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Introduction to Helminthic Therapy[edit source]

What Is Helminthic Therapy?[edit source]

Helminthic therapy is an emerging medical approach that uses carefully selected microscopic intestinal organisms—called therapeutic helminths—to help restore healthy immune balance. These organisms have co-evolved with humans and play a natural role in regulating immune function.

Therapeutic helminths are chosen for their unique safety profile. They:

Remain confined to the digestive tract
Do not replicate inside the body
Cause no known disease
Can be fully and reliably cleared with a single dose of standard anti-parasitic medication

They are used under controlled conditions by individuals seeking alternatives for chronic immune-related conditions.

Why Use Helminths?[edit source]

The human body evolved in the constant presence of a rich internal ecosystem—including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and helminths. Many of these organisms played active roles in helping the immune system develop and stay balanced. In modern industrialized societies, widespread sanitation, antibiotics, and pathogen elimination have disrupted this evolutionary relationship.

As a result, the immune system may become hyperreactive or misdirected. This is one explanation for the rise in conditions such as:

Autoimmune diseases
Allergies and asthma
Chronic inflammation

Helminthic therapy is one strategy for restoring part of that lost biological complexity. Reintroducing a specific type of beneficial organism may help reestablish immune regulation and reduce inflammatory responses.

Therapeutic Helminths: What They Are[edit source]

Only a small number of helminth species are suitable for therapy. Each meets strict criteria for safety, predictability, and reversibility. Therapeutic helminths are:

Tiny and non-invasive
Contained entirely within the gut
Short-lived or easily removed
Non-replicating in the human body
Naturally compatible with human physiology

Common species include:

Necator americanus (NA) – human hookworm
Trichuris suis ova (TSO) – pig whipworm
Hymenolepis diminuta (HD) – rat tapeworm
Hymenolepis nana (HN) – dwarf tapeworm (used selectively)

Each species offers different advantages depending on the individual’s condition, goals, and biological context.

Immune Conditions and Applications[edit source]

Helminthic therapy has been explored by individuals and researchers in a wide range of immune-related conditions, including:

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Multiple sclerosis
Asthma, eczema, and allergies
Food sensitivities
Autism spectrum traits
Chronic migraines, ME/CFS, psoriasis, and other inflammatory conditions

Reported outcomes vary. Some individuals experience substantial and lasting benefit, while others see more modest shifts. Success appears to depend on factors such as species used, dose, immune history, gut health, and overall system resilience.

Understanding Safety[edit source]

Therapeutic helminths are selected for their exceptional safety record. They have been studied in clinical settings and used by thousands of individuals over the past two decades. Key safety features inc

Deeper Learning: Explore Helminthic Therapy in Detail[edit source]

This page provides a gateway to the more technical, historical, and experiential aspects of helminthic therapy. If you are already familiar with the basics and want to explore specific areas in more depth, the following sections will guide you.

Scientific Foundations[edit source]

Helminthic therapy is supported by decades of scientific inquiry into the role of helminths in immune regulation, biome depletion, and inflammation. Clinical trials and laboratory studies have explored how helminths influence cytokine expression, T-reg cell behavior, microbiome composition, and more.

History and Evolution of the Therapy[edit source]

From early observations in developing countries to modern clinical experimentation, the history of helminthic therapy reflects a shift in thinking about parasites, immunity, and health. This section explores key milestones, research programs, and public interest stories that shaped the field.

Species Used in Therapy[edit source]

Not all helminths are alike. Each species used in therapy offers a different profile of immune effects, host compatibility, persistence, and practicality. This section compares the main species used and includes sourcing considerations.

Dosing and Protocols[edit source]

How many organisms? How often? What’s the difference between species in terms of tolerance buildup, maintenance schedules, and symptom response? This section outlines practical information from both research and real-world application.

Risks, Contraindications, and Side Effects[edit source]

While therapeutic helminths are chosen for their safety, they are biologically active and require thoughtful use. This section outlines known risks, who should avoid the therapy, and what to expect during early adjustment phases.

User Experiences and Case Reports[edit source]

Thousands of individuals have experimented with helminthic therapy across a range of conditions. Their stories provide insight into real-world variability, timelines, symptom patterns, and unexpected benefits or challenges.

Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Landscape[edit source]

The use of live organisms in self-treatment raises legal and ethical questions around regulation, informed consent, and accessibility. This section explores how helminthic therapy is treated across jurisdictions and offers context for navigating gray areas.

Suggested Path for Deeper Study[edit source]

For those new to helminthic therapy but ready to go beyond the introduction, we recommend the following reading path:

How helminthic therapy works

Helminths used in helminthic therapy

Helminth dosing and protocols

Risks and contraindications

Scientific_studies

Helminthic therapy personal stories

You can also return to the Introduction to Helminthic Therapy if you need a refresher on the fundamentals.

Glossary of Terms in Helminthic Therapy[edit source]

Tip: Use your browser’s search function (Ctrl+F or Command+F) to find specific terms on this page. You can also click section titles in the table of contents below to jump between categories.

This glossary explains the most important terms used in helminthic therapy, including basic definitions and usage. Wherever possible, each term includes a short, clear description—so users don’t have to click away unless they want to learn more.

Abbreviations[edit source]

**AD** – Ancylostoma duodenale, a type of hookworm not used in helminthic therapy.
**ASD** – Autism spectrum disorder.
**CD** – Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition.
**CRP** – C-reactive protein, a blood marker used to assess inflammation.
**EE / EoE** – Eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic allergic inflammation of the esophagus.
**EV** – Enterobius vermicularis, also known as pinworm.
**FMT** – Fecal microbiota transplant, a procedure to restore healthy gut bacteria.
**GI** – Gastrointestinal (digestive tract).
**HINT** – Helminth-Induced Immunomodulation Therapy, a research term for therapeutic helminth use.
**HD** – Hymenolepis diminuta, a rat tapeworm used in therapy.
**HDC / HDCs** – Hymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids, the larval stage used in therapy.
**HK / HW / hw / hws** – Hookworm, typically referring to Necator americanus.
**HT** – Helminthic therapy.
**IBD** – Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.
**IBS** – Irritable bowel syndrome, a common digestive disorder.
**LDN** – Low-dose naltrexone, sometimes used off-label for immune regulation.
**MCAD / MCAS** – Mast cell activation disorder or syndrome, involving immune overreaction.
**MCS** – Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, involving extreme sensitivity to environmental chemicals.
**MD** – Doctor of Medicine.
**MS** – Multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease affecting the nervous system.
**NA** – Necator americanus, the human hookworm used in helminthic therapy.
**TS / TSO** – Trichuris suis / Trichuris suis ova, the pig whipworm and its eggs.
**TT / TTO** – Trichuris trichiura / its ova, the human whipworm.
**UC** – Ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory condition of the colon.
**WW** – Whipworm.
**DIY** – Do-it-yourself, often referring to self-administered helminthic therapy.

Conditions and Clinical Terms[edit source]

**Crohn's disease** – A chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract.
**Ulcerative colitis** – A form of inflammatory bowel disease that specifically affects the colon.
**Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)** – A functional gastrointestinal disorder with symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits.
**Multiple sclerosis (MS)** – A chronic autoimmune condition affecting the brain and spinal cord.
**Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)** – An allergic condition involving inflammation of the esophagus.
**Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)** – A disorder where mast cells release mediators excessively, leading to allergic-type symptoms.
**Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)** – A chronic condition involving reactions to low levels of common environmental chemicals.

Species and Life Stages[edit source]

**Necator americanus (NA)** – A species of human hookworm commonly used in helminthic therapy.
**Trichuris suis (TS)** – The pig whipworm used therapeutically in its egg form (TSO).
**Trichuris trichiura (TT)** – The human whipworm, occasionally used in therapy.
**Hymenolepis diminuta (HD)** – A rat tapeworm used in therapy as a non-replicating larval stage (HDC).
**Hymenolepis nana (HN)** – A dwarf tapeworm not typically used due to its ability to reproduce in the host.
**Enterobius vermicularis (EV)** – Also known as pinworm, a common intestinal worm not used therapeutically.
**Larva / Larvae** – The early life stage of a helminth, typically the form used for inoculation.
**Cysticercoid** – A larval form of tapeworm used in therapy, particularly with HD.

Therapeutic Concepts[edit source]

**Helminthic therapy** – The use of carefully selected, non-pathogenic helminths to regulate immune system function.
**Biome depletion** – The loss of natural intestinal organisms, including helminths, due to modern hygiene and antibiotics.
**Biome reconstitution** – The process of restoring lost members of the human biome through therapeutic intervention.
**Helminth replacement therapy** – Another term for helminthic therapy emphasizing the reintroduction of organisms lost in modern environments.
**Mutualism** – A biological interaction where both species benefit; therapeutic helminths and humans form a mutualistic relationship.
**Symbiosis** – A long-term interaction between two organisms; helminths form a symbiotic relationship with the host.
**Obligatory symbiont** – An organism that requires a host to survive.
**Ectosymbiont** – A symbiont that lives on the surface of its host (in the gut, in the case of helminths).
**Worm burden** – The number of helminths present in the host at any time.
**Inoculation** – The introduction of helminths into the body for therapeutic purposes.
**Reworming** – Reintroducing helminths after they have died off or been intentionally cleared.

Diagnostic and Medical Tools[edit source]

**O\&P test** – A laboratory test for detecting ova (eggs) and parasites in stool samples.
**McMaster egg count** – A technique for estimating the number of helminth eggs in feces.
**Colonoscopy** – A procedure to examine the inside of the colon using a camera.
**Endoscopy** – A general term for procedures using a flexible tube to view the digestive tract.
**C-reactive protein (CRP)** – A blood test marker for inflammation.
**Impact factor** – A measure of how often articles from a scientific journal are cited.

Microbiome and Ecology Terms[edit source]

**Microbiome** – The collection of microorganisms living in and on the human body.
**Microbiota** – A specific group of microorganisms in a particular body region (e.g., gut microbiota).
**Macrobiome** – The total collection of larger organisms (like helminths) associated with the body.
**Macrobiota** – The subset of macroorganisms in a particular site.
**Holobiome** – All microbes and macrobes (including helminths) coexisting with a host.
**Commensalism** – A relationship where one organism benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.
**Parasite / Parasitic** – An organism that benefits at the expense of its host; therapeutic helminths are selected to avoid this behavior.

Colloquial and Community Terms[edit source]

**Worm flu** – A common term for the short-term symptoms some people experience after helminth inoculation.
**Side effect** – An unintended physical response to a treatment.
**Effectiveness / Efficacy** – A measure of how well a therapy achieves its intended goal.
**Self-treatment / Self-treater** – An individual who undertakes helminthic therapy without direct medical supervision.
**Vermifuge** – A substance that expels worms from the body.
**Vermicide** – A substance that kills worms.
**Probiotic** – A microorganism that supports health when introduced into the body.
**Hookworm / Whipworm / Tapeworm** – Common names for different types of helminths used or considered for therapy.
**Strobila** – The segmented body of a tapeworm.
**Proglottid** – Each segment of a tapeworm’s strobila.
**Suppuration** – The production of pus as part of the body’s inflammatory response.
**Exudate** – Fluid that leaks from blood vessels during inflammation.
**Serous drainage** – A clear, watery fluid released during early wound healing.

For additional context, see related pages: \[\[Helminths used in helminthic therapy]], \[\[How helminthic therapy works]], \[\[Risks and contraindications]], and \[\[Helminthic therapy personal stories]].

PLEASE DO NOT DELETE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING. THANKS.

Miscellaneous documents hosted by this wiki ...... PLEASE DO NOT DELETE ......[edit source]

A number of texts that are hosted by this wiki but not readily availalbe elsewhere are listed on the Helminthic therapy documentary resources page.

The following further resources were created for limited audiences.

Notes for support group moderators and admins

Notes for prospective helminth providers (For the information of prospective providers only. Not for general distribution.)

Health professionals in the Helminthic Therapy Support group ...... PLEASE DO NOT DELETE ......[edit source]

There are a lot of medical professionals in the group, many of whom don't reveal their occupation. Those listed below are just a few of the ones who have mentioned their profession. Please add any others as you discover them, along with whatever details are appropriate and available.

Medical doctors[edit source]

Andrea McBeth ND - US

Piper Dobner ND - US

Liz Mcauliff ND (Student in 2022) - joined the HT support group in Nov 2022, after hearing a lecture by Piper Dobner.

Mark Davis ND - US (Mark likes to start patients with a dose of 25 NA. Having only treated a few dozen individuals, he hasn't yet encountered anyone who is hypersensitive to worms or helminth permissive.)

Sean Murphy MD- Tucson, Arizona, US. Specialist in emergency medicine, and long-term user of NA. He tried to set up a clinical trial and a company selling NA in the US, both unsuccessfully.

Richard Doehring MD - retired pathologist, New Zealand

Jorge Llamas MD - runs the Llamas Clinic in Tijuana, Mexico. (Jorge is unfortunately still of the belief that large doses of hookworms are required, and typically starts patients with a dose of 25 NA. He can be very reluctant to start with less, and sent one online patient 10 larvae after having agreed to send her only 3!)

Cory Tichauer - heard about HT from Piper Dobner. "I am a physician who has been working with HDC for several years successfully in the treatment of immune inflammatory conditions and am interested in expanding my knowledge to NA and TSO as well."

Nidia Diaz - "I’m a physician learning about this fascinating worm!"

Ronald Goedeke - "Am a MD and heard about it at a medical conference."

Victoria Laurin - "I'm a physician and still lots of my friends are skeptical despite my 'miraculous' recovery". I feel like I've gotten my life back. Trying to convince others is so hard.

Sam Tarshis - emergency medicine resident physician at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln.

Jake Duncan - functional medicine practitioner.

Jillian Casey ND

Oleg Shulik MD - gastoenterology specialist

Anthony Vandersteen - physician

Nurses[edit source]

Jane Puckey RN/RM - registered nurse now specialisig in helminthic therapy, New Zealznd. [1]

Pharmacists[edit source]

Brecht Moerenhout

Chiropractors[edit source]

Carrie Clark - chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner, Minneapolis, US. [2]

Counsellors[edit source]

Benjamin Blay MA (counselling). One of the first adopters of NA (in 2007) and TTO, and a helminthic therapist for many years. [3]

Dentists[edit source]

Wassim Kelada - Masters from the Dept. of Orthodontics at Dundee University. Then studied at The Royal College of Surgeons in the UK.

Veterinarians[edit source]

Christopher John Cooper - Senior veterinary surgeon

Health coaches[edit source]

Casi Cole - Experienced with the use of NA and TSO in both children and adults. [4]

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Buff background / orange border / large round corners - Used on Home page

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Helminthic therapy events 2023
In September, 2023, helminth self-treaters will be meeting up at venues around the world to discuss this cutting-edge approach and its incredible benefits.
Come along to one of our planned events, or host one yourself. For details, or to get in touch, click HERE.

Cleaning larvae that are to be shared with others ...... PLEASE DO NOT DELETE ......[edit source]

Given that hookworms shed a layer of skin before entering a host, it is very unlikely that hookworms would transmit infectious organisms to a host, and a literature search yielded no record of pathogen transmission between hookworm and host. [5] However, the possibility of pathogen transmission between hookworm hosts as a result of inoculation by one individual with larvae grown from the faeces of another has not been ruled out unequivocally. This is why the commercial providers of NA periodically test their reservoir donors for a range of communicable diseases such as HIV and hepatitis, always use an antimicrobial wash to clean the larvae they supply, and then ship them in a weak antibiotic solution. These precautionary measures are as far as the hookworm providers can go to obviate the risk of pathogen transmission, given that helminths are living organisms, and would be killed by any attempt to completely sterilise them.

Hookworm larvae do not need to be cleaned if they have been grown at home for use by the same individual who provided the stool sample for their incubation. However, if that individual wishes to share the larvae they have grown, these can be cleaned using one of the following methods.

Bleach treatment

Collect the brown water from the bottom of the container used for incubation and leave this in a champagne glass for 24 hours. Then add one or two drops of bleach to one litre of water and use some of the resulting bleach solution to almost fill a second champagne glass. The next day, use a pipette to carefully draw up the worms that have settled to the bottom of the champagne glass containing the brown water. Avoid squeezing the pipette once it is in the water because this would create bubbles that would disturb any sediment and distribute the larvae. Instead, slightly squeeze the bulb of the pipette before it enters the water, and hold this position carefully until the pipette reaches the bottom of the glass, where it can be gently released to collect the larvae. Then add the larvae collected to the bleach solution in the second champagne glass. Leave the larvae in the bleach solution for a further 24 hours. The following day, use a pipette to draw up the larvae from the bottom of the bleach solution and transfer them to a microscope slide for counting in preparation for inoculation, or add them to an eppendorf tube containing fresh water (distilled, filtered or bottled water, or dechlorinated tap water) for supply to someone else. [6]

Iodine treatment

Add one drop of commercially available 5% Lugol’s iodine to 5 ml of water (distilled, filtered or bottled water, or dechlorinated tap water) to create a 0.02% iodine solution. Then add 1 ml of this solution to 1 ml of water containing the larvae to be cleaned. After the larvae have spent 20 minutes in this solution, the iodine should be neutralised by adding a pinch of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) powder to the solution. Neutralisation of the iodine is confirmed when sufficient ascorbic acid has been sprinkled into the water to make this completely clear.

Larvae that have been cleaned by any method will have a shorter shelf life than those that have not been cleaned.

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