’re regularly eating sashimi with untreated river water, the panic might be misplaced.
Parasite cleanses have taken over TikTok and Instagram. Herbal shops are sold out of wormwood and black walnut. And everyday folks — even those who’ve never left the Maritimes — are suddenly wondering if their bloating or skin issues mean they’re "infested."
Let’s set the record straight.
Do We Actually Have Parasites Here?
Yes — but probably not the way you think.
In Canada, the risk of a serious parasitic infection is very low unless:
You’ve recently travelled to high-risk regions
You drink from lakes or untreated wells
You regularly handle livestock, soil, or wild game
You eat raw/undercooked meat or fish
You have a compromised immune system
Even then, most infections are mild or asymptomatic. The idea that your gut is overrun with worms just from living here? Highly unlikely.
What the Herbal World Gets Right… and Wrong
There are many herbs traditionally used to support healthy digestion and microbial balance, including:
Juglans nigra (black walnut)
Artemisia absinthium (wormwood)
Allium sativum (garlic)
Syzygium aromaticum (clove)
Close-up of vibrant wormwood leaves with their distinctive silvery-green, feathery texture.
These are potent plants. When used correctly — and with clinical reasoning — they can help when there’s actual evidence of parasitic or microbial imbalance.
But many commercial “cleanses” today are just harsh laxatives paired with antifungals, repackaged as the next miracle cure. They create the illusion of success when what you're really seeing… is diarrhea and undigested food.
Why the Parasite Hype Took Off
This trend isn’t about actual health risk. It’s about narrative — and fear sells fast.
Here’s why parasite cleanses are trending:
TikTok drama: People are misidentifying normal mucus or biofilm in their stool as "worms"
Chronic symptoms: When conventional medicine doesn’t offer answers, people look elsewhere
Detox culture: “Getting rid of bad stuff” feels powerful
Product marketing: Influencers are selling expensive “cleanse kits” — with no oversight
Distrust of institutions: There's a growing belief that doctors are missing “what’s really going on”
The Real Risks of Unsupervised Cleansing
Gut damage: Harsh herbs can irritate the gut lining or kill beneficial flora
False positives: Mistaking food particles for parasites can lead to anxiety and obsession
Missed diagnoses: Underlying issues like IBS, SIBO, endometriosis, trauma, or hormonal imbalance go ignored
Remember: not every mystery symptom is due to a microbe.
So… Should You Do a Parasite Cleanse?
Ask yourself:
Have you had consistent exposure risks?
Are you experiencing classic symptoms (persistent diarrhea, extreme weight loss, intense itching)?
Have you done a stool test through a lab?
If not, don’t waste your time, money, or microbiome on a cleanse you don’t need.
What You Can Do Instead
If you want to support your digestion or clear up chronic issues:
Work with a qualified herbalist (hi, I’m one!)
Explore your gut health holistically
Focus on a nourishing seasonal diet, bitter herbs, fiber, fermented foods, and stress reduction
Your body isn't infested — it's intelligent. And if something is off, there's a grounded, personalized way to address it.
Andrée Noye Clinical Herbalist Circé + Medée
🧾 Want to explore what’s really going on with your digestion, fatigue, or immune health? Book a clinical herbal consult at Circé + Medée. No fear tactics, just facts and plant-based support rooted in tradition and science.
