FREE Pregnancy
Counseling

Request A Callback

Fill in your details and our team will get back to you shortly.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
x
Request A Callback

Deworming in Children and Home Remedies

August 4, 2025

Infestations caused by worms are a common health problem among children, particularly in countries where conditions are poor sanitation and poor hygiene. These gut parasites, roundworms, pinworms, and hookworms can quietly interfere with a child's nutrient absorption, growth, and immune function. That is why deworming medicine for kids is a must in paediatric treatment. 

In addition to medications, natural treatments and diet changes can aid in improved health. Here, we discuss the why, when, and how of deworming children and also share information on natural deworming options for children, as well as foods to exclude afterwards to ensure maximum recovery and prevention.

What Is Deworming and Why Is It Necessary

Deworming and Why Is It Necessary

Deworming is the term used for the removal of intestinal worms from the body through medication. The goal is to stop the parasites from feeding off the child’s nutrients and damaging the gut. Infestations caused by worms, if left without treatment, can result in malnutrition, iron deficiency anaemia, stunted growth, and impaired immunity.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends regular deworming drugs for children in high-risk communities, especially where soil-transmitted helminths are prevalent. Paediatricians advise starting deworming after one year of age and repeating every six months thereafter.

When to Deworm a Child

Children over the age of one should ideally be dewormed every six months, as paediatricians and international health guidelines recommend. You may want to deworm your child earlier if you notice these symptoms:

  • Chronic stomach pains or bloating
  • Itching near the anus (worsening at night)
  • Sudden loss of weight or loss of appetite
  • Fatigue, irritability, or interrupted sleep
  • Recurring diarrhoea or constipation

These signs tend to indicate worm infestation and call for early intervention with an effective deworming medication for children.

Also Read: Common Digestive Disorders in Kids

Most Popular Deworming Drugs for Kids

Two of the most widely used and safe medications for deworming children are:

  • Albendazole
  • Mebendazole

Both of these drugs are over-the-counter and prescription-dependent drugs, depending on the country. A single dose can be adequate, but a repeated dose could be given in certain situations. Even though these drugs are mostly safe, always go through your paediatrician before giving any deworming medication to children, particularly those below two years or those with health conditions.

Also Read: Nutrition Tips for Kids of All Ages

Natural Deworming for Kids (Home Remedies)

Most parents look for home remedies that induce natural deworming for kids as a complementary or alternative method to medicines. Though the remedies do work in preventing gut disturbances, they must not substitute professional treatment in critical situations.

Some of the good natural remedies are:

  • Papaya Seeds: Grind and blend with honey, full of the enzyme papain that facilitates the removal of worms, for older children.
  • Pumpkin Seeds: They have cucurbitacin, which paralyses worms. Feed them roasted or crushed in smoothies.
  • Raw Garlic: It acts as an antimicrobial agent; chopped finely or mixed into food can be of help.
  • Carrots on an Empty Stomach: Rich in fibre and antioxidants, they aid in gut cleansing.
  • Turmeric Milk: Turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic properties.

Before attempting natural deworming in children, consult your paediatrician for dosages suitable for the age group and to prevent any side effects.

Foods to Avoid After Deworming

Foods to Avoid After Deworming

After deworming, the gut needs time to heal and clear toxins. Some foods delay this process or result in discomfort. Some foods to avoid after deworming include:

  • Sweet treats and candies: Nourish parasites and interfere with gut bacteria.
  • Fried and oily foods: Delay digestion and cause stomach lining irritation.
  • Junk food and sodas: Contribute empty calories and weaken immunity.
  • Red meat and rich dairy: Difficult to digest and can lead to bloating.

Avoiding these foods post-deworming enables the medicine to function effectively and allows the gut to recover.

Book an online appointment with Dr. Harikah for Pregnancy & Gynecology related issues.

Foods to Be Consumed Post-Deworming

Supportive nutrition is important in order to restore energy and nutrition in your child after deworming. The following should be included:

  • Fibre-rich fruits and vegetables: Papayas, bananas, carrots, and beets help detoxify the gut.
  • Probiotic foods: Curd and yoghurt replenish normal bacteria in the intestine.
  • Hydrating foods: Clear soups, broths, and herbal teas (in older children) help in detoxification.
  • Light foods: Opt for light foods that are easily digested to avoid overworking your digestive system.
  • Balanced nutrition: A well-rounded diet combined with natural deworming practices supports faster recovery and promotes optimal gut health in children.

Also Read: Overcoming Unhealthy Kids’ Habits: A Parent’s Guide

Preventive Measures to Avoid Reinfestation

Worm infestations tend to be recurrent, particularly in school children. Basic hygiene habits can prevent reinfection a great deal:

  • Frequent hand washing, particularly before eating and after visiting the toilet.
  • Clean, short fingernails to prevent carrying worm eggs.
  • Thorough washing of fruits and vegetables prior to consumption.
  • Wearing shoes outside helps prevent the handling of contaminated soil.
  • Deworming every member of the household if the infection has occurred in one individual.

Adherence to these habits, coupled with scheduled deworming medication for children, provides long-term protection against worm infections.

Why Cloudnine is Different

At Cloudnine Hospitals, we have a comprehensive approach towards the well-being of children. Our paediatricians place equal importance on not only treating but also preventing worms through early detection and learning. Whether it's giving safe deworming medication to children, providing instructions on natural deworming for children, or suggesting what foods to eat and what foods to avoid after deworming, our child specialists interact closely with families. 

Using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and customised care plans, Cloudnine ensures your child develops healthy, strong, and worm-free.

Conclusion

Deworming isn't merely a case of curing open wounds; it's about ensuring long-term health, growth, and development in a child. From selecting the appropriate deworming medicine for children to using natural remedies for deworming and knowing what foods to eat and avoid after deworming, each action counts in your child's health journey.

Preventive treatment, hygiene habits, and medical consultation are the cornerstones of successful deworming. Don't let symptoms get the better of you—schedule a consultation with Cloudnine's pediatric specialists today and give your child a healthy, worm-free tomorrow.

Want to consult the best gynecologists in India? Please find the links below.

  1. Best Gynecologists in Hyderabad
  2. Top Gynecologists in Chennai
  3. Best Gynecologists in Bangalore
  4. Top Obstetricians & Gynecologists in Mumbai
  5. Top Gynecologists near me in Pune
  6. Best Obstetricians & Gynecologists in Chandigarh
  7. Top Obstetricians & Gynecologists near me in Gurgaon
  8. Best Gynecologists near me in Noida
  9. Top Gynecologist near me in Panchkula
  10. Best Gynecologist in Ludhiana
  11. Top Gynecologist In Delhi
  12. Top Gynecologists in Faridabad
  13. Top Gynecologists in Lucknow
  14. Top Gynecologists in Ghaziabad

Want to consult the best Maternity Packages in India? Please find the links below.

  1. Best Maternity Packages in Bengaluru
  2. Best Maternity Packages in Chandigarh
  3. Best Maternity Packages in Chennai
  4. Best Maternity Packages in Faridabad
  5. Best Maternity Packages in Gurugram
  6. Best Maternity Packages in Hyderabad
  7. Best Maternity Packages in Ludhiana
  8. Best Maternity Packages in Mumbai
  9. Best Maternity Packages in New Delhi
  10. Best Maternity Packages in Noida
  11. Best Maternity Packages in Panchkula
  12. Best Maternity Packages in Pune

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.