Using Herbs as a Natural Support for Parasite Control

Looking for the best herbs to prevent worms in backyard chickens? I will show you exactly that!

Keeping backyard chickens healthy and parasite-free is a top priority for every flock owner. While chemical dewormers can be effective, many chicken keepers are turning to herbal methods as a more natural, preventive approach.

Above is a photo of what worms in chicken poop can look like.

We’ve created a special blend of Nesting Box Herbs that includes powerful botanicals known to help repel or disrupt internal parasites while supporting your flock’s overall health, immunity, and digestion.

⚠️ Note: While these herbs are excellent for promoting a healthy environment and may help prevent internal parasites, they are not a cure for active infestations. If you suspect your chickens are already infested with worms, it’s best to consult with a qualified poultry veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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🌿 Herbs That May Help Prevent or Disrupt Worms in Chickens

Here are the herbs in our Nesting Box Herbs blend that are traditionally used to help prevent or discourage internal parasites in chickens:

1. Fennel Seed

• Acts as a natural digestive aid.
• Traditionally used to help expel intestinal worms.
• Promotes a clean, efficient gut.

2. Peppermint

• Known for its pest-repelling qualities.
• Stimulates digestion and soothes inflammation in the gut.
• Has natural antimicrobial properties.

3. Parsley

• Supports liver detoxification, helping eliminate parasites.
• Rich in immune-boosting vitamins A and C.
• May act as a gentle digestive cleanser.

4. Chamomile

• Known to reduce intestinal inflammation.
• Helps calm the digestive tract.
• May soothe damage caused by internal parasites.

5. Marjoram

• Offers antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
• Traditionally used to support digestion.
• Helps promote a healthy internal environment that is less welcoming to parasites.

6. Rosemary

• Natural antibacterial and antifungal agent.
• Improves circulation and detoxification.
• May help in the prevention of external parasites too.

7. Lavender

• Calms and reduces stress, which can lower susceptibility to illness.
• Has natural antiseptic properties.
• Helps maintain a clean, restful environment.

8. Dandelion Leaf

• Supports liver health and natural detox.
• Mild diuretic, helps flush toxins.
• Enhances the immune system.

9. Calendula (Marigolds)

• Natural antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
• Promotes digestive healing.
• Traditionally used to treat intestinal worms.

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Can Cooling Herbs Help Prevent Worms in Chickens?

While our Cooling Herbs for Chickens are primarily known for their ability to help chickens stay calm, cool, and refreshed—especially in the heat—they also contain some powerful ingredients that offer added wellness benefits, including support against parasites.

Here’s how each herb in the blend can help:

• Peppermint
  This refreshing herb is more than just a cooling treat. Peppermint is naturally known to repel insects and internal parasites thanks to its potent essential oils. It also supports digestion and helps keep the gut environment unfriendly to worms.
• Chamomile
  Commonly used for calming anxious or stressed chickens, chamomile also boasts mild antiparasitic properties. It supports immune function and gut health, helping to strengthen your flock’s natural defenses.
• Lemon Balm
  With both antimicrobial and antiparasitic qualities, lemon balm aids in soothing the digestive tract and making it harder for parasites to thrive. It’s also a natural mood booster for your flock.
• Hibiscus
  Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, hibiscus doesn’t directly target parasites, but it plays a role in strengthening immune responses, making chickens more resilient to infections and stress.
• Rose Petals/Buds
  These pretty petals provide gentle detox support and are packed with vitamins, helping chickens maintain overall health and a strong defense system.

🪶 Bonus Tip: Offer Cooling Herbs in a dust bath, sprinkle them in the coop, or steep into a tea to help hydrate and support gut health—all while naturally supporting parasite prevention.

⚡ Why Prevention Matters

Internal parasites can affect even well-cared-for flocks. Chickens may pick up worm eggs through droppings, dirty bedding, soil, or contaminated water. Once inside the body, these parasites can:

• Steal vital nutrients
• Cause diarrhea and weight loss
• Suppress immunity
• Decrease egg production

Preventing worms is often easier than treating a full-blown infestation. By supporting your flock’s gut health and immunity, herbs can help create a natural defense system against parasites.

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🫳 How to Use Nesting Box Herbs for Natural Deworming Support

Incorporating our special blend of herbs into your coop routine is easy and beneficial. Here are a few simple ways to use them:

• ✅ Sprinkle in nesting boxes and under roosting bars to keep pests away and reduce stress.
• ✅ Add to dust baths to support external parasite control.
• ✅ Mix into chicken feed to support digestion and immunity.
• ✅ Steep as an herbal tea and serve warm or cool in their waterers.

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🥚 The Connection Between Gut Health and Immunity

A chicken with a healthy gut is naturally more resilient against parasites. The herbs in our blend do more than target worms—they also:

• Promote a balanced gut microbiome
• Help flush out toxins
• Reduce inflammation
• Improve nutrient absorption

By feeding and supporting their digestive system, you’re boosting their natural ability to fend off invaders.

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☕ Try Herbal Tea for Chickens

Offering herbal tea is another great way to deliver the benefits of these herbs. Here’s how:

Steps to Make Herbal Tea for Chickens:

• Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
• Add 2 tablespoons of Nesting Box Herbs.
• Let steep for 15-20 minutes.
• Cool and serve in a clean waterer.

This is especially beneficial during hot weather, molting, or when your flock is recovering from stress or illness.

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📄 Additional Tips for Parasite Prevention

• Clean coops regularly and remove droppings.
• Rotate free-ranging areas to reduce parasite load in the soil.
• Offer fresh water daily.
• Inspect droppings for signs of worms.
• Keep feeders and waterers clean.

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💼 Final Thoughts

Herbs aren’t a substitute for veterinary dewormers, especially in severe cases. But when used regularly, our Nesting Box Herbs and Cooling Herb blends provide excellent support for overall flock health and may help reduce the chances of parasitic infestations.

Support your chickens the natural way—inside and out.

📍 Shop Nesting Box Herbs