It’s a scenario many of us have experienced: you’re on your way home from an incredible overseas holiday, basking in the afterglow of all the amazing memories. But suddenly, mid-flight, your gut starts feeling queasy, bloated, or just a little ‘off.’ While this can sometimes simply be the result of a few too many cocktails and risotto balls by the pool, there’s also the chance you’ve brought an unwelcome guest home in the form of a parasite.
While the thought of hosting living organisms is enough to make anyone feel squirmish, parasites are actually pretty common. Studies estimate that 30 to 40 per cent of Aussies will have one in their lifetime. While you can get a parasite from eating undercooked meat, they’re most often brought about from water and food while travelling — particularly in developing countries.
What are gut parasites?
It’s important to note that alongside fungus and candida, parasites are actually part of the normal human microbiome. It’s when they become overgrown that they give way to a host (pun intended) of unpleasant health issues like bloating, indigestion, IBS, mood changes, poor skin quality and fatigue.
Thankfully, if you’re looking to detox but aren’t keen on the idea of antibiotics, Aussie company Zeally Herbs is here to provide support from the inside out. Born out of founder Jenna Hicks’ personal battle with a cellular parasite, the brand has created a natural cleanse protocol designed to be conducted under the lunar cycle.
Yep, it turns out that full moon cleanse you’ve seen on TikTok (and espoused by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow) is actually a real thing. Here’s everything you need to know about the cosmic new wellness trend.
How does a full moon parasite cleanse work, exactly?
Zeally Herbs recommends cleansing twice a year, ideally during a full moon window (that is, starting five days prior to the full moon). The reasons behind this are more scientific than ‘woo woo,’ as this is the period when parasites are most active.
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During a full moon, serotonin levels go up and melatonin levels go down, creating the perfect environment for parasite reproduction. And, because this is also the time that parasites are most likely to hatch, timing your cleanse around the full moon allows you to target as many of the suckers as possible when they’re most vulnerable.
You can track the full moon cycle in the weather section of your iPhone, or download a lunar calendar app to find your perfect timing.
What does a full moon parasite cleanse involve?
Parasite cleanses bring together a combination of powerful herbal supplements to eliminate any parasites that have set up shop inside your gut. While theoretically, you could DIY it, sourcing all of the natural remedies can be an expensive process of trial and error (not to mention, you can end up causing more damage to your gut if you get it wrong).
Holistic cleanse protocols like Zeally Herbs take the guesswork out of the process, by providing a comprehensive-yet-gentle approach. Designed to be followed for 10 days, its lineup consists of three complementary products. Taken in capsule form, the Intestinal Parasite Cleanse contains a potent blend of wormwood, clove and black walnut. With anthelmintic and antimicrobial properties, these work together to starve parasites of glucose and paralyse them in the digestional tract.
This is paired with Fulvic Humic Acid drops, which contain more than 75 different natural minerals extracted from the North American wilderness. Powered by a proprietary organic extraction process, this powerful detoxification agent binds to parasites to help eliminate them. Rounding out the protocol is the Colon Formula, which contains active herbs high in phytonutrients to help strengthen and cleanse the gut.
The brand also recommends following an unprocessed and anti-inflammatory diet throughout the duration of the cleanse. This means avoiding sugary foods including fruit (excluding anti-parasitic fruits such as papaya and pineapple), starches and alcohol as these foods have been claimed to increase parasitic activity. They also recommend increasing water and garlic consumption, which may help flush living organisms out. To help take the guesswork out of what you can actually consume, Zeally Herbs has a handy e-book with over 30 cleanse-friendly recipes.
The Zeally Herb cleanse has sold out three times, with happy customers raving about how amazing they felt after the 10 days. You can grab each product separately, or save by scooping up the 4-in-1 bundle for just $140.
Always consult your doctor before starting any new health regime, including a parasite cleanse.
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