THE DO’S & DON’TS OF PARASITE CLEANSING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

A comprehensive Happy Bum Co guide to parasites, pinworms, cleansing, detox symptoms, the full moon connection, and how to support your body through a safe, effective 30‑day protocol.

Parasites aren’t just something you pick up backpacking through Bali or drinking questionable water overseas. In fact, they’re far more common than most people realise especially microscopic eggs from threadworms and pinworms, which are among the most widespread parasitic infections globally. Yes - they can affect everyone!

If you’ve ever wondered whether you might have parasites, how to cleanse safely, or how to support your body through a detox, this guide is your new go‑to guide.

Let’s dive deep into the do’s, don’ts, myths, truths, and everything about parasites in between.

WHAT ARE PARASITES?

Parasites are organisms that live in or on a host (that’s us!) and rely on our nutrients to survive. They can cause a wide range of symptoms from digestive issues to fatigue or sometimes none at all.

Yes we’ve all seen the crazy videos on TikTok and instagram of people pulling parasites and long worms out of their bodies. But what actually are they and how do we get them?

Against common belief, parasites are not just creatures we can pick up overseas in a dirty hostel bathroom, in fact parasites are very common in today's world and they move in like unwanted guests. Parasites are organisms that rely on us for survival, often causing many symptoms we don't realise are related to their burrowing.

In this article we want to shed awareness and understanding to these harmful invaders and how they can be impacting your health, and most importantly - how to get rid of them!

Different Types of Parasites That Affect Humans

There are three main types of parasites that infect humans:

1. Protozoa

Protozoa are tiny, single‑celled organisms so small you’d never see them without a microscope, yet powerful enough to wreak havoc on your gut, energy, and immune system. They’re often picked up through contaminated water or food, especially when travelling, and they multiply quickly once inside the body. Because they’re microscopic, people often don’t realise they’ve been infected until symptoms like bloating, diarrhoea, or fatigue start creeping in. Common symptoms might include:

• Bloating

• Gas

• Diarrhoea

• Fatigue

• Nausea

2. Helminths (worms)

Helminths are the classic “worms” most people think of when they hear the word parasite. They’re larger, multicellular organisms that can live in the digestive tract and sometimes even be seen in the stool. Some worms can grow surprisingly long, while others are tiny but incredibly irritating. They feed off your nutrients, disrupt digestion, and can cause a whole range of symptoms from cravings to skin issues. 

• Roundworms

• Tapeworms

• Flukes

• Threadworms / Pinworms

3. Ectoparasites

Ectoparasites live on the body rather than inside it.  They can include things like head lice, mites, and ticks the ones that make your skin crawl just thinking about them. While they don’t live in the digestive tract, they can still cause irritation, inflammation, and secondary infections.They lay eggs and spread which makes them highly contageous. Ectoparasites usually spread through close contact, shared clothing, or time spent outdoors.

• Itchy skin

• Rashes

• Red bumps

• Crawling sensations

• Localised irritation

THREADWORMS & PINWORMS: WHAT THEY ARE & HOW THEY SPREAD

Threadworms and pinworms are tiny but incredibly persistent parasites that spread easily through families, schools, and everyday environments. Because their eggs are microscopic and can survive on surfaces for weeks, most people don’t realise how easily they’re transmitted. Knowing how they spread helps you protect your home, your kids, and your own gut health.

Threadworms and pinworms are tiny white worms that live in the intestines and lay eggs around the anus at night. They are:

• Highly contagious

• Common in children, but adults get them too

• Spread through microscopic eggs that survive on surfaces for 2–3 weeks

How They Spread 

You can pick up pinworm eggs from:

• Door handles

• Shopping trolleys

• Public bathrooms

• Gym equipment

• Shared towels or bedding

• Toys (especially in childcare settings)

• Contaminated food or surfaces

Travel‑Specific Exposure

Parasites thrive in environments with:

• Poor sanitation

• Contaminated water

• Street food washed in unclean water

• Barefoot walking in tropical areas

• Swimming in contaminated lakes or rivers

SYMPTOMS OF PARASITES (INCLUDING THREADWORMS & PINWORMS)

Parasite symptoms can be subtle, confusing, or easily mistaken for other issues like stress, food intolerances, or hormonal shifts. Many people live with parasites for years without knowing, because the signs can come and go. Tuning into your body and recognising these patterns can help you identify when something deeper is going on. They are often heightened through different times of the month, with some people reporting peaks on the full moon.

Symptoms vary depending on the parasite, but common signs include:

Digestive Symptoms

• Bloating

• Gas

• Diarrhoea or constipation

• Nausea

• Abdominal pain

Skin & Sleep Symptoms

• Itchy anus (especially at night)

• Restless sleep

• Teeth grinding

• Irritability

• Vivid dreams 

Other Possible Symptoms

• Fatigue

• Unexplained weight changes

• Sugar cravings

• Vaginal itching

• Bedwetting in children

• Anxiety

WHERE DO PARASITES COME FROM?

Parasites are part of everyday life not just something you pick up overseas. Their eggs are incredibly resilient and can survive on surfaces, in soil, on food, and even in household environments. Understanding where they come from can help you to take simple steps to reduce exposure and protect your family. Plus, understand that some exposure is unavoidable and parasite cleansing should be a regular practice in your household.

You can get parasites from:

Everyday Life

• Touching contaminated surfaces

• Not washing hands properly

• Kids bringing them home from school or daycare

• Pets

• Eating unwashed produce

• Undercooked meat or seafood

Travel

• Contaminated water

• Ice cubes

• Street food

• Swimming in natural bodies of water

• Walking barefoot

Home

• Bedding

• Towels

• Carpets

• Shared bathrooms

THE DO’S OF PARASITE CLEANSING

A successful parasite cleanse is about supporting your body to eliminate the worms, not stressing it. When you give your detox pathways the right tools, your body can eliminate parasites more effectively and with fewer uncomfortable symptoms. These do’s help you create a safe, supportive environment for your cleanse.

✔ DO support your detox pathways

✔ DO use a structured protocol

✔ DO flush the colon

✔ DO use binders

✔ DO stay hydrated

✔ DO reduce sugar & alcohol

✔ DO wash bedding & towels daily

✔ DO cleanse around the full moon

THE DON’TS OF PARASITE CLEANSING

There are a few common mistakes that can make a parasite cleanse harder on your body than it needs to be. It can also lead to you being unsuccessful and wanting to give up early. Avoiding these pitfalls helps you minimise discomfort, prevent reinfection, and get the best possible results. Think of these don’ts as gentle guardrails to keep your cleanse on track and give those parasites the boot!

✘ DON’T start a cleanse if you’re constipated

✘ DON’T rely on herbs alone

✘ DON’T ignore detox symptoms

✘ DON’T stop halfway

✘ DON’T share towels or bedding

THE HAPPY BUM 30‑DAY PARACLEAR PROTOCOL

Parasites have a life cycle, which means timing matters when you’re trying to eliminate them. The ParaClear protocol is designed to work with your body and the parasite’s biology, not against it. This structured approach ensures you’re targeting both adult worms and newly hatched eggs for a complete cleanse and the days off are just as important as the days you take the herbal drops. 

PHASE 1: DAYS 1–10 — ACTIVE CLEANSING - Daily drops

PHASE 2: DAYS 11–20 — REST & REPAIR - Days off

PHASE 3: DAYS 21–30 — FINAL CLEANSE - Daily Drops

WHY THE FULL MOON MATTERS

The full moon has a fascinating effect on the human body and on parasites. During this time, parasites become more active and reproductive, which is why symptoms often flare. Cleansing around the full moon can make your protocol more effective and help you catch parasites when they’re most vulnerable.

Many people report these symptoms around the full moon that may be intensified by parasitic infection:

• Increased cravings

• Poor sleep

• Itchy bottom

• Moodiness

• Bloating

SUPPORTIVE PRODUCTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CLEANSE

A parasite cleanse works best when you support your body from multiple angles. This can include herbs, colon cleansing, liver flushing, binders, and hydration. Each product plays a unique role in helping your body eliminate parasites and reduce detox symptoms. These tools work together to create a complete, holistic cleansing experience.

1. Happy Bum ParaClear - Herbal remedy to help kill off Threadworms/Pinworms

2. Happy Bum Gut Scrub (Diatomaceous Earth) - Binder to help eliminate die off and natural pest control

3. Happy Bum Coffee Enema Kit - physically remove the worms and eggs from the colon and flush the large intestine

4. Colonics - deep colon cleanse to remove any excess toxins, bloating or parasites once the herbal remedy has taken affect

DIETARY SUPPORT DURING A PARASITE CLEANSE

Food can either feed parasites or help starve them out. What you eat during a cleanse has a huge impact on your symptoms, cravings, and overall results which is why we recommend choosing supportive foods that help weaken parasites while strengthening your gut and immune system.

Foods to Reduce

• Sugar

• Alcohol

• Processed foods

• Refined carbs

• Dairy

Foods to Increase

• Garlic

• Pumpkin seeds

• Ginger

• Turmeric

• Leafy greens

• Hydrating fruits

• Bone broth

• Herbal teas

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A PARASITE CLEANSE

Parasite cleansing can be transformative, but it’s not always easy. It’s normal to experience some discomfort as your body detoxes which is referred to as “die-off” or detox symptoms. These symptoms while uncomfortable are temporary and often a sign that the cleanse is working and that you should continue, not give up. Knowing what to expect helps you stay grounded and supported throughout the process. Know that reprieve will come once you get to the other side!

Possible Detox Symptoms

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Bloating

• Skin breakouts

• Mood swings

• Nausea

• Itchy skin

• Changes in bowel movements

Signs It’s Working

• Seeing worms

• Improved digestion

• Better sleep

• Reduced cravings

• Clearer skin

• More energy

• Less bloating

• Better moods

• Mental Clarity

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO DO A PARASITE CLEANSE?

There’s no single “perfect” time to cleanse, but making sure you have given yourself the time and space to go through the entire process is important. Seasonal transitions from spring to fall, full moons, and post‑travel periods are all powerful windows for resetting your gut. Listening to your body’s signals can also guide you toward the right timing but most of all, make sure you make space for downtime.

Best times include:

• Around the full moon

• Seasonally

• After travel

• After illness

• When symptoms appear

• When kids bring home worms

Ready to start your cleanse?

Parasite cleansing isn’t just about removing worms and these harmful invaders who are mooching off your nutrients, it’s about reclaiming your energy, supporting your gut, strengthening your immunity, and reconnecting with your body. With the right tools, support, and education, it becomes a powerful ritual of renewal and is something that should be done several times a year at least.

At Happy Bum Co, we are here to guide you every step of the way with products, education, and a community that believes in empowered, accessible, at‑home wellness. And not sharing your body with threadworms and pinworms! Say goodbye to internal pests, bloating and discomfort and hello to a clean, clear and comfortable you.