Ivermectin has been used in humans for decades. This medication has a history as a treatment against parasitic infections, but it also offers several other benefits to humans that are not as well known. Even now, scientists are working to discover additional benefits of ivermectin in helping humans boost their immune systems and fight off infections.
Below, we share five key benefits of ivermectin in humans and show why it continues to be an essential tool in modern medicine.
Five Key Benefits Of Using Ivermectin
Treats Parasitic Infections
The biggest benefit ivermectin is known for is its ability to fight parasitic infections. Originally, ivermectin was developed as an antiparasitic medication and has been used to fight diseases caused by parasitic worms in all areas of the world. Here are some of the diseases ivermectin has been shown to successfully fight off.
River Blindness (Onchocerciasis)
Ivermectin has been shown to successfully treat river blindness, a debilitating disease caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus. Mostly found in Africa and Latin America, this worm can cause severe itching, discoloration, and eventually, blindness. Ivermectin kills the larvae of these worms and prevents their spread, reducing the permanent effects of this disease.
Lymphatic Filariasis
Ivermectin is also known to treat lymphatic filariasis, sometimes called elephantiasis. This disease causes painful swelling and even disfigurement in the arms, legs, and genitals, and is caused by tiny parasites spread by mosquito bites. Ivermectin has been used in treatment programs for this disease to prevent its debilitating effects from spreading further.
Scabies and Intestinal Parasites
Scabies, a skin condition caused by tiny mites, can be effectively fought with ivermectin. This medication can also be used to treat intestinal parasites like Strongyloides stercoralis, which can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, rash, and other painful symptoms.
Promotes Skin Health
As mentioned before, ivermectin has been used to treat parasitic skin infections like scabies. In scabies, microscopic mites called Sarcoptes scabies burrow into the skin, causing itching and redness. When left untreated, scabies can result in secondary infections and additional discomfort. When taken orally, ivermectin targets the mites by killing larvae and eliminating the infestation once and for all.
Ivermectin has also been used to treat rosacea, a chronic skin condition causing redness, visible blood vessels, and bumps on the face. Topical ivermectin has been shown to reduce inflammation and decrease Demodex mites in the skin, which have been linked to this condition. Patients using ivermectin creams develop clearer skin and see fewer flare-ups.
One reason why ivermectin has become so popular for treating skin conditions is its convenience. Oral ivermectin is wonderful for quick treatment of conditions like scabies, while topical ivermectin is simple for smaller long-term applications like rosacea rashes.
May Treat Viruses and Inflammation
One of the most intriguing benefits of ivermectin is its potential for applications beyond parasitic disease. Research shows that ivermectin can be effective in treating inflammation and viruses like COVID-19. In these studies, ivermectin has been shown to prevent the replication of viruses in host cells, which keeps the infection from spreading.
As shown in rosacea treatment, ivermectin also has anti-inflammatory properties that could help keep the immune system balanced in fighting infection. This could prevent cytokine storms, a phenomenon in which the immune system overreacts and causes more harm than good during infections.
Potential Role in Cancer Treatment
One of the lesser-known benefits of ivermectin is its potential role in cancer treatment. Though in the early stages, research suggests that ivermectin has anti-tumor properties that may greatly impact the field of oncology. These promising findings further indicate how ivermectin can be used beyond its original purpose as an antiparasitic medication.
Ivermectin may target cancer cells in several ways, but most of the research suggests that it can disrupt cellular processes that help cancer cells survive and replicate. Ivermectin may inhibit tumor growth, trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death), and suppress drug resistance in some cancers. It may also be used to target a variety of cancer types, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and glioblastoma.
Because of how ivermectin functions, research suggests that it can be taken alongside existing cancer treatments. Some suggest that it can strengthen the effects of chemotherapy by making cancer cells more susceptible to radiation, which could lead to more effective treatment methods with lower drug dosages.
Though these findings are encouraging, it’s important to note that ivermectin is not yet officially approved as a treatment for cancer. Its potential role in oncology is still being studied, and more clinical trials are needed to confirm its success in treating cancer. However, the results from research so far are still exciting to see.
Safe and Accessible
Finally, one of the strongest benefits of ivermectin is its reputation for safety and accessibility. This medication has been used in humans safely for decades and has become a trusted option in treating many conditions.
Ivermectin is also an affordable option compared to other treatments, which makes it particularly important in low-resource areas. The ability to treat health conditions effectively with a medication so low-cost is not often found, so ivermectin is greatly cherished by many communities.
Ivermectin is often well-tolerated and has few side effects when taken in safe doses as prescribed by a healthcare professional. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) lists ivermectin on its list of essential medicines due to its importance in treating parasitic infections reliably around the world. With its easy administration, ivermectin reduces barriers to essential medical treatment and makes good health achievable for many.
Final Thoughts
Ivermectin has been a trusted medication for decades. Now, it is becoming known for its treatment for conditions beyond parasitic infections, such as inflammatory diseases and viruses like COVID-19. Though research is ongoing, ivermectin has strong potential to treat a variety of conditions and has made good health accessible to millions across the world.
All Family Pharma prides itself on providing high-quality ivermectin for patients, all responsibly prescribed by licensed physicians. Reach out today to purchase ivermectin for home treatment.
