Herbal Remedies for Yeast Infection

herbs For most women and many men, yeast infection, also known as thrush or cadidiasis will affect us at some point in our lives. Natural herbal remedies for yeast infection look to alleviating the cause of candidiasis. Often, the outbreak of a yeast infection will coincide with periods of stress, antibiotic use, pregnancy and suppressed immunity due to other illness such as diabetes and HIV. The principal step in treating yeast infections is through modifying what foods we eat. By removing all sugar and yeast from the diet, other natural and herbal remedies for yeast infection get the chance to work.

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Natural Herbs Used For Yeast Infection Treatment

Garlic (Allium sativum )
Garlic is a herb that for thousands of years has been used to prevent disease and treat infection and it is considered a very good herbal remedy for yeast infection. Research in more recent times has proved that garlic has a multifaceted role in disease prevention. This herb has been shown to be active against the majority of candida strains and a large variety of fungi. Allicin, a sulphur compound, builds immunity, prevents infections and reduces the risk of heart disease. Recently research is progressively indicating there are other compounds other than the well known allicin as having a therapeutic action in garlic.

When using garlic as a herbal remedy for yeast infection, a standardised extract in capsule or liquid form if usually best but, just about any form is beneficial. For garlic lovers, include garlic in your food but if the pungent aroma puts you off, try odourless garlic capsules. Garlic has also been indicated as a preventative factor in colon, oesophageal and stomach cancers. Remember, care should be taken when consuming greater than 5 grams of fresh garlic per day and this herb is contraindicated in HIV patients using the HIV protease inhibitors as it may decrease the effectiveness of your medication. If you are using aspirin or warfarin, Garlic may increase the effect of your medication.

Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
While tea tree oil may not be the most potent antimicrobial around, it is an ideal skin disinfectant, as its role is to work against a broad variety of micro-organisms (both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi), and it has a low incidence of irritation. Tea tree oil can be applied to all conditions of the skin and orifices. The extensive antimicrobial activity makes it valuable for genital irritations resulting from pathogenic organisms including yeasts and bacteria. However, in addition to its reputation as an antifungal and antiseptic, aromatherapists use tea tree oil as an overall harmonising and immune stimulant herb. Tea tree oil should be used strictly in accordance with the guidelines on the label.

Golden Seal (Hydrastis canandensis)
Oregon Grape (Berberis aquifolium/Mahonia aquifolium)
Barberry (Berberris vulgaris)
These herbs contain an alkaloid called berberine which is an active herbal remedy for yeast infection. Berberine fights yeast overgrowth and helps to balance gut flora, has anti-inflammatory properties and alleviates a broad spectrum of digestive problems. These herbs are generally safe to use however pregnant and breast feeding mothers should avoid these herbs unless under the supervision of a health care practitioner.

Pau d’arco (Tabebuia avellanedae, T.impetiginosa)
The bark of pau d'arco is used in traditional South American medicine for dysentery, intestinal inflammation and this herb is also regarded as a tonic. The key constituents in this herb are naphthoquinones. Pau d’arco bark extracts inhibit growth of the human gut pathogenic bacteria and is extremely effective in killing candida albicans and the more resistant, candida glabrata. Several compounds in pau d’arco in the fluid extract form appeared to be acting synergistically to achieve their action and this herb is best prescribed in combination with other herbs from your health care practitioner as part of an overall treatment for yeast infection. Pau d’arco is contraindicated in pregnant and breast feeding women.

Some other natural herbs used as herbal remedies for yeast infection include:

Oregano (Origanum campactum), Black Walnut (Juglans Nigra) and Neem Leaf (Azadiracta indica).

Diet and The Use of Supplements for Natural and Herbal Remedies for Yeast Infection

When using herbal remedies for yeast infection, dietary measures should also be incorporated to inhibit the growth of yeast in the bowel and reduce the likelihood of Thrush. Foods high in simple carbohydrates are foods that feed yeast infections; and include fruit juices, sugar, biscuits, cakes, honey, white breads and pastries etc. Foods to include in your diet are plain yoghurt high in live cultures, and high fibre foods such as wholegrains, fruits and vegetables. High carbohydrate content foods, including cirtrus and stone fruits, and starchy vegetables can be re-introduced after about 1 month of treatment.

Natural remedies for yeast infection should also include a vitamin C supplement that is high in citrus bioflavenoids. This is of benefit in reducing inflammation and in boosting the immune system and helps in eliminating toxins. An acidophilus supplement is also useful in promoting ‘good’ bacteria in the bowel which inhibits other pathogens.

"Health is not simply the absence of sickness !"
Hannah Green

May You Grow and Prosper.